Please help regarding belt and belt motor

[lostmonster]

New to the forum, Hi all.

Alright. My record player's belt drive gear, the gear on which the belt rides and turns the table itself, was squeaking heavily.

I went and bought a pen sized bottle of liquid WD-40 to fix this probem.

I put some drops on the top of the gear, hoping gravity would coat the inside of the gear.

Ever since I did this, the traction of the belt on the gear sucks, and records play at a slower RPM.

Any suggestions regarding how I could fix this?

I already used a Q-tip with water to try and 'wash' the gear of any WD-40 in an attempt to allow more traction.

I also took the belt out and put it under some water and let it dry to see if the belt was the problem.

I could tell that after doing these quick fixits there is more traction, but not a normal amount of traction, and records still play at a reduced RPM.

 

[Rickster71]

Hi lostmonster, welcome to Audioholics.
WD-40 and rubber don't mix well.
I'd try to use soap and water, like Dawn dish detergent (it's a degreaser) to wash off the belt and wheel that's been sprayed. Try a Q-tip.
If the belt has been stretched too much, I'd try getting a new belt.

 

[yettitheman]

I agree.
Silicone Spray can also help put moisture back in the belt, wash excess off with water so that it will still grip when replaced.
Sometimes it's cheaper and easier to just get a new belt and be done with it

 

[lostmonster]

I'll try these when I'm home from work. I'll be trying the soap and water idea first, for now.

 

[lostmonster]

exactly how taught should the belt be?

 

[Haoleb]

you want it to be tight enough that it spins the platter without slipping but not so tight that when you put your hand on the platter it stops the motor too i would think.

 

[TLS Guy]

New to the forum, Hi all.

Alright. My record player's belt drive gear, the gear on which the belt rides and turns the table itself, was squeaking heavily.

I went and bought a pen sized bottle of liquid WD-40 to fix this probem.

I put some drops on the top of the gear, hoping gravity would coat the inside of the gear.

Ever since I did this, the traction of the belt on the gear sucks, and records play at a slower RPM.

Any suggestions regarding how I could fix this?

I already used a Q-tip with water to try and 'wash' the gear of any WD-40 in an attempt to allow more traction.

I also took the belt out and put it under some water and let it dry to see if the belt was the problem.

I could tell that after doing these quick fixits there is more traction, but not a normal amount of traction, and records still play at a reduced RPM.

Once you have got lubricant on a belt, you have to replace it.