Replacing a Vintage Sony Walkman WM-FX403 Drive Motor Belt

[@RetroRespawn]

Heh. I don't believe it. I just bought this exact model of Walkman, and the drive belt, I suspect, has just given out. What luck that I should find this video. Thanks! Gives me some hope that I can fix this.

[@ThiagoLima85]

I got one, gorgeous device. Mine is constantly muted. Do you have any idea what cause it? Thanks, nice job!!

[@khronhun]

What size is the belt? Thanks!

[@Boscha31]

Hey Mike. I got this exact model of cassette player from my late Grandmother when she passed and it seems like the belt is bad on it, as it won't play any tapes. The radio works just fine, but the motor just won't spin for the tapes, so I assume a bad rubber belt is the problem. This video is the closest thing to helpful I've found on the internet so far, but I can't really tell how you took it apart or what size replacement belt you used. If you could reply and let me know either of these thing it would be super helpful. I'd love to get this thing back in working condition again. Much appreciated!

[@mikeshomemaintenancenstuff7030]

Jonathan, Thanks for the question. The belts get dry and stiff when they age so the motor can’t even turn them. I have no idea what size it was and it doesn’t matter because belts are regularly sold in a bulk bag of misc. sizes. Your size will be in there. I got it on Amazon for $8.00. I have tried to order a single belt but the cost is similar to a bag and most come directly from China and take months. Search for this on Amazon: "Recorder Rubber Belt, Cassette Recorder Repair Maintenance Mix Cassette Rubber Square Belt 40-135MM (50PCS)" Make sure it’s Prime and check delivery date or it can take a few months to get.

[@Boscha31]

Thanks for the info. When I opened mine up the belt was sucked up under the main drive gear and I'm not sure how it was originally wrapped around which motors/belts/gears. Is there a chance you could IM me a picture of the inside of your walkman so I could see how to place the new belt once I get it?

[@mikeshomemaintenancenstuff7030]

@@Boscha31 here it is. - imgur.com/fX1lrYv

[@jj987987987]

Service manual service manual service manual, go look up for the service manual so you don’t have to poke around. It literally tells you where the claws are at and gives you the exact steps to disassemble it.