Need help and advice on a VPI 3D arm


I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue with the new 3D arm? I bought a new Prime table 4 months ago to try the new 3D arm I also have a Classic stainless steel arm to load another cart on to compare the two back and fourth, last night I was going to switch the cartridges on the two arms and could not set the azimuth on the 3D arm, to get the azimuth right I had to tilt the drop counter weight plus the Soundsmith intuitive way off of center and it is causing the side weights to rub against the adjustment column and is very tilted, after walking away from the setup 3 times I pulled the arm, pulled the side weights off so it would sit square on a level marble counter top and set it flat on the surface and eyeballed it, this thing has lost its shape, the barrel of the arm has a gradual bend downward and the cartridge shell portion of the arm is rolled down and in. This is really throwing off the geometry of the cart in the arm. I placed the stainless steel arm out in the same way and its barrel is perfectly straight and it's head shell is straight as well, it's only issue is that it is slightly off on the azimuth but that can be adjusted out easily. The fact that the barrel and the headshell on the 3D arm is so far off I certainly can not trust my setup to be accurate. I store whichever arm is not being used in a VPI holding case for the 10 inch arms and it has not been dropped or subjected to any drastic temperature changes. I am going to call VPI on Monday but if this is an issue with these arm wands I certainly don't want another one. Let me also add that I believe that this has been a gradual demise of the arm and that I do love the arms sonic signature so would hope VPI has an answer. Tooblue
tooblue
I agree with tooblue's assessment of the SDS and HRX pulley (3 belts for me) - both have been added to my Aries 3 table.  VPI is a case study for customer service that some larger corps should follow.
I'm experiencing the same thing, and this the second arm due to the first one warping. I just asked for a second replacement. I let you know how that goes.
I had a classic 2 with 3D arm. The first generation with plastics finger lift is more prone to melting/warping. They then switched to metal lift on next generation. From what I understand they have a problem melting in transit in hot conditions. If you look at first generation you will notice the arm tube closest to head shell is smaller in diameter. I talked to vpi and was told they will only replace arm if contacted right after arm was shipped and buyer experiences deformation while in warranty. They may have changed policy since my dealing with them couple years ago. I find that unacceptable if they know there is a problem with longevity of there product, good luck, I hope they resolve your issues quickly.

Too blue.....  with the 2nd pivot you adjust azimuth with the 2nd pivot adjusting screw..     The warping of the 3D may be common.  Mine did as well, and was quickly replaced.