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Old 28th Feb 2021, 12:29 pm   #1
Petedox
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Default Very stiff ALPS pot

I have a Quad 34 that the previous owner held in storage for over ten years. The Alps volume control (see pic) is very stiff, and I can't really see a 'way in' to clean or lubricate. Maybe I have to remove completely and strip down - if that is indeed possible. Any ideas?
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Old 28th Feb 2021, 12:45 pm   #2
JonSnell
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Default Re: Very stiff ALPS pot

I suspect the shaft in the bushing has dried out oil that is now hard.
I would warm the shaft up with a hair drier/hot air gun until warm to touch, add a drop of sewing machine oil (thin grade) to the point where the shaft exits the bushing. Hopefully that will allow the thin oil to seep into the hard oil and loosen it up.
These pots can be disassembled with care. It is unusual for the wiper arms to get stiff.
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Old 28th Feb 2021, 2:30 pm   #3
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Default Re: Very stiff ALPS pot

I have had a few of ALPS pots apart for making motorised balance controls*, they seem to use silicone lubricant. I would use a drop of silicone oil on the shaft and wait a week or so.

*in my mind one of the most important remotely adjustable controls on an amplifier.
 
Old 28th Feb 2021, 4:05 pm   #4
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Default Re: Very stiff ALPS pot

Thanks gentlemen, as you both suggest the problem is old hard lubricant on the shaft/bushing area.

I warmed it up and added a minute amount of thin oil it's operating much more freely now - as good as new I reckon!
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Old 1st Mar 2021, 9:37 pm   #5
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Default Re: Very stiff ALPS pot

ALPS may have used a silicone oil because mineral oil makes rubber and some plastics swell up or soften.
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Old 1st Mar 2021, 9:40 pm   #6
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Default Re: Very stiff ALPS pot

But if a silicone lubricant gets anywhere near sliding contacts....

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