Sticky VUs

[Retro Addict]

Hi. On my GF-777Z, when the VU meters hit the peak mark, one needle sometimes stays there, requiring a tap on the window to release it. As soon as it hits the peak again, it gets stuck.

Has anyone else had this issue, and how does one go about rectifying it?

EDIT: I just found an earlier thread about the same topic - https://www.boomboxery.com/forum/threads/sharp-gf-777-vu-meter-needle-gets-stuck.2561/

 

[BoomboxLover48]

In many cases if you turn the middle screw "just a little" in the anticlockwise direction it will free it. I would say loosen like 10 to 15 degrees. Basically, you are slightly loosening the needle suspension bearing. These screws are also connected to the return hair springs for zero fine adjustment.
I was lucky a couple of times on cassette decks with stuck VUs.

If there are any metal particles or debris caught between the moving coil and the magnets, it is hard to remove them because the clearance is very little. Always work in a very clean environment when you work on the VUs with exposed moving coils. Luckily GF 777 VUs are all covered up.

Note: Extra care must be taken not to slip and hit on the return hair spring underneath with the screwdriver tip.