Are you a vinyl enthusiast who’s struggling to get your turntable up and running?
One of the most common issues with turntables is a worn-out or broken belt. But don’t worry, replacing a turntable belt is easier than you might think!
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite records in no time.
From matching the right belt to your specific model, to ensuring a proper fit and avoiding electrical accidents, we’ve got you covered.
So let’s dive in and learn how to put a belt on a turntable!
How To Put A Belt On A Turntable
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: Once you have the correct belt, make sure to route it around the gold colored motor pulley and that the belt is taut. The easiest way to check this is to remove the black felt mat from the turntable and rotate the aluminum record platter by hand until one of the large rectangular openings is positioned at the upper left corner of the turntable (at about the 10 o’clock position). Look down into the opening and locate the gold colored motor pulley. Make certain the belt is around the pulley and that the belt is taut.
Step 4: The belt does not go around any other parts of the turntable except for the gold colored motor pulley and the rim on the underside of the platter only. If you notice that the belt is off either of these parts, it is probably off both. To reinstall the belt, 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.
Step 5: Turn the platter over so that its bottom is facing up, and 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: Reinstall the platter onto the turntable and rotate it by hand until one of the large rectangular openings is located at the upper left corner of the turntable (at about the 10 o’clock position). Look down into this opening and locate the gold colored motor pulley. Grab hold of the belt from inside this opening and pull it over and around this pulley.
Step 7: Place back on top of your turntable’s black felt mat.
Identifying The Correct Belt For Your Turntable
When it comes to replacing the belt on your turntable, it’s essential to identify the correct belt for your specific model. Turntable belts come in various shapes, widths, lengths, and thicknesses, all of which will affect how your records play. Here are some steps to help you identify the correct belt for your turntable:
Step 1: Check 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 2: Measure the length of the old belt by pinching both ends of the belt and measuring the length, then multiplying by two. For example, if the length is 12.5 inches, then the total length would be 25 inches.
Step 3: Identify the shape of your old belt. Turntable belts can be flat, round or square.
Step 4: Measure the width of a flat belt or the thickness of a round or square belt.
Step 5: If you don’t have the old turntable belt or it is damaged, you can determine the length by using a piece of string to follow the belts path around the pulleys and then applying the same directions for belt length above. The belts width can also be determined by measuring the distance between the rims on the motor pulley.
By following these steps, you can accurately identify and purchase the correct replacement belt for your turntable. Remember that a properly fitting belt is crucial for optimal performance and sound quality.
Removing The Old Belt
Before you can put a new belt on your turntable, you need to remove the old one. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Start by turning off and unplugging your turntable. This is important for safety reasons.
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.
Step 3: Once you have removed the platter, you should be able to see the old belt. Carefully remove it by sliding it off of the gold colored motor pulley and off of the rim on the underside of the platter.
Step 4: Take a moment to inspect the old belt for any signs of wear or damage. If it looks worn or stretched out, it’s definitely time for a replacement.
Step 5: Dispose of the old belt properly, and make sure to clean any debris or dust from the turntable before installing the new belt.
By following these steps, you can easily remove the old belt from your turntable and prepare it for a new one.
Installing The New Belt
Installing the new belt on a turntable is a crucial step to ensure that your records play correctly. Here are the steps to follow:
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: Once you have the correct belt, make sure to route it around the gold colored motor pulley and that the belt is taut. The easiest way to check this is to remove the black felt mat from the turntable and rotate the aluminum record platter by hand until one of the large rectangular openings is positioned at the upper left corner of the turntable (at about the 10 o’clock position). Look down into the opening and locate the gold colored motor pulley. Make certain the belt is around the pulley and that the belt is taut.
Step 4: The belt does not go around any other parts of the turntable except for the gold colored motor pulley and the rim on the underside of the platter only. If you notice that the belt is off either of these parts, it is probably off both. To reinstall the belt, 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.
Step 5: Turn the platter over so that its bottom is facing up, and 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: Reinstall the platter onto the turntable and rotate it by hand until one of the large rectangular openings is located at the upper left corner of the turntable (at about the 10 o’clock position). Look down into this opening and locate the gold colored motor pulley. Grab hold of the belt from inside this opening and pull it over and around this pulley.
Step 7: Place back on top of your turntable’s black felt mat.
By following these steps carefully, you will be able to install a new turntable belt with ease, ensuring that your records play smoothly and correctly.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
While putting a new belt on a turntable may seem like a simple task, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure that your records play correctly.
Mistake #1: Using the wrong size or type of belt. As mentioned earlier, turntable belts come in various widths, lengths, and thicknesses, and using the wrong size or type of belt can affect how your records play. Make sure to refer to your owner’s manual or search online for the correct replacement belt for your specific record player model.
Mistake #2: Not routing the belt correctly. It’s important to route the replacement belt around the gold colored motor pulley and the rim on the underside of the platter only. If the belt is off either of these parts, it is probably off both. Take the time to ensure that the belt is properly routed around these parts before reinstalling the platter onto the turntable.
Mistake #3: Not checking if the belt is taut. A loose belt can cause your records to sound lower-pitched or deeper. To check if the belt is taut, remove the black felt mat from the turntable and rotate the aluminum record platter by hand until one of the large rectangular openings is positioned at the upper left corner of the turntable. Look down into the opening and locate the gold colored motor pulley. Make sure that the belt is around the pulley and that it is taut.
Mistake #4: Twisting or bunching up the replacement belt. Make sure that the replacement belt is smooth throughout without any areas where it twists or bunches up. This can cause your records to sound distorted or skip.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your turntable’s new belt is properly installed and that your records play correctly.
