How to Repair a Turntable Band

Belt drive players use a rubber strip to spin the platter.

Turntables can be classified as either having a belt drive or a direct drive. A direct drive turntable will operate via a motor that spins the record platter directly, while a belt drive uses a motor to pull a belt that rotates the platter. These belts are made of rubber and can be broken over time. A record player with a broken belt will not spin the record while it is playing. This can be fixed by opening up the turntable and manually installing a new belt.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement belt

Instructions

1. Open the casing to the record player if one is attached. Remove the rubber mat from the platter.

2. Lift the platter of the turntable up over the center spindle. The broken belt will not be visible. Remove it from the turntable.

3. Slip the replacement belt around the motor pulley. If the platter is one piece, wrap the other side of the belt around the center piece. If the platter has a sub platter and outer platter, wrap the replacement belt around the sub platter so that the motor will cause it to turn.

4. Cover the turntable with the original platter and turn a few times to ensure the belt is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• It is recommended to use replacement belts only for the specific model of the turntable.

References

• Elex Atelier - Turntable Belt Installation, Phonograph Needles, Audio Components