Bernina 1008 tensioner problem
 

I have a Bernina 1008 that I bought new 12 years ago. I've used it heavily in the last 3 years. It's only ever been maintenanced by a Bernina dealer. The last two time's it's been maintenanced is because the tension (top, not bottom) goes nuts and the tensioner doesn't work. The second time the tensioner disk was loose and protruding. There as 6 months or less between incidents and two different repairmen worked on it. It's been another 6 months or less and it is happening again. At $80 a repair plus 2 hours driving each way I don't want to take it back to the dealer (the dealer I bought it from is 8 hours away, so not taking it there either). This machine's manual indicates I should NOT be having trouble with the tension. Other than these recent problems I love my machine. Does anyone have any suggestions?

?Maybe call Bernina direct? I have the 1008 also and haven't had that problem with it. The only thing that'shappened to mine is the part that holds the bobbin in, broke and my OSMG repaired it. (It did prompt me to buy a new Janome 6600...at least, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it...:)). Good luck!

Thank you momto5. I emailed Bernina and hope they have a better idea of how to proceed. I've been wondering if I need to buy an old machine to take to guild meetings instead of this one, but it doesn't get much more mechanical than this.