Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to replace your turntable belt?
Or perhaps you’re a newbie to the world of record players and need some guidance on how to install one?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing a turntable belt step-by-step.
From matching the right belt to your specific model to ensuring proper tension and alignment, we’ve got you covered.
So, dust off your record collection and let’s get started!
How To Install Turntable Belt
Step 1: Lift up the Dust Cover and remove it from the turntable Base.
Step 2: Match the replacement turntable belt to your specific record player model. Turntable belts come in various widths, lengths, and thicknesses, all of which will affect how your records play. Refer to your owner’s manual for product replacement or search online by your specific record player model. Product descriptions should indicate which type of record players the belt will work with to ensure an accurate fit.
Step 3: If you suspect your belt is getting old, the main sign to watch out for is if the turntable spins when turned on. If you notice a change in speed when playing a record, then you need a replacement. To confirm the speed of the turntable, you need a strobe disc. A stroboscope or strobe disc is a circular device used to set and determine the turntable’s speed. The strobe disc helps you set the speed of your turntable when it’s new. So when you notice that its rate has increased, you can confirm it by placing the disc on the player and running it. The strobe disc will help you ensure that the turntable is running correctly.
Step 4: Remove the platter from the turntable by placing your thumb and a finger in the two circular holes near the spindle and gently lifting the platter straight up. Turn the platter over so the bottom is facing up.
Step 5: Reinstall the drive belt around the drive rim, which is located about an inch from the platter’s outer edge. Make certain there are no twists in the belt.
Step 6: Use your left hand to gently hold the belt in the correct pulley groove. The smaller (top) groove is for 33 RPM and the larger (bottom) groove is for 45 RPM.
Step 7: Continue to gently hold the belt in the groove with your left hand. With your right hand, press the belt against the side of the platter at roughly the 12 o’clock position (the back edge of the platter, closest to the dust cover). Use your right hand to rotate the platter until the belt is fully installed. As you rotate, let the belt slide between your left hand and the pulley groove.
Step 8: Avoid pulling on the belt or pulley during installation. Pulling will lead to excess slack when you release the belt, which may cause it to fall off.
Step 9: After verifying that the belt is still around the pulley (or after reinstalling the belt), follow these steps to reset your turntable’s automatic cycle mechanism:
– Unplug the AC power cord from its source.
– Press and release STOP button.
– While holding tonearm in tonearm rest with one hand, use your other hand to slowly rotate aluminum record platter in a clockwise direction for at least 10 full revolutions.
– Place a record on record platter.
– Plug AC power cord back into its source.
– Press and release START button.
Matching The Right Belt To Your Turntable Model
When it comes to replacing your turntable belt, it’s important to find the right match for your specific record player model. Turntable belts come in various widths, lengths, and thicknesses, and using the wrong belt can affect how your records play.
The first step is to refer to your owner’s manual for product replacement or search online by your specific record player model. Product descriptions should indicate which type of record players the belt will work with to ensure an accurate fit. If you’re not sure which belt to select, you can use a free belt matching service offered by some companies.
When measuring your existing belt, start by determining its type (flat, round, or square). Pinch both ends of the belt and measure its length. Multiply the pinched length by two (2x). If the turntable uses a flat belt, measure its width. If the turntable uses a round or square belt, measure its thickness. Please include the make and model of the turntable with the belt’s measurements.
If you do not have the turntable belt or it is shredded, state the type of belt that the turntable uses (flat, round or square). Use a piece of string to tightly follow the belt’s path. Measure the length of the string. Measure the width between the rims of the motor pulley that the belt can pass through without obstruction. Please include the make and model of the turntable with the belt’s measurements.
By taking these steps to match your replacement turntable belt to your specific record player model, you can ensure that your records play smoothly and accurately.
Preparing Your Turntable For Belt Installation
Before installing a new turntable belt, it is essential to prepare your turntable properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Lift up the dust cover and remove it from the turntable base.
Step 2: Make sure to match the replacement turntable belt to your specific record player model. Turntable belts come in various widths, lengths, and thicknesses, all of which will affect how your records play. Refer to your owner’s manual for product replacement or search online by your specific record player model.
Step 3: Check if your current belt is getting old or worn out. Signs of a worn-out belt include changes in speed when playing a record. To confirm the speed of the turntable, you need a strobe disc. A stroboscope or strobe disc is a circular device used to set and determine the turntable’s speed.
Step 4: Remove the platter from the turntable by placing your thumb and a finger in the two circular holes near the spindle and gently lifting the platter straight up. Turn the platter over so the bottom is facing up.
Step 5: Before installing the new belt, make sure to clean any dust or debris from the platter and spindle.
