How to fix your SONY WALKMAN: belt replacement cassette player

[@alroman164]

Excellent instructions on how to open a Walkman case and belt replacement. Thank you. Respectfully, I’d caution using lithium grease on plastic components as it’s petroleum based and will eventually attack and partially dissolve some plastics. I use silicone based grease on plastics and lithium on metal. Thank you again for your informative post.

[@christopherhernandezzuniga1433]

Is it necessary to put grease at all? I’ve seen many videos and no one ever suggested or mentioned using it, would like to see a video of you to do a close up to know how to

[@alroman164]

@@christopherhernandezzuniga1433 I lubricate lightly with a silicone based lubricant. I lightly lubricate the transport mechanism, metal transports are more durable but can wear aggressively if not lubricated. Plastic transports wear less but the trade off is that they are prone breakage. Lubricate gear teeth when stationary, run the rears to distribute the lubricant. Use a sponge applicator if you have one. If none then, pull about 70% of the cotton bud off a Q-Tip, press your fingers against the tip and rotate until the fibers are compressed, that will limit stray fibers from contaminating your gears. Additionally, lubricate any gears that rub together. Less is more as you don’t want lubricants migrating to belts. Remember no petroleum based lubricants as they will attack plastic and rubber parts. Good luck brother.

[@christopherhernandezzuniga1433]

@@alroman164what brand do you use? I found one with a green label that says silicone lubricant and want to make sure that one works

[@alroman164]

@@christopherhernandezzuniga1433 Super Lube, Silicone Lubricating Grease it’s food grade so it cannot harm surfaces. Part number 92003.

[@alroman164]

@@christopherhernandezzuniga1433 I’ve used this grease on tape decks, walkman units and turn tables for decades. Just use it sparingly. Don’t glob it on and don’t contaminate devices. Use your knowledge and common sense. You’ll be fine. Good Luck Chris.

[@utubemtk11]

I love the way you show us which steps are a bit hard. My hands are also large. These delicate operations are difficult.

[@Oak690]

Just fixed a Sony Walkman similar to this one. I needed to know how to route the belt because the original (pile of goo) was nowhere near where it should have been when I opened it. This saved me time figuring it out. Thank you!

[@MuddyAzian]

Thanks for the video. I used a Q-tip and silicon spray lubricant on the same gear part on my Walkman WM-FX45, and it mostly got rid of the wavy noise. It's not 100% gone, but it's much better than before.

[@aammdj]

There are literally tabs inside the tape compartment that you push on with a screwdriver to get the thing to come apart. You don't have to just snap it open and risk breaking the tabs.

[@LimitlessEntertainment_]

you still use youtube after 11 years?

[@bletheringfool]

I've got a WM-BF22 and can't figure out how to prize it open without breaking it. Where exactly are they? I feel incredibly stupid!

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

Funny you asked, I now have 3 WM-BF22’s and have gotten pretty good at opening them up. I’ll make a short video tomorrow

[@bletheringfool]

@@SIMPLETHINGS85 oh that would be awesome!

[@alanturnbull5668]

Good info... I found online service manual for my XM-FX177 that indicates those tabs, but I found they did nothing until I did the same first forced opening like @2:39 via the battery pack, then they engaged (or I guess dis-engaged is more correct). The interesting thing from the service manual that helped after this is that it indicated working in counter-clockwise direction, starting from corner with "W" for walkman printed on front: no force required (maybe as cassette compartment tabs helped by this point so direction unimportant?). My model also has 2 external, one internal screw, and some "flexible board" circuit connectors that I hope will be as easy to insert as they were to pull out.

[@ApplesauceNinja]

I salvaged an old am/fm cassette Sony Walkman (with MEGABASS! lol) from a Goodwill Outlet bin today and I can hear the internals going, but the tapes won't play. I bet it's just a busted belt. Thanks for the informative video!

[@julietardos5044]

Thanks for making this video. I have a similar Walkman that plays slowly, and this will probably fix it. I'm jonesing for my old mix tapes!

[@anitadasilva3151]

thank you so much. i thought my sony freq was doomed, but i was able to follow your steps and fix it. thank you!

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

No problem! Glad it was a help!

