Philips long ago employed a logical solution to lateral sub-chassis instability in their 202 Electronic series. A lateral spring was employed opposite side from the pulley which could be adjusted to laterally balance the suspension. These decks could still be a bit unstable at 90º to this line though, so perhaps they should have employed two such springs in an equilateral triangle pattern with the pulley.
Craig can't add much from a technical point of view.
Thought I would chip in seeing it was a Philips 202 electronic deck.
My late father had one when i was a young teenager so the rose tinted glasses are on.It brought back happy memories of playing records on it.
By 15 the HIFI bug had bitten and I pursauded him to buy a Dual 505 which was an improvement.
I remember the 202 was well made and had wood side cheeks on the sides.
P.S. Didn't someone on here experiment with lateral tension wires on Sondek?