I came across your video and it gave me the courage to open up my tape deck to see what might be wrong. I have a Sony TC-WE425 Dual Cassette Tape Deck that I bought new in the late 1990’s. It’s never been played much but I recently decided to give it a go since I still have recordings on tape. Much to my surprise, it just clicked when I hit play. I was sad. I opened up the unit only to discover that the belts that drive both decks had turned to mush. I guess that’s normal after 25 years. So, I ordered new belts, took the thing apart, replaced the belts and put it all together again. I did have to loosen the motor screws to get the belts around the plastic studs. It works like new. I did it. And it only cost me $11.00. I am super proud of myself. I could have never done it without your video so thank you for taking the time to post it.
Thanks for this easy to follow video. I just picked up a TC-WE635 for $35 and was led to believe it worked. It didn't. After watching a couple of times, and buying new belts, it took me 20 minutes or so. Now I can listen to my old mix tapes from the 80s and 90s with my 13-year-old.
I fixed my TC-WE475 with this. Didn't need to remove decs or front panel like you said. Thanks 👍 My deck is even more plasticy than this so yes older is better 😅
This is brilliant. I received a Sony TC-WE425 with the same dual transports and requiring new belts. I picked up the TC-WE425 with other similar era vintage Sony HiFi pieces for $75. Plan is to get all cleaned up and pay it forward. I watched other TH-cam presentations on same transports (Sony). All were different renditions of total disassembly of the transports and motors to replace the 2 belts per transport. Your discovery of just bending the motor slightly to create the gap and then fiancée the wide belt on with tweezers is brilliant!! I copied exactly and completed both transport belt upgrades in less than 45 min. Thankyou
Thanks so much for the specific video on this unit. Mine has exact same issue, bad belts. But I don’t recommend the brute force method used here to do the main belts. Take the time to remove the front panel, and the 5 screws holding each drive in place. Release the cassette holder being sure to hold on to the opener spring. This gives access to the 2 motor screws. They only need loosening, not removal. This gives plenty of room around the plastic stud to remove the old belt and insert the new. This method also makes it much easier to clean the capstans, pinch rollers & heads with alcohol. Also blow out all the fun and hair! I reassembled and the unit plays like new!!! Now I only need to find the remote for this model.
Found this vid by accident having previously watched another one, more than twice as long in which the guy obviously had little clue about what he was doing and ended up taking the whole thing apart. The motor bending technique was a bit of a battle but well worth the effort. Thanks to you, I now have a working cassette deck again.
Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve got the same deck and the belts on mine weren’t just stretched, or broken, they had basically turned to black gum wrapped around the pulleys. A day or so after I ordered replacement belts (also amazed how available they were), I had them installed based on your video. The deck is like brand new, and I can get on with transferring some treasured recordings to digital.
Thank-you for the inspiration to eventually sit down and replace the belts on my WE-435. £8 for a bag of new belts, a steady hand, a bright light and some magnifying glasses and an hour later my old deck lives. That slight bend of the post was genius, worked a treat.
Man, Damn lifesaver! I just fixed my OG tape deck I've had since I was a kid and held on to hoping someday I can find a tech to fix it. It was a Damn excruciating experience, but it works!! I cant thank you enough!!
After much pain and several tries dismantling mine… i found your video which is the only one i found whoch shows tilting the motor to get the belt behind the plastic post !! I have a TCWE635 and its a similar set up. Ty
it works. After a morning of trying to get the belts to fit without twisting I have my tape deck working. I had to replace both decks belts and it works. amazing thankyou. I can finally take that off my to do list.
Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video. It is crazy how expensive these belt kits are but I followed you're advice and purchased the belt kit through Vintage-Electronics. I received my order in 2 days and now my tape deck works like new once again.
Had a similar Sony model that had same symptoms. I had ordered a set of replacement belts but the rewind belts had broke and I wasn't sure where they went. I watched your video. Your helpful tip to move the motor to the side was valuable. Bottom line - once again my deck is working great. Thanks for taking the time to record your helpful video.
