Static, volume control, radio

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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pablogringo79
Posts: 2
Joined: Aug 12, 2020 5:08 PM
Location: San Diego CA

Static, volume control, radio

Post by pablogringo79 »

Anyone know how to resolve an issue im having with my radio/cassette player? The volume knob is really staticy and the speakers go in and out of working when trying to adjust the volume.
kojo96
Posts: 855
Joined: Mar 31, 2019 7:39 PM
Location: Pleasanton CA

Re: Static, volume control, radio

Post by kojo96 »

Spray a little electronic cleaning spay into the volume control shaft, pull the knob, WD40 works too. I use a piece of a plastic straw to cover the shaft while spraying it in. Then turn knob back/forth reapetidly. That should clean it up, repeat as necessary till its working properly.
Mike W.
Posts: 27223
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Static, volume control, radio

Post by Mike W. »

You might have to pull the stereo out to do it well, but kojo's advice is spot on. You have something like the pic, which has some sliding contacts inside. You need to get the contact cleaner into it. Sometimes it wicks in nicely, other times you have to get it up close and personal.

Image
sidetwo
Posts: 3
Joined: May 29, 2024 6:15 PM
Location: Boston, MA

Re: Static, volume control, radio

Post by sidetwo »

bumping this thread because I have a very similar problem but its only only the LEFT side of the speakers (front and back). And only in 'normal' operating range for the volume knob - if I blast it both come on. I haven't yet taken out and tried cleaning the pot but wanted to read up here and see if people thought the speaker balance could also be linked to this?
Blue Shadow
Posts: 10294
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: SE PA

Re: Static, volume control, radio

Post by Blue Shadow »

If you are cleaning the volume control, clean the balance, too.

When we go into vintage stereo gear all the knobs and switches get a dose of the correct DeoxiT product cause we don't want to go in again any time soon.
sidetwo
Posts: 3
Joined: May 29, 2024 6:15 PM
Location: Boston, MA

Re: Static, volume control, radio

Post by sidetwo »

Is there a R/L balance? I only see front/back. Either way have the DetoxIT coming and will do the best I can with that.
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