I bet your feed dogs are full of lint. When I change my bobbins, I clean every thing, even under the feed dogs. It will clunk when it has too much dust. I haven't ever oiled it, and I've used it 2 years and about 30 quilts.

I use a quilting needle (new) for quilting and the 70 for piecing.

Took off the large plate (unscrewed it with a dime, thanks for that tip!) and it was a mess under there. Cleaned it all out and it sounds better already. I also use a 70 for piecing (new with each project) and a new quilting needle as well. Thanks again for all your advise.

Try using a Sharp needle instead of a piecing needle. All machines are different and the Brother probably doesn't have the power that the Bernina did and is having trouble piercing the Batiks which are really tightly woven.

Turn the screws with a dime???? Oh my! My "special" bent screwdriver is now obsolete! Thanks! Love what I learn on here.

I have a Brother and a Bernina. I know the Brother manual says not to oil it but my dealer tells me it needs to be done. I use pipe cleaners to keep it clean and remove the plate to get to the lint and dust. I love both of these machines but use my Brother the most. It has more stitches and is so easy to use. I also have a Brother embroidery machine that I love and a brand new Brother serger I have not yet used.