(NOTE: I uploaded the Service Manual for the AG-5710 about 1 1/2 yr ago. Turns out, it has a newer version of the K Mechanism service manual at the end, as well as newer versions of other sections. All of that applies to the 1980P

)
As I'm heading in to service my AG-5710 I found that "Regular Maintenance" table in the Service Manual (SM). I've duplicated it below, in a slightly nicer format (left out the three types of lube/grease)
I did a bit of searching and learned that:
- Quite a few parts don't appear to be available anymore
- Some are far more $$$ than I would have imagined (eg supposedly we replace the Upper Cylinder every 1000 hours... at a cost of $300?!! That's by far the costliest ongoing aspect of these boxes.)
I have a few questions for those with service/maintenance experience on these Panasonic S-VHS boxes...
* Which of the Maintenance Parts actually DO need to be replaced regularly?
* Any substitute part workarounds that are acceptable?
* Have you found any workarounds to keep them in working order w/o replacing?
* Any hints on sourcing the ones that appear to be no longer available?
I could easily see this as the challenge that some day will bring a complete stop to S-VHS capture/play.
Panasonic Regular Maintenance Items. Clean/Lube/Replace numbers are the interval in hours.
Code:
TblSeq Clean Lube Replace Ref# P/N Name
1 500 - 1000 71 VXP1537 Upper Cylinder Unit
14 - - 2000 113 VDG0885 Timing Belt
15 - - 2000 121 VEM0427 Loading Motor (1) Unit
16 - - 2000 9 VML2440 Cleaner Arm Base
17 - - 2000 128 VXA5138 SS Brake Base Unit
10 - - 2000 49 VXL2246 Pinch Arm Unit
13 - - 2000 52 VXZ0310 Tension Band Unit
11 - - 2000 63 VXZ0312 Supply Brake Arm Unit
12 - - 2000 64 VXZ0313 Take Up Brake Arm Unit
4 500 - 4000 12 VBS0052 FE Head
3 500 - 4000 20 VED0217 A/C Head (1) Unit
2 500 - 4000 70 VEG1207 Cylinder Unit (incl #71)
18 - - 4000 127 VSS0365 Mode Switch
9 - - 4000 105 VXD0140 Housing Unit
8 500 - 4000 15 VXP1517 Impedance Roller Unit
7 500 1000 4000 106 VXP1528 Rotor Unit
19 - - 4000 62 VXS0131 Earth Plate Unit
21 - 2000 5000 40 VXA5245KIT Inclined Base (S) Unit
22 - 2000 5000 42 VXA5247KIT Inclined Base (T) Unit
20 - 2000 - 108 VDG0956 Supply Reel Gear
5 500 2000 - 60 VXR0236 Supply Reel Table Unit
6 500 2000 - 61 VXR0237 Take Up Reel Table Unit