Legacy tremolo bridge catching on pickguard

[MJ Slaughter]

I've owned this Legacy Special for a few years now and all of a sudden the bridge plate is catching on the pickguard when it comes to it's neutral position after a dive of any amount. Since the pickguard hasn't moved, I tried loosening the screws to see if there was enough play to move it but there wasn't, I suspect my post or the blade might be having issues. Can anyone offer a suggestion on how to proceed with fixing this? I have not pulled the tremolo yet to look at the parts for wear.

Here is where it's catching:

[timage=][/timage]

[Fumble fingers]

give us a side picture of the DF .... my bet it's lowered way too much ..... the best way to lower the strings is a neck shim , you can even use a business card or two

[MJ Slaughter]

Here is a video showing a view from the side while operating the tremolo. I think the height is correct and I verify it with an 1/8" spacer in the video. Keep in mind it hadn't been catching before yesterday and there have been no adjustments or other changes to the guitar.

[video]https://youtu.be/5oFPkvXlwA4[/video]

[Craig]

I've owned this Legacy Special for a few years now and all of a sudden the bridge plate is catching on the pickguard when it comes to it's neutral position after a dive of any amount. Since the pickguard hasn't moved, I tried loosening the screws to see if there was enough play to move it but there wasn't, I suspect my post or the blade might be having issues. Can anyone offer a suggestion on how to proceed with fixing this? I have not pulled the tremolo yet to look at the parts for wear.

Here is where it's catching:

[timage=][/timage]

I would check for play in the pivot bolts, see: What can I do when my Legacy Trem Won't Stay in Tune?.

[MJ Slaughter]

Thanks. I will take it apart and look it over. Is there a special type or shape file that should be used on the blades?

[SouthpawGuy]

Just a thought ... maybe a spring has come off the claw, causing the bridge to tilt back.

[art]

It looks like the bridge plate isn't centered on the bridge posts.
art

[MJ Slaughter]

I think the plate is centered on the posts but the pickguard edge is closer to the bottom post near the tremolo bar.

After disassembling the bridge I couldn't see anything wrong and after putting it back together it is not catching anymore. Looking closing at where the pickguard surrounds the neck I suspect it wasn't perfectly positioned when they drilled the holes and that's why that part of the bridge is so close.