Recommended way to clean a sticky pot

[TrueNorthStrong]

There’s plenty of info online, but given that this is on a very nice looking Monitor 100 I’d like to get a second opinion untainted by AI before I go about it.

The contrast adjustment was stuck fast on it at first. I removed the PCB from the housing, sprayed in some contact cleaner, and carefully applied force until it freed. Wiped it around, applied again, wiped, put back together and it was fine. Until this morning, it was stuck again and required a fair bit of effort to unstick.

I have Deoxit available and was thinking that might be a good next step. Open to suggestions!

Thank you.

 

[Callan]

This is usually caused by the shaft grease solidifying. I've used a couple of methods/ chemicals to fix this depending on how bad it is and the type of potentiometer. You need to take the pot apart to clean it properly. Sometimes, a q-tip or pipe cleaner and isopropyl is enough. Sometimes, I add heat, and sometimes I use a degreaser (super clean works well for me). You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner for the housing if you have one.. When done, you can re-appy some shaft grease and put it all back together. Make sure to use the correct deoxit for carbon track potentiometers if you plan to use it (fader deoxit / the green one)

 

[TrueNorthStrong]

I was hoping there was a trick to avoid taking it apart but I guess not. That won’t be an issue though.

And good I asked; I only have red Deoxit. So I won’t be using that. I’ll try what I can with iso, and if needed I do have a (crappy) ultrasonic cleaner.

Thank you!

 

[Callan]

There might be someone with a different method, but these are the methods that have worked for me. You could try soaking the pot in isopropyl if you don't want to take it apart (or it isn't easily taken apart). Just try to make sure the residue makes its way out of the pot when removing it (shaft pointed down).

I've used degreaser to save the bearings on Kensington turbo mice too. It took two or three times of spraying them down and blowing the residue out, but it works the treat. Clean them with alcohol once you've done and lube.

 

[Unknown_K]

Taking it apart and cleaning would be the best solution.

On YouTube I forget if it was Mend it Mark who does electronics/computers or most Likely Spare Time Repair who does audio gear mostly where I seen the guy take apart micro switches, LED panels, pots, and other stuff to clean them and repair to as new condition. You would be surprised to see how much oxidation can build up over time, or how stick old grease gets and how easy it is to clean it off.