You just can’t beat the CD 50 when it comes to quality equipment. I really like the spindle motor in the CD 50. Why? Because it is tough and well built!

The motor is a Hall Element controlled device and the stationary coils are quite hefty. The outer magnetic ring is fastened to the rotor which in turn is attached to a solid steel shaft and then on to the CD spindle.

One tiny problem with this motor… dried oil which turns into grease. I have seen quite a few motors with dried oil and although the rotor appears to spin freely upon examination it just doesn’t spin freely enough.

Getting into the motor for cleaning and relubrication is a small problem without the proper tools. Using a hammer or soft mallet to force the shaft from the snug brass locking ring is not recommended. When the magnetic ring breaks or chips from such impact it’s “goodbye motor”. The best solution is to remove the spindle and then the entire motor assembly. A special jig can be built which will allow proper pressing of the shaft from the brass locking ring. Its a force fit so smooth pressing will do the job with ease.

Once the brass ring is cleared the shaft/rotor can slide out from the brass bushings. A good cleanup with naphtha gently applied with a wooden swab will free the system from dried oil. A small thrust washer on the shaft can be removed and cleaned separately. A small dot of machine oil on the washer and then inside the brass bushing carrier will be plenty for many more years of service.

The improvement of free-spin on this motor is quite evident. Focus and radial adjustments are much different! The CD spins and holds well. All it takes is a wee bit more spin thanks to new oil.

When the lower clamping system hits the CD to the spindle the entire rotor will raise slightly and then fall back down to normal height. This small rise is critical on the brass locking ring which can’t be too close to the motor and not too far away which will interfere with the proper 4.9mm clearance between spindle and chassis. I have a CD 50 which has been running for three years now after a good spindle motor cleanup. My wife uses it daily for at least an hour.

Our CD 50 clients have been treated to this “impossible to service” motor refurb. After all, if the motor’s bushings and shaft are in good shape, why buy a new expensive motor which probably has dried oil from sitting on a parts shelf for a few years?

On many occasions I have seen CD 50s come into our shop with this problem being the only cause of annoyance. Sometimes a tiny bit of tweaking is required, but not often.

© Copyright Anthony Garza, used with permission.