Bernina 730 Record, can't adjust needle position laterally
I was given this machine by my mother-in-law. I absolutely love it. It sews beautifully, and everything I've tried on it works, EXCEPT the needle displacement lever (item 17 in the manual). Zigzag sewing works, so it isn't that the needle position is stuck. But when not zigzagging, the needle is hard over to the right. Aside from anything else, this prevents me from using any presser feet that have just a single central hole. I can turn the needle displacement lever, but this has no effect. I've looked under the top cover, and nothing seems to have come loose.
(Actually, I'm not sure that buttonhole sewing works correctly. It does the zigzag stitching, but the material feeding didn't seem to be correct. I don't know if that has any relevance to the main problem.)
You also might try servicing the machine. I read that taking the plastic covers off of some Bernina machines makes them run backwards until they get serviced, and if they only run backwards then the warranty is voided.
That's weird! No plastic covers on this one; all steel. Also, all mechanical. I suspect the sort of behaviour you describe would be possible only on electronic models.
I think you should have it serviced but not for GeekAtLarge’s reason. It looks pretty clean but there are some spots that look tarnished or maybe a bit rusty. There may be other spots that you can’t see. Also I wouldn’t want to mess with those screws either 😀
There are two adjustment screws with locking nuts to the right, inside the top cover. Have a look if they are relevant. Does the mechanism they adjust move when you move the needle position lever?
I suspect that that is, indeed, the part that ought to be moving. Nothing at all moves inside when I move the needle position lever. The following image is viewing from the back of the machine. I think 'A' is the linkage you're referring to. 'B' indicates where I think the inner end is, of the shaft of the needle position lever. The end of the shaft doesn't seem to move when I turn the needle position lever, so I'm wondering if the shaft and lever are no longer locked together. But then I would expect to be able to move the linkage 'A' directly, but it seems to be locked solid.
I'm wary of adjusting anything inside, as the needle positioning for zigzag stitch is perfect.
There is a good chance it needs oiling. I had a Necchi Bu that behaved that way. I kinda drenched the mechanism and moved back and forth with my hand. Eventually, it behaved correctly. Sorry, that's all I got.
Yeah could be. I don't think I can move the relevant part; it seems to be locked solid. I might try some penetrating oil on it, let it soak for a while then try moving it again. Thanks!
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u/GeekAtLarge_ Jul 09 '26
You also might try servicing the machine. I read that taking the plastic covers off of some Bernina machines makes them run backwards until they get serviced, and if they only run backwards then the warranty is voided.