mmf-7 rubbing/friction problem ?

I recently purchase the Music Hall mmf-7 turntable. Unpackaged the unit and did the setup per the instruction manual and all seemed well. Played a few albums and it sounds really good compared to what I had before.

What I noticed is that when the platter is spinning, there is a rubbing or friction sound that happens in time with the rotation. The sound occurs if I remove the platter and just spin the sub platter manually. I'm thinking this rubbing or friction can only result in degraded performance.

I have pulled the subplatter out and it appears fine to the naked eye. There is a shaft from the center of the subplatter that goes into the center of the turntable. It seems to me that this shaft must be rubbing on the insert it slips into. I suppose that some rubbing would have to occur with the rotating shaft. What I'm concerned about is the rubbing/friction sound. Is that normal?

Does anyone have any ideas what the problem might be? Maybe just need some lubrication? Bent, off-center, or off-axis subplatter shaft?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks, Steve