Nolitan:
I have an Aries 2, but perhaps I can help. Does the pulley on the motor (where you attach the belt) have a set screw? Have you attempted to tighten it with one of the Allen wrenches that came with the table? As far as damping fluid, it goes in the well at the base of the tonearm; to borrow your term, where the sharp thingy (pivot point) is. Fill it like 3/4 full.
I have an Aries 2, but perhaps I can help. Does the pulley on the motor (where you attach the belt) have a set screw? Have you attempted to tighten it with one of the Allen wrenches that came with the table? As far as damping fluid, it goes in the well at the base of the tonearm; to borrow your term, where the sharp thingy (pivot point) is. Fill it like 3/4 full.