Hi there, Hoping someone can help me. I'm trying to fix a Sony WM-EX49. The belt had disintegrated and gummed up the various sprockets etc. I striped it down, cleaned everything up and found a replacement belt. All was fine for a short while until the tiny washer that holds the capstan came off. I think it has just been taken on and off too many times. Does anyone know where I could source a replacement? The washer has an internal diameter of 0.7mm, thickness 0.3 mm, outer diameter not critical. The washer looks like it's a split washer, although it may have split through being taken on and off. Thanks in anticipation, Steve
If it is black and flexible, it probably was split and engaged with a groove on the shaft to act as a retaining washer. If it was rigid and some other color like clear or tan, and did not engage a groove, it probably was not split and acted as a spacer. Both have astonishing tendencies to vanish. I know both can be sourced from China via Goofish/Superbuy, but that's an awkward process. Maybe they can be sourced via eBay. Or if someone here has accumulated enough to spare one. You can make one of the rigid type with a tiny drill bit and some clear plastic food packaging. An e-clip can replace the split black ones.
@Steve Grant "If it was rigid and some other color like clear or tan, and did not engage a groove, it probably was not split and acted as a spacer. " Yes, the tan colored is a fiber washer, and it is not split. I have been looking for one for several years to no avail. Have you tried making one with success? Would you mind sharing the process?
For the solid washer, use clear plastic food packaging, sometimes called clamshell. Or even a clear plastic juice bottle. Try to match the thickness of the washer being replaced. Use a tiny drill to make a hole the size of the original. Lacking a bit, you could heat up a small nail, melt the hole and trim off excess plastic. Finally, trim the perimeter to the diameter needed.