Thanks for the guidance. I bought this deck used on Ebay 10 years ago because I had dozens of old band tapes, it had a pitch control (nice for musicians!), and because I thought being it was Sony (a good brand) it would be all gear and clutch drive like the Marantz decks. No such luck and today, same click-clack when I tried to use it. But let me tell you, you were LUCKY! All my belts have just about liquified! I mean they just turned to some kind of goopy mess. Its good that 91% alcohol seems to dissolve it, but I went through about 2 dozen Q-tips soaked with alcohol to clean the motor pulleys! I don't know if those belts are of a chemical composition that will eventually cause them to always eventually disintegrate this way, but if I were you I'd replace the belts on the side thats seemed OK to you.
Thank you, this solved my problem perfectly! However, when I was working on it, I managed to break a wire inside the housing. Any suggestions of where I might get a replacement?
Thanks for the video! I managed to replace the belts per your instructions, but now after putting the unit back together the the unit is stuck and won't eject on the right side tape deck and it is still only making clicking noises and not engaging. Any idea what's going on? Thanks!
Awesome video - worked for my TC-WE475 too. Saw another video for my model where the guy takes the entire thing apart, but I had my belts done in 10 minutes. Cool audio setup too by the way!
I dont suppose you know what the belt dimensions are? Here in the UK it's a case of lucky dip as belt suppliers just sell belts - they dont have a database of what deck takes what belt..
thanx for this showed me how to proceed on TC-WE475 which is rigged up exactly the same lifting that silver thing was the key watching this gave me confidence to try and lo and behold with new belts it winds and rewinds as it should so THANK YOU
Man I just gave away a bunch of older mid 80s sony equipment because it wasn't working well, one of which was a tape deck. I wish I would have seen this sooner, I feel like I would have fixed it. I did however find this very same deck at a pawn shop for 40 bucks. I think they would take 30 for it, and it looks in fairly decent shape. Great video 📹 👍 I enjoyed learning about this tape deck!! Keep up the good work! By the way, what was that 2nd cassette you showed? Im getting into collecting cassette tapes because I think they are cool!
Same here I tried playing my cassette tape player, and nothing - pulled it out and set it aside last week. Now the belts have been ordered at a cost of $31.00 from Vintage Electronics. Thanks for your video.
Great video I have the exact same problem with my Sony TC-W295 I was going to send it out but Im going to give it a Shot ,It looks exactly like yours on the inside . Can you please tell me the best place to order belts for them.. Thanks man
Phillips, I can't believe you have the same exact cassette deck with the exact same problem as mine. I will watch and see if I can do the job. I have tons of tapes I want to play. Those used decks on ebay are surprisingly expensive!
I have the same model deck and had to replace the belts. Everything on the deck works now except the autoreverse feature. It doesnt let you change the option on the switch to the left. So i ordered a new switch and replaced it. Autoreverse STILL doesnt work! Could the onboard display be broken by chance? Should I replace that part next Im out of ideas. Any help would be appreciated.
That's a weird one. I, too would have started with the switch, so you're on the right track. The display could be the issue, but only if the auto-reverse works yet doesn't display the icon. Once you get past the display and the switch, you're probably into the logic and brains of the unit, which is deeper into it than I'd care to go if it were mine. There's a chance that there is a mechanical relay between the switch and the "brains", and if so, I'd replace that, but I doubt they'd add a relatively expensive mechanical part where cheap solid state parts would do. Sorry, but that's about all I've got. Good luck, and let me know if you figure it out.
Same problem for me. From brand new (1999 i think), and now problem in 2021, but maybe problem since 2 or 3 years of non use... My belts are now like hot chewingum. Edit : Repare Ok !! thanks to your help !!
Thanks, just what I need! I resurrected my old tape deck and whoops- it doesn't turn. For sure it's the belts! After seeing this I'll do the repair myself, as I don't trust the shop (and to save money!) By the way, how much did the belts cost?
one suggestion to all who might do this -- before you button the entire system back together - top cover - set it up to play a tape - if you are successful at the repair move forward with top cover - it saves one step if it does not work - -
If you don't like the brutal bending of the motor and don't want to remove the front cover, you may use a small saw blade to create an (about 1 mm) gap between the motor and the plastic pin to make room for the belt. Also, if you cannot find replacement belts (or want to save money) you may use an 40 mm office rubber band for the small belt and a piece of textile/rubber band as it is used in underwear, cut to length and ends stitched together.
