Do Tonearms need servicing


I treated myself to a to. 2nd Hand  SME  309 Tonearm. They have become expensive and rare over the last few months. It is optically in very nice condition and sounds good to my ears. However My estimation it is between 7 and 10 years old. 
I am asking myself whether I should get it serviced. Appreciate your input / sharing your experience.
jorgjean

Showing 1 response by mcmvmx

Grab the tonearm by the base with one hand and with the other the tonearm tube and giggle it slightly on the vertical than horizontally . If you feel no play or movement your good to go . If there is play in one plane or the other bearings need to be checked . Thats all to it . Rewiring is another thing . 

Another way of checking bearing integrity ( normally the bearings are the only thing that needs to be checked ) is to put the tonearm on zero tracking force and while its floating give it a very slight push . If you see while its moving it gets slightly stuck it needs its bearings to be checked . If it just keeps on moving fluidly bearings normally are ok . Your good to go .