have you tried tightening the Phillips screw holding the hub to the reel table?

Good suggestion from Kurt.
Also, after you thread tape but BEFORE you Hit play, manually rock the reels first, back and forth a few inches. Make sure nothing is binding up, or feeling like it is. I'm suggesting this because you mentioned that the Deck hasn't been used in while.
If you are spooling a reel that as stored "tails out" (meaning you are putting the reel loaded with tape on the takeup reel and then rewinding it to the supply reel (the reel on the left), GO EASY. jog the rewind button on/off. Don't put it into full bore rewind at first. Take it slower until you see how your motor / rewind mechanism reacts.
Another thing to look for, if you are spooling on an older reel of Ampex 456 that has been in storage for a while, is "sticky shed" ...where the mylar backing on the tape will start to scrape off when passing through the pinch roller and over the heads, leaving a sticky residue all over your transport mechanism. If this starts to occur, STOP THE MACHINE IMMEDIATELY.
you're probably okay but I thought I'd give you a heads up on this.
The Tascam TSR is a fun little machine and has a sound of it's own.
Have fun.
FWIW
-D

Yes, all screws are tight and thanks for the responses.....I will post a pic that shows more clearly the problem...I am afraid a part or spring mechanism will have to be replaced....are there any service centers or experts on this machine in the NC, or SC area ... I live in Simpsonville, SC...right next to Greenville..thanks again,
Terry

TDsetter, post: 451468, member: 49330 wrote: Yes, all screws are tight and thanks for the responses.....I will post a pic that shows more clearly the problem...I am afraid a part or spring mechanism will have to be replaced....are there any service centers or experts on this machine in the NC, or SC area ... I live in Simpsonville, SC...right next to Greenville..thanks again,
Terry

Attached files

I circled the gap on the left hub, between the two parts that should close as the outer portion is tightened to the right....this gap is not closing to hold the reel securely

Teac's main service center used to be in Montebello, CA.
I don't know if it still is, though.
They did have authorized repair centers throughout the country at one time; your best bet would be to Google it for your region and see what comes up.
From what you are describing, it sounds like you might be able to order just a replacement reel hub assembly, and then just install it yourself... if memory serves, there's just that one Phillips screw that attaches it.
If you don't have a parts/owners manual you should be able to pick one up pretty cheap online, you could get a printable PDF, or perhaps a hard copy.
Google that too. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find one.

-d.

you can find used and new hubs on fleabay. i saw a few yesterday.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-TEAC-TASCAM-38-1-2-HALF-INCH-TAPE-NAB-HUB-REEL-CLAMP-ADAPTER-TSR8-MSR16/251829824393?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D44941%26meid%3D06929b37247945be978cd47f0884230d%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D8%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D272751531035

I read threads about difficulty removing the hubs....found that once screw is removed...a thin knife blade run along the circumference where the hub sits against the rubber frees it up easily....must be some chemical reaction with plastic/rubber over time that makes it really hard to pull off, but once the knife blade loosens it, comes off very easily....so I removed it and saw it was cracked in several places ...used acetone to melt/weld the plastic back together and reassembled....much better ....not perfect and I will buy replacement...but very usable for short term...
thanks again,
Terry