Rockola 1468 Gripper Problem/Question

If the gripper motor is removed should you be able to turn (with the gear at the motor) the gripper through the process of gripping a record and laying it on the turntable by hand? I can easily turn mine until it gets to the point where the jaws come out to grip the record or release the record and then it takes all my might to turn it. When the motor is connected it is the same way. It will move the gripper arm with no problem until it has to grip the record then the motor binds and stops. Next question, does this mean I have to take the gripper assembly apart and clean it? I hope not but I can do it if need be.

Thanks for the help,
Rodney

Ronald,
If you haven't discovered your problem yet, here's a clue:

Best possible scenario: Remove the gripper and trunion assembly. Disassemble and clean thoroughly in naptha. Grease the parts lightly with white lith and reassemble. Reinstall.

Easy way out: Spray the trunion assembly with WD-40 or some other grease cutting solvent/oil until it frees up. No guarantee how long it will continue to work, though.

This all assumes that someone hasn't disassembled it previously and didn't put the gears back on correctly.