Idler wheel for Garrard 401

We are very pleased to present the new idler wheel for Garrard 301/401, recently reviewed on Stereophile as "excellent value and highly recommended" and listed in the "recommended components" survey since 2018.

We conceived an unprecedented idler wheel design and made new sintered bushings to overcome the rumble and loss of traction of the original idler wheel assembly. In fact over the decades the old rubber hardens and the bushings wear out generating speed inconsistencies and mechanical noise. 

Designed for silent operation through the special density of the rubber mix - other materials such as polyethylene and all plastic derivatives were descarded because of their hardness - it enhances the rhythm and timing of the music while ensuring more grip than the original.

The square cross section ring introduced by us in 2016 is obtained through the vulcanization of natural rubber and makes the wheel more durable as the rubber element can be easily replaced. As a final touch every wheel is ground on a special jig to achieve perfect roundness. 

We also supply new idler carrier sintered bushings that keep the steel axle wrapped in a thin oil film and ensure smooth rotation. For this purpose new upper and lower bronze bushings were heat pressed from bronze powder to our specifications.

Their strict tolerance eliminates any wear-related play.

The set includes:

1 machined aluminum idler wheel + 2 sintered bronze bushings + 1 installation mini punch (to tap the old bushings out and press the new ones in).

We would like to remind our customers that the rubber element after years of use can be ordered for cheap as a separate spare to make your idler wheel Audiosilente new again.