Mike A : Hey Mike check on internet mostlly on ebay or Amazon using the brand and the model of the cassette deck for belts for example and you will see a lot of recomentations if there are available of course mostlly for the belts is always available :-) the Brand and the model of the cassette deck is required for the search :-)
Mark Phillips Thanks I'll definitely be getting one for my Sony stack systems it's becoming a monster already but I just love the 90s systems and the design and of course the quality.
Thanks Mark. That should be good enough for me, the intended music is old & not of superb quality anyway. As long as I don't get a lot of hiss, I'm fine.
Good job I have the same problem. You can blame sony for that. They could have just charged $40 bucks for all 4 belts and designed the deck for quick belt changes. But they decided to make it a huge pain in the ass to change those belts, which they knew would be the first thing to fail in the unit, and cause the customer undue stress. And their minidisc players--all crap. Sony is not a smart company.
I came across your video and it gave me the courage to open up my tape deck to see what might be wrong. I have a Sony TC-WE425 Dual Cassette Tape Deck that I bought new in the late 1990’s. It’s never been played much but I recently decided to give it a go since I still have recordings on tape. Much to my surprise, it just clicked when I hit play. I was sad. I opened up the unit only to discover that the belts that drive both decks had turned to mush. I guess that’s normal after 25 years. So, I ordered new belts, took the thing apart, replaced the belts and put it all together again. I did have to loosen the motor screws to get the belts around the plastic studs. It works like new. I did it. And it only cost me $11.00. I am super proud of myself. I could have never done it without your video so thank you for taking the time to post it.
Thanks for this easy to follow video. I just picked up a TC-WE635 for $35 and was led to believe it worked. It didn't. After watching a couple of times, and buying new belts, it took me 20 minutes or so. Now I can listen to my old mix tapes from the 80s and 90s with my 13-year-old.
I fixed my TC-WE475 with this. Didn't need to remove decs or front panel like you said. Thanks 👍
My deck is even more plasticy than this so yes older is better 😅
This is brilliant. I received a Sony TC-WE425 with the same dual transports and requiring new belts. I picked up the TC-WE425 with other similar era vintage Sony HiFi pieces for $75. Plan is to get all cleaned up and pay it forward. I watched other TH-cam presentations on same transports (Sony). All were different renditions of total disassembly of the transports and motors to replace the 2 belts per transport. Your discovery of just bending the motor slightly to create the gap and then fiancée the wide belt on with tweezers is brilliant!! I copied exactly and completed both transport belt upgrades in less than 45 min. Thankyou
Thanks so much for the specific video on this unit. Mine has exact same issue, bad belts. But I don’t recommend the brute force method used here to do the main belts. Take the time to remove the front panel, and the 5 screws holding each drive in place. Release the cassette holder being sure to hold on to the opener spring. This gives access to the 2 motor screws. They only need loosening, not removal. This gives plenty of room around the plastic stud to remove the old belt and insert the new.
This method also makes it much easier to clean the capstans, pinch rollers & heads with alcohol. Also blow out all the fun and hair!
I reassembled and the unit plays like new!!!
Now I only need to find the remote for this model.
Found this vid by accident having previously watched another one, more than twice as long in which the guy obviously had little clue about what he was doing and ended up taking the whole thing apart. The motor bending technique was a bit of a battle but well worth the effort.
Thanks to you, I now have a working cassette deck again.
Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve got the same deck and the belts on mine weren’t just stretched, or broken, they had basically turned to black gum wrapped around the pulleys. A day or so after I ordered replacement belts (also amazed how available they were), I had them installed based on your video. The deck is like brand new, and I can get on with transferring some treasured recordings to digital.
Thank-you for the inspiration to eventually sit down and replace the belts on my WE-435. £8 for a bag of new belts, a steady hand, a bright light and some magnifying glasses and an hour later my old deck lives. That slight bend of the post was genius, worked a treat.
Just to add, I didn't remove the deck on either side as this can be done in situ.
