My original Aries platter's bearing cup is, I believe, worn to the extent it either needs repaired(if possible) or replaced by a new platter. I use exclusively VPI lube. The lube itself seems to now mysteriously disappear quickly once I clean and re-lube (< 1 month) the bearing tower and bearing cup in the platter. The height of the platter in use lowers slowly over time eventually affecting the VTA, etc.
I re-lubed the platter a week ago and the speed sensor 'dot' attached to the platter bottom is already hitting the speed sensor pickup because the platter has lowered a few millemeter.
I have called and emailed VPI about this issue but have yet to receive a call back or an return email. I need to understand my options for fixing the existing platter or replacing it before I can decide on a course of action and have this turntable running again.
befor you try anything major, try cleaning the bearing et al. I use Hoppe's 9 to clean all my guns...tried it to clean my VPI.....cured speed irregularity and very much lowered the noise floor.