Step 6: Check the condition of the motor pulley and clean it if necessary.
Step 7: Reinstall the drive belt around the drive rim, which is located about an inch from the platter’s outer edge. Make certain there are no twists in the belt.
By following these steps, you will ensure that your turntable is ready for a new belt installation, which will help you get better performance and sound quality from your vinyl records.
Removing The Old Belt
Before you can install a new turntable belt, you’ll need to remove the old one. Here’s how:
Step 1: Turn off your turntable and unplug it from the power source.
Step 2: Remove the platter from the turntable by placing your thumb and a finger in the two circular holes near the spindle and gently lifting the platter straight up. Turn the platter over so the bottom is facing up.
Step 3: Locate the old belt, which will be wrapped around the drive rim located about an inch from the platter’s outer edge.
Step 4: Gently slide the old belt off of the drive rim and discard it. If it’s stuck, use a small tool like a pair of tweezers to loosen it.
Step 5: Once you’ve removed the old belt, clean any dust or debris from the platter and surrounding area with a soft cloth.
With the old belt removed, you’re now ready to install a new one following the steps outlined above. Remember to match your replacement turntable belt to your specific record player model and avoid pulling on the belt or pulley during installation.
Installing The New Belt
Now that you have removed the old belt, it’s time to install the new one.
Step 1: Once the platter is off, it should be easy to identify two things; the motor that the old belt was attached to and the inside rim of the platter. Carefully attach one end of the new belt to the motor. There may be a pulley that the belt actually connects to. Make sure to note where and how the old turntable belt is attached when you remove it to make sure you’re hooking the new one to the right spots.
Step 2: Loop the other end of the belt loosely around the underside of the platter in the area that the actual platter fits over. Check to make sure it isn’t too loose or too tight so that your platter turns evenly and your records play correctly.
Step 3: Once you’ve done that, replace the platter and test the results of your hard work by playing one of your favorite records. If the platter doesn’t spin, unplug your record player, take the record off, and double-check to ensure that everything is correctly attached and set up.
By following these simple steps, you can install a new turntable belt and get back to enjoying your vinyl collection. Remember to take your time and be gentle when handling delicate parts of your record player. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can keep your turntable running smoothly for years to come.
Checking Tension And Alignment
Once you have installed the new turntable belt, it is important to check the tension and alignment to ensure optimal performance. The key to determining the correct turntable belt tension is balance. The grip should not be too tight, as this can create too much friction and hamper the overall mechanism. On the other hand, it should not be too loose, as this can cause the belt to slip or not work at all.
To check the tension of your turntable belt, gently press down on the belt with your finger. You should feel some resistance, but the belt should still be able to move slightly. If it feels too tight or too loose, you will need to adjust the tension.
To adjust the tension, you will need to locate the turntable’s motor. The motor is usually located on the underside of the turntable and is connected to the platter by a rubber belt. To increase or decrease the tension, you will need to adjust the position of the motor. This can usually be done by loosening a few screws and sliding the motor slightly forward or backward.
Once you have adjusted the tension, it is important to check the alignment of the turntable belt. Poor alignment is a common cause of belt noise and premature wear of stretch belts. To check the alignment, place a piece of paper between the belt and platter and rotate the platter by hand. The paper should move smoothly and evenly around the platter. If it does not, you may need to adjust the position of the motor or realign the pulleys.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Turntable Belts
Although installing a turntable belt is a relatively simple process, there are some common issues that can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you identify and fix any problems:
Issue #1: Belt not attached to the motor correctly
If your turntable belt is not attached to the motor correctly, the platter may not spin or may spin at the wrong speed.
Solution: Make sure the belt is beneath the small cap on the top of the motor. If it is not, remove the platter and reattach the belt, ensuring that it is properly seated in the motor cap.
Issue #2: Belt too tight or loose
If your belt is too tight, you won’t be able to spin the platter by hand. If it’s too loose, the platter may not spin at all when the motor is on.
Solution: If the belt is too tight, loosen it by adjusting its position on the pulley. If it’s too loose, tighten it by adjusting its position on the pulley or by replacing it with a new belt of the correct size.
Issue #3: Belt slipping or falling off
If your belt slips or falls off during use, it can cause damage to your turntable and your records.
Solution: Check that your belt is properly seated on both the motor cap and the pulley. If it’s still slipping or falling off, you may need to replace it with a new one. Make sure to choose a belt that is the correct size and thickness for your turntable model.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that your turntable belt is installed correctly and functioning properly. Remember to always refer to your owner’s manual or seek professional help if you’re unsure about any aspect of installation or troubleshooting.