[@djhaloeight]

Bro thanks for this video! My Walkman is an WM-FX103 which looks real similar to yours. It stopped playing tapes awhile back...I couldn’t figure out how the hell to get it open! I’m looking for hidden screws and shit, your video showed me and I had it cracked open in 2 mins! Belt was all types of mushy and stretched out. Got a pack of belts on the way, thanks again!!

[@JedenSiedemDwa]

Thank You! I just repaired my Sony WM-EX192. It works again after 13 years! ;)

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

Glad I could help!

[@BIGLOS___]

Could you link to where you bought the belts please?

[@c.p3425]

I find using a plastic credit type card or feeler gauge blades are good for easing the two halves apart and saves your fingernails.

[@cacadodo666]

There are tabs under the cassette lid with arrows that will make taking that apart easier, I think.

[@mikehellyeah2946]

Hello. Mine is Sony TCM 150 casette camcoder. Theres a power but the tape dont rotate. What do you think is the problem? Please help me. Thanks in advance!

[@DevendraKumar-fo4xj]

You are right. I have sony Walkman and when video started I thought this man is going to broke back cover by opening like this. And second thing he did not played Walkman, he used too much small belt, this will reduce motor speed and increase battery consumption. I am using Walkman since year 2000 and now I have become expert in Walkman.

[@notenoughram3312]

@@DevendraKumar-fo4xj spelling?

[@notenoughram3312]

@@akerockstar true

[@Sharpener00]

Mine sure doesnt want to open up like that lol

[@noahmay7708]

I sorta snapped the plastic overhangs that keep it on... Hope i wont have to repair it again any time soon!

[@reneatdebtx660]

Hi, just found this awesome video. Can you recommend the width for the belts? I see different sizes online and am not sure what size I need. I have a Sony Walkman WM-FX281

[@ITSMRFOXY]

I have a tape player changes its speed depending on the battery. What do i do to keep it at regular speed?

[@ITSMRFOXY]

@TheEncyclopediaofPopCulture 2 thanks!

[@joseseverinobarbosa40]

Hi ! in brazil i have - WM-FX303 walkaman sony and now it is work thanks because i use your video to learn how open clean and put a new strap good sound classic k7 now it is work thanks man thanks.

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

Great to hear!

[@buddyholyx]

Can you tell me what the belt size is? Thanks....

[@anahihernandez8144]

did you ever find out the sizing for the belts ????? lmao

[@alexleung4518]

what exactly the white lithium grease? lub right? someone said using watch oil for durability

[@rickduncan692]

how many mm do you think the belt for this walkman was

[@tonyredondo6846]

This video helped me the best. Thank you! I just subscribed.

[@saurabhsoni7197]

Really ,,you are Genius ,,,love u so much ,,,🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

Thanks! Glad I can help!

[@chylogurti]

I have a Sony Walkman WM EX560. It looks in really nice condition. It was given to me. When I put in a single battery it doesnt work or light up. Any ideas would be very welcome. Stay safe

[@chylogurti]

Hi I have sorted that but now it makes a noise and the spools dont spin!!!!

[@twistedpsycho9998]

Nice ring!

[@docrock66]

@SIMPLETHINGSTOYS Hi, Do you just fix walkmans as a hobby for yourself or do you perhaps fix for others per charge too? Please let me know. :)

[@selenabonilla2281]

Yeah but unless you're in for that NOSTALGIA trip or are thinking about selling it in the future as a collectable your shouldn't ask for service on ebay . Might be better if your model is easy to open , to try and service it yourself with the aid of videos like these.

[@johngoodin3445]

One safer way to open one of these without breaking any parts is simply to use guitar pics. It’s the same technique iPhone and iPad repair shops use when they open up your device.

[@chronicconja420]

I have a Sony tcm 200 dv that was "new" in package from seller, but is making an awful motor noise, even without tape. could this be the issue?? I had bought this new one because I was procrastinating about fixing the belt on old one :(

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

even if it's "new" the rubber belts can by dryrotted and the lube dried up.

[@graysonschiller3288]

What is the mechanism called that pushes the tape head and roller up/down?