Man, Damn lifesaver! I just fixed my OG tape deck I've had since I was a kid and held on to hoping someday I can find a tech to fix it. It was a Damn excruciating experience, but it works!! I cant thank you enough!!
After much pain and several tries dismantling mine… i found your video which is the only one i found whoch shows tilting the motor to get the belt behind the plastic post !! I have a TCWE635 and its a similar set up. Ty
I about cried when I saw that belt was captive on my deck. Thank you for making this video
it works. After a morning of trying to get the belts to fit without twisting I have my tape deck working. I had to replace both decks belts and it works. amazing thankyou. I can finally take that off my to do list.
Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video. It is crazy how expensive these belt kits are but I followed you're advice and purchased the belt kit through Vintage-Electronics. I received my order in 2 days and now my tape deck works like new once again.
Had a similar Sony model that had same symptoms. I had ordered a set of replacement belts but the rewind belts had broke and I wasn't sure where they went. I watched your video. Your helpful tip to move the motor to the side was valuable. Bottom line - once again my deck is working great. Thanks for taking the time to record your helpful video.
Thank you !! I had to replace the belts of my TC-WE425 and your video is the best to explain how to do it !
Thanks for the guidance. I bought this deck used on Ebay 10 years ago because I had dozens of old band tapes, it had a pitch control (nice for musicians!), and because I thought being it was Sony (a good brand) it would be all gear and clutch drive like the Marantz decks. No such luck and today, same click-clack when I tried to use it. But let me tell you, you were LUCKY! All my belts have just about liquified! I mean they just turned to some kind of goopy mess. Its good that 91% alcohol seems to dissolve it, but I went through about 2 dozen Q-tips soaked with alcohol to clean the motor pulleys! I don't know if those belts are of a chemical composition that will eventually cause them to always eventually disintegrate this way, but if I were you I'd replace the belts on the side thats seemed OK to you.
Thank you, works like a charm, way better than disassembling the front panel
wow - simple and effective method to get the main belt on! Love it ! Thanks soooo much !
Thank you so much! I replaced the belts on both sides and I'm back in business!
Thank you, this solved my problem perfectly! However, when I was working on it, I managed to break a wire inside the housing. Any suggestions of where I might get a replacement?
Thanks for posting. I'm waiting on my belts and as soon as they arrive I will follow your guidance. My belts had turned to a gooey mush :-(
Thanks for the video! I managed to replace the belts per your instructions, but now after putting the unit back together the the unit is stuck and won't eject on the right side tape deck and it is still only making clicking noises and not engaging. Any idea what's going on? Thanks!
Awesome video - worked for my TC-WE475 too. Saw another video for my model where the guy takes the entire thing apart, but I had my belts done in 10 minutes. Cool audio setup too by the way!
Thanks, man! I was able to fix one of my decks. Still working on the other.
Thank you! Excellent guide that's saved me a headache - much appreciated :)
I dont suppose you know what the belt dimensions are? Here in the UK it's a case of lucky dip as belt suppliers just sell belts - they dont have a database of what deck takes what belt..
Thanks, my TC-WE435 works again. I used the bending method you suggested.
Spot on with the same machine and same problem...I need belts too! Thank you for the post as this is a big help!!!
Thanks, man! I was able to repair my cassette deck
thanx for this
showed me how to proceed on TC-WE475 which is rigged up exactly the same
lifting that silver thing was the key
watching this gave me confidence to try and lo and behold with new belts it winds and rewinds as it should
so THANK YOU
Very helpful video. It solved my tape deck issue. Thanks!!
Thanks, this was just what my deck needed!
thanks - once more! you really improved my life quality with this video :)
Man I just gave away a bunch of older mid 80s sony equipment because it wasn't working well, one of which was a tape deck. I wish I would have seen this sooner, I feel like I would have fixed it. I did however find this very same deck at a pawn shop for 40 bucks. I think they would take 30 for it, and it looks in fairly decent shape. Great video 📹 👍 I enjoyed learning about this tape deck!! Keep up the good work! By the way, what was that 2nd cassette you showed? Im getting into collecting cassette tapes because I think they are cool!
Spot on brother...thank you! Almost tossed it but after belts replaced...flying once again!
