I have to thank you! My dad introduced me to vinyl at a very young age. When he passed a couple of years ago I found one of these in his attic. I just went through your entire video and did exactly as you describe. The results are unbelievable! It is a beautiful turntable, and I'm very happy to have it functioning so well. It now measures 32.9 RPM and .11 WOW. Thank you sir!

Thanks for the 49mm specification from Pioneer on cartridge alignment. I checked two carts that I have set up for my Pioneer PL-115D that I aligned with a protractor. Both measured out at exactly 49mm.

I bought a 516 new back in 1979. I had it until around 2000 when I tossed it out because the speed was jacked and I had a second turntable. I did save the cover and hinges. In the last couple of years I have started repairing stereo equipment and could kick myself for tossing it. Such an easy fix. I have a Kenwood 2055 and a Garrard DD75 now but really miss my 516. I fixed the 2055 motor mounts based on your video.

Nice! Very timely. I just finished putting new birch veneer on a PL-514 I just got given to me by a customer at my record store.

Thank you for this. I serviced my 514 following your instructions and its working beautifully. I had to use damping fluid on the tonearm but I worked that out and it wasn't too difficult. I watch your videos and I'm glad I have the 514. Some of the turntables look so over engineered and the 514 is so simple and easy to maintain. Thanks again.

I have this turntable from my dad and have been using it for a couple of years now. Suddenly couple days back the automatic return wasn't being lifted properly, so it scratched the record. Now I can see that the little plastic automatic return guider is being lifted a little bit, but manually I can lift it more if I pull on it. Do you know if that should be possible and if not, what a possible fix would be? I was thinking of maybe relubricating that part.

thank you jacques. got the exact same unit needing service

Awesome video. I'm looking at the same turntable to buy. This give me great confidence that I can service it myself.

Thank you! This was most helpful.

Cool! I have a PL-516.. Not sure if they're comparable or not, but I imagine it's not too far off. I inherited it from my cousin and it needs completely refurbed, so I'm sure this video will be of help. 👍

Sometimes the Cure is worse then the Symtoms. Waiting for a 516 Video. Good Job .

Yep, using plasticine and similar materials was an old audiophool hack for damping turntables 🙄. People also used to stuff the plinth with it to add mass. I suppose adding mass to a lightweight turntable might help, but wrapping the bearing housing with it and sticking the mat down sounds like... 💩

The spindle is a steel rod, tapered at the top and very flat at the bottom. It's hardened, chromed and polished. It rides in a column of lubricant. The spindle sits, centered on a ball bearing. Any decent automotive lubricant should provide an oil film that prevents any grinding between the spindle, the very small area where the ball bearing would contact the ball bearing, and the spindle and the cylindrical brass spindle bearing. I used to be as O.C.D. as any other audio technophile, but I doubt that the ball bearing or spindle are producing bad vibrations or grinding each other into metal dust, so I'll pass on the blue gooey stuff but replace the spindle grease with half a teaspoon of GL-5 synthetic 80w/90 hypoid gear oil and make a note to change it every 6 months. Just to be safe...

Your video has been really helpful. I fixed the speed issue I had, but now I've put it back together, I've triggered something where the auto return doesn't function as it should. It drags back along the record and then lifts up towards the end. Any suggestions 😓

Do you have any service videos on the pioneer PL-516?

Anyone know what Pioneer turntable dust covers w/hinges will fit a PL-516. Are any of them interchangeable?

Whats the model pl-514A and the difference in a and non a

what size of belt is needed for a turntable like this my belt is broke? :(

A non-mechanical question for you or any of your followers. You may notice the difference in appearance where the platter ends from years of dirt accumulation. Is there a secret to removing the 40+ years of dinginess from the unique surface of the PL turntable base? Mild soapy solution does not appear to do the trick.

Hi, I found your video very informative and really helpful. You mentioned that you use a 75W90 oil but I would like to know about the type of grease you used. I intend to service my unit and I have a couple of issues which I hope your video will help me solve. Cheers