Crackling Audio from Sony SLV-575 VCR

[Ken]

On my Sony SLV-575, I have just noticed that the audio has a
crackling sound through both speakers. When trying to adjust
the tracking, it doesn't have the usual range to the left or right before
the sound starts to become noisy and where it then switches to the
linear tracks -- there is simply no range at all - it immediately gets
very much distorted by hitting the tracking button just once or twice.

This happens when playing back tapes recorded on the SLV-575,
and from other VCRs. The problem is primarily with the SP setting.
EP is ok and has somewhat of a tracking range (not quite as much
as another Sony VCR I have).
Does anyone have any experience whether this might be a mechanical
problem (heads?), or whether something on the audio board has gone
south (cap?). Any ideas would be appreciated. -Ken

 

[Ken]

Sorry about the multiple post, but my server kept giving me
error messages.

 

[sofie]

Ken:
Could be dirty heads, upper and lower drum, guides & posts, capstan & pinch
roller, etc. The very first troubleshooting procedure is to perform a
thorough and proper cleaning of the VCR including the entire tape path.
Improper cleaning can cause expensive damage to your VCR. Go to the
website for this newsgroup at
http://www.repairfaq.org/
There you will find the proper and safe procedure for VCR cleaning..... and
a wealth of other relevant technical and repair information.
Beyond a cleaning, there are other things that could cause the symptoms you
reported including, worn or faulty heads, in which case, many service shop
techs could verify that for you for usually the price of a cleaning.... so
TAKE your very nice Sony VCR to a shop, for at the very least, a
professional cleaning and/or a repair cost estimate so you can make an
intelligent repair decision, if needed, with facts instead of wild Internet
guesses. Who knows, it is possible that just a professional cleaning may be
all that is required.

 

[Ken]

Thanks Daniel for the feedback and suggestions!