If your turntable turns on but won't spin, you probably have a problem with your belt. This element serves to connect the motor to the turntable, causing it to rotate at a constant rate. Although girdles rarely break, they can wear out and come off. Fortunately, replacement is easy and can be done at home with a minimum of tools and effort.
Steps
Step 1. Diagnose if you need a new girdle
The biggest indication that you need a new belt is when the turntable turns on, but doesn't spin. However, there are also other signs:
- Your records sound lower or deeper.
- You detect a change in speed, especially when the needle hits the record.
- You have decided to download and use a "strobe disk" that is used to verify the operating speed of a turntable.
Step 2. Buy the correct girdle for your turntable
Not all girdles are made the same, as width, length, and even thickness will make a difference in how records are played. Whenever possible, you should get the same girdle that the turntable came with. You can search the internet for “replacement girdle for the model of [your turntable].” There are a variety of websites that offer specific girdles (for example, Needle Doctors or Turntable Belts) and all you have to do is click on your make and model. If you cannot find a suitable replacement, you can do the following:
- Measure the length of the old sash. Subtract 5 to 10 mm from the amount that has been stretched.
- Measure the width of the sash.
- If you don't have the old sash, remove the platform and use a tape measure to measure the circumference of the cube (the open cylinder on the bottom that the sash wraps around). Subtract 5-10mm (this is the suggested length of the new girdle).
Step 3. Disconnect the power to the turntable
In this way, you will avoid possible electric shocks, although they should be infrequent. However, this procedure is done for your safety and that of the engine.
Step 4. Remove the plastic mat
This is the surface on which the disc sits. You should easily remove it from the central axis. Just remove it and set it aside.
Step 5. Remove the plate
This item is a metal or plastic circle under the mat. It usually has 2 "access ports", small holes that allow you to see the motor through the plate. It can be attached to the central shaft in a number of ways, but all of them are easy to remove:
- If you notice a small C-shaped clip attached to the center shaft, use a flat screwdriver to pry it up and save it for later.
- If you can't find the clip and the cymbal is reluctant to come out, it's probably "snapped in." As you pick it up, use a hammer to tap the central axis and remove the plate.
Step 6. Place the plate upside down on a flat surface
This is also a good time to clean your engine if you haven't done it in a long time or if it looks dusty. Simply use a lint-free cloth and some rubbing alcohol to clean exposed parts and remove dust or dirt.
Step 7. Stretch the sash over the center hub of the plate
This should fit perfectly in the circle. Some tips to make sure things are positioned correctly are as follows:
- Make sure the girdle is straight.
- Place it in the center of the circle as much as possible.
- Make sure it is not crooked.
- If you see tape on the girdle, you should line it up with one of the access holes in the plate. In this way, you will facilitate the placement of the belt on the engine.
Step 8. Stretch the band over the small peg if the plate does not have access holes
If your platter is a solid piece, you need to find the small peg near the edge of the platter. With the sash over the center circle, stretch the sash over this peg so that it looks like a round bottom triangle. If your plate has access holes, you can skip this step.
Step 9. Flip the platter over and place it back on the turntable
Return the platter to the turntable, but don't reattach the C-clip yet.
Step 10. Rotate the plate so the access holes expose the motor
The motor is a small metal shaft that protrudes from one corner of the turntable. The belt is hooked to this to rotate the platform while the motor does the same. Line up one of the access holes on the plate so that you can reach and touch the motor.
If your platter does not have access ports, align the pin on the bottom of the platter with the motor shaft. Lay the chainring down, then turn it 2 full times to the right and 2 full times to the left to connect the belt to the motor
Step 11. Take the girdle and hook it around the motor
Pass the strap through the access hole and stretch it over the motor shaft. There should be a small cap over the top to keep the strap from coming off, so be sure to pull it over this cap and rest it on the motor frame.
Step 12. Test the girdle by rotating the platform in both directions
You should detect a slight constant resistance. The platter won't spin forever, but it won't jerk or stop instantly either. If this is the case, check to see if the girdle twists and reattach it. If it's smooth, you can reattach the C-clip and mat and connect the player. Hit the start button and watch it spin.
Step 13. Repeat the entire process to fix any problems
The most common problem is that the belt is not positioned correctly on the engine. Make sure it sits under the small cap on top. Another problem is a girdle that is too tight or loose. If you can't turn the platter by hand, then it's too tight. If it does not turn with the engine running, the problem is that it is too loose.