I had this problem just a few days ago, on my Brother SQ-9000. I ended up taking out the 6 screws that hold it together, cracked the case open, cleaned it for what seemed like forever, and oiled every metal part that moved. Put it all back together (okay, so this took 4 times to get it right but we won't mention that) and it works like the day I bought it again. I just couldn't justify spending $100 for someone else to do it when I only paid $200 myself to buy it new. Hubby had very little faith in me but I figured, what's the worse that could happen? As long as I was careful when taking it apart, I wouldn't hurt the wires for the computerized part of it and I would be saving money. Maybe ya could try it? Just go slow, pay attention to what's what and what's where and be careful of any wires that connect to both sides. Hope ya get it worked out, good luck!