Crown SZ-31 Drive Belt

The Crown SZ-31 tape transport is a two-belt system, where one belt drives the capstan flywheel, and the other, the tape-winding spool. The main belt for the capstan flywheel is easily changeable. This belt has a square cross-section and many belts with a thickness of 1 mm or more will work as long as the circumference is correct. These smaller belts are readily available and usually low cost. They are often in the CD-ROM drives for the tray mechanism.

Although my player was brand new, the belt had become slightly hard, causing a wobble in the tape speed. I replaced both belts with better ones and the problem was solved.

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