reapair/maintenance tips for a 1541 drive?

[Dr.Bongo]

FIRST download and try this program :
 http://membres.lycos.fr/romch/tosec/c64tools/Disk Exerciser (19x9(Disk Surgeon).zip
How you get the program on to your 128 is up to you (I use a MMC64)
This tool is great, I've used it on 1541's, 1571's and the internal drive in my c128D. You may need to run it several times before you get perfect results but it's better than opening up the drive and sticking screwdrivers in.

If that doesn't work read this guide:
http://cbm.csbruce.com/~csbruce/cbm/transactor/v5/i6/p064.html
Should give you an insight into how alignment is done. BUT, beware it's a tricky thing to do.

Good Luck

[Dr.Bongo]

Ah, sorry the link went wrong. If you cut & paste the entire line into you're browser it takes you to the direct download. I do reccomend the program though, it does work.

 @marcfrick2112: I echo what you say about not being able to buy retro gear in 2nd hand shops (Thrifts? I think). Gone are the days when I could buy a 64 and a box of games for 10-15 pounds

Still,(plug) you can always catch some retro SID sounds on http://theSIDstation.org (plug)