[@gilbs72]

Try guitar picks or pry tools. Sometimes the plastic has become brittle from sunlight and heat, and it may break easily with force.

[@Destinyawesome7]

Nice vid straight to the point, thanks

[@joeteejoetee]

If anyone has found what size belt the WM-AF59 uses, PLEASE post it and where you bought it !!!

[@tyenne104]

Where do I put the alcohol?

[@nostalgiarules1348]

Great videos!

[@funken079]

Thanks for the help

[@pamkam90]

hi! for some reason when i put the belt on it flies off when i press play, could be it the belts I purchased?

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

It’s probably too large around, or it’s too big. If you measured your old belt and got the same size it’s probably too big because the old one was stretched out. Check the inside of your belt wheel for dried hard grease also

[@cv.naufalglobalteknologi702]

Thanks for sharing.

[@sirfara]

Thank you for your video, it helped me to substitute the belts in not one, but two tape recorders from the 70's! (Philips LFH 0085/15). But, now I have find out that both of them "roll back" the tapes, but won't play them. It's just like they are not strong enough. Any ideas about what can it be? Thank you!

[@arnavsawhney]

Is one of the belts slipping?

[@sirfara]

@@arnavsawhney No, the problem was that the rubber in the moving weel is too old and shrunk, so the moving mechanism doesn't make contact anymore. (Sorry for my bad English. In short, the belts weren't the problem :( )

[@arnavsawhney]

@@sirfara Alright. Hope your tape recorder works now

[@seth940]

I was finally able to snap it apart but when I did 3 pieces fell out. I have no clue where they belong or what they do. What should I do?

[@seth940]

nvm sounds super distorted now and just ruined one my tapes. I hate using old technology that isn’t reliable they need to make new portable tape players so I don’t have to deal with this bs.

[@gameznthingz]

@@seth940 well buddy, nobody’s going to make cassette players. If they do they are really crappy. CD’s are way better quality, and digital music is reliable. Just buy a old IPod that has enough storage for you. It’s still retro.

[@jacket6560]

Does anyone here know how to place the lid spring on these FX walkman models? Mine kinda popped off my WM-FX23 and i cant seem to put it back into place. Help would be much appreciated

[@oscarivanmucinovargas3417]

Where they sell League

[@FelinoAnticomunista]

Too small rubber band :/ original has about 55mm internal diameter (85~90mm folded) and thickness=0.5mm. When too tight, motor needs more mA and More mA = short time playing and motor noise in the headphones.

[@rarebit3818]

I have this same unit but I have problems with the headphone jack it keeps fuzzing in and out and gets really bassboasted anybody got any suggestions?

[@ECAT556]

Hi, mine doesnt even start rotating :-----( do you have any idea how could i repair it ?

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

check to make sure the battery contacts aren't corroded. Does anything else light up? radio work?

[@ECAT556]

@@SIMPLETHINGS85 i can hear some noises when i press play but that's it

[@frankkalamets2086]

@@ECAT556 the belt is broken or off the wheels. replace it

[@miloventer]

Thanks dude

[@abrenvillanueva8623]

What substitute can i use for that white grease?

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

Bren Detta just read the label and make sure it’s safe for plastics

[@abrenvillanueva8623]

@@SIMPLETHINGS85 you think cooking oil is safe?

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

@@abrenvillanueva8623 no, too thin. it will run onto everything inside, you don't want it everywhere. you just want it on the gears. this is a grease, not an oil. google "plastic safe grease"

[@IloveHamberger]

Ah, my first ever walkman, too bad to motor randomly gets stuck on mine, still have it by the way

[@t55a2]

Very useful

[@SIMPLETHINGS85]

Thank you.

[@dcny69]

Thank you

[@mohamerzghouri8048]

I bought it in 1992 for $ 350.

[@aroojgondal4942]

Belts

[@krtekcyberpunker]

How to destroy your SONY WALKMAN

[@erikbrage6441]

Mine just popped open obviously needs a new rubber band. See if it closes again. Lol.

[@МиколаКінзерський-г5г]

Це надто малий пасік, такий малий пасік класти не треба

[@DoobyShoo]

Sorry dude, it’s all out of focus