Same here I tried playing my cassette tape player, and nothing - pulled it out and set it aside last week. Now the belts have been ordered at a cost of $31.00 from Vintage Electronics. Thanks for your video.
Great video I have the exact same problem with my Sony TC-W295 I was going to send it out but Im going to give it a Shot ,It looks exactly like yours on the inside . Can you please tell me the best place to order belts for them.. Thanks man
Phillips, I can't believe you have the same exact cassette deck with the exact same problem as mine. I will watch and see if I can do the job. I have tons of tapes I want to play. Those used decks on ebay are surprisingly expensive!
Great video very helpful TX a lot bro!!!
I have the same model deck and had to replace the belts. Everything on the deck works now except the autoreverse feature. It doesnt let you change the option on the switch to the left. So i ordered a new switch and replaced it. Autoreverse STILL doesnt work! Could the onboard display be broken by chance? Should I replace that part next Im out of ideas. Any help would be appreciated.
That's a weird one. I, too would have started with the switch, so you're on the right track. The display could be the issue, but only if the auto-reverse works yet doesn't display the icon. Once you get past the display and the switch, you're probably into the logic and brains of the unit, which is deeper into it than I'd care to go if it were mine. There's a chance that there is a mechanical relay between the switch and the "brains", and if so, I'd replace that, but I doubt they'd add a relatively expensive mechanical part where cheap solid state parts would do. Sorry, but that's about all I've got. Good luck, and let me know if you figure it out.
Thanks! Worked for me!
Same problem for me. From brand new (1999 i think), and now problem in 2021, but maybe problem since 2 or 3 years of non use... My belts are now like hot chewingum.
Edit : Repare Ok !! thanks to your help !!
Thanks, just what I need! I resurrected my old tape deck and whoops- it doesn't turn. For sure it's the belts! After seeing this I'll do the repair myself, as I don't trust the shop (and to save money!)
By the way, how much did the belts cost?
Bending the motor is the main thing, just be careful not to break anything while sliding the new belt on. I changed the belts on a Sony WE635.
What is the size of the belt, which uses your cassette deck sony?
one suggestion to all who might do this -- before you button the entire system back together - top cover - set it up to play a tape - if you are successful at the repair move forward with top cover - it saves one step if it does not work - -
Thank you so much! I have to repair one of these for a friend and wasn't sure how I'd get the motor off, I guess I don't have to take it off at all :D
If you don't like the brutal bending of the motor and don't want to remove the front cover, you may use a small saw blade to create an (about 1 mm) gap between the motor and the plastic pin to make room for the belt.
Also, if you cannot find replacement belts (or want to save money) you may use an 40 mm office rubber band for the small belt and a piece of textile/rubber band as it is used in underwear, cut to length and ends stitched together.
Hey man what sizes were the belts you ordered from that sight
Mike A :
Hey Mike check on internet mostlly on ebay or Amazon using the brand and the model of the cassette deck for belts for example and you will see a lot of recomentations if there are available of course mostlly for the belts is always available :-)
the Brand and the model of the cassette deck is required for the search :-)
Thanks! Mine is now working again
Thanks so much for posting this!
It's helps me too. Thank you. My Sony TC D509 is alive)
Very helpful video, thanks a lot!
Would you recommend a Sony TC-WE635
Mark Phillips
Thanks I'll definitely be getting one for my Sony stack systems it's becoming a monster already but I just love the 90s systems and the design and of course the quality.
how is the sound quality?
Thanks Mark. That should be good enough for me, the intended music is old & not of superb quality anyway. As long as I don't get a lot of hiss, I'm fine.
THX ZZ
Good job I have the same problem. You can blame sony for that. They could have just charged $40 bucks for all 4 belts and designed the deck for quick belt changes. But they decided to make it a huge pain in the ass to change those belts, which they knew would be the first thing to fail in the unit, and cause the customer undue stress. And their minidisc players--all crap. Sony is not a smart company.
agreed withe the exception of the MD part, their MD decks (most) are really good, I have a used 1 I bought of the bay that's still fully functional
It's helps me too. Thank you. My Sony TC D509 is alive)