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Introduction

Is your Sony TCM-450 or TCM-450DV not spinning correctly or spinning at wrong speeds? If so, then you may have a capstan/motor issue, and this guide will help replace the motor. The capstan, also called the motor, is a significant piece of the Sony TCM-450 as it is what causes the device to turn and spin. The motor can also be called a capstan. When replacing the motor, the belt must also come off to remove the motor, so both can be replaced at the same time.

What you need

Step 1 Back Cabinet

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement, Back Cabinet: step 1, image 1 of 3

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement, Back Cabinet: step 1, image 2 of 3

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement, Back Cabinet: step 1, image 3 of 3

Remove the two 3.5 mm Phillips #00 screws from the bottom of the device.
Caution: Ensure the device is off and unplugged if using the power adapter, as it is unsafe to remove the cabinet while on and will cause damage and potential harm to the user.

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Step 2

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Open the lid, and carefully remove the two 9.7 mm Phillips #0 screws from the inside of the front cabinet.
Exercise caution while removing these screws, as damage to essential parts may occur and other minor damages may occur if the screwdriver slips.

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Step 3

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Open the battery cover, and gently remove the back cabinet with the iFixit Opening tool.
The device will make a popping sound when removing the back cabinet. The back cabinet may feel as if it is not loose. However, as long as the back cabinet looks disconnected from the lid, it is safe to remove.

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Step 4 PCB/Motherboard/Circuit Board

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement, PCB/Motherboard/Circuit Board: step 4, image 1 of 2

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement, PCB/Motherboard/Circuit Board: step 4, image 2 of 2

Carefully desolder each connection and gently remove each connected wire.
If you are unfamiliar with desoldering and soldering, please consult the iFixit Soldering Guide.
Make sure the soldering iron is 50 watts as 30-40 watt soldering irons will not melt the solder on the PCB.

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Step 5

Carefully desolder the next set of connections and gently remove the connected wires.

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Step 6

Carefully desolder the last two groups of connections and gently remove the wires.
Caution: Desolder all three marked connections at once before attempting to remove the wires, as they will not fully disconnect and cause damage to the device.

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Step 7

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Carefully remove the three inner screws as shown from the circuit board to loosen it.
Remove the following screws in this order:
A 3.4 mm Phillips #00
A 4.6 mm Phillips #00
A 9.7 mm Phillips #0. To remove this screw you must lift the PCB at the same time.

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Step 8

Lift the PCB from the device.
Make sure not to pull out any wires while lifting the board, as it could cause damage to the device.

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Step 9 Capstan / Reel Motor

Sony TCM-450 Capstan / Reel Motor Replacement, Capstan / Reel Motor: step 9, image 1 of 1

The PCB will already be desoldered from the motor (done through the steps to remove the PCB). Remove the belt from the motor by pulling the belt out and away from the motor and the gear it is around.

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