What have i done to the machine head on my Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass?

[mashup]

Hi,

I was restringing my bass the other day and not really looking what i was doing whilst tightening the tuning peg (I was a bit worse for wear, bad idea, i know!) The string snapped and i had to buy a new string before i could restring the entire bass. Anyway, it is now restrung, but the tuning peg in queation now turns a half rotation in either direction before it even begins to tighten or loosen the string. It doesnt seem to get any grip on the tuning mechanism until i have turned it through its tractionless stage, which is as i said, about a half rotation of the peg. Now my question is, What have i done to the Machine head? and how can it be fixed? Is it a case of getting a new bushing??, or a completely new Machine head??, in which case, does anyone know what machine heads would fit my Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass?

Im sure that most of you will have more of an idea as to what i've done, than i have. Please help?

Cheers,

Mat

[ewimsatt]

A tuner is basically a worm drive (the cork screw shape the button is attached to) and a wheel with corresponding grooves. Turning the button turns the worm drive which fits into the wheel that has the string post coming out of it. The problem you are having is where the worm drive and wheel connect. It sounds like it isn't making good contact anymore. If these are sealed tuners, I would just replace it. If you can get to the gearing, there is a screw that holds the wheel on. Try tightening that. If that doesn't work, replace the tuner.