My reference to running it without the suspension ring was in reference to bob r's plan to run his new motor without installing it on the ring.

Based on the fact that by far the most common problem people have written about in the forums is a motor vibration issue, it makes perfect sense that it's the same problem with yours. It would be a shocker if it wasn't. I suspect it must be a somewhat delicate operation getting those motors set up right in the turntable factory, and perhaps some of their technicians are not doing it quite right -- just my guess.