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Introduction

Is your Sony TCM-450 or TCM-450DV not spinning correctly? If not, this is the guide will show you how to remove the capstan belt. The main purpose of the belt is to maintain the speed of the device. This is considered difficult as you need to remove the PCB to get to the belt, which requires desoldering.

What you need

Step 1 Back Cabinet

Sony TCM-450 Capstan Belt Replacement, Back Cabinet: step 1, image 1 of 3

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

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

Sony TCM-450 Capstan Belt 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 Belt 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 Belt for Capstan

Sony TCM-450 Capstan Belt Replacement, Belt for Capstan: step 9, image 1 of 2

Sony TCM-450 Capstan Belt Replacement, Belt for Capstan: step 9, image 2 of 2

After removing the PCB, simply remove the belt by pulling the belt out and away from the Capstan.
Make sure to not pull the belt to much or it can hit you in the eye as the belt is made of rubber.

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