RE: Help needed rejuvinating a 2nd hand TT-01
If the motor has particularly strong magnets in it, turning the shaft by hand will feel like it has alot of resistance up to a point, then it will turn really freely for a short rotation and repeat. This is normal. What your feeling is the magnet trying to pull the can back into position, until it rotates close enough that the next magnet pulls the can towards it.
I would try re-seating your motor. When you put it in, put a bit of butchers paper between the spur and pinion gear, then force them together before tightening. pull the paper out and you have a great setup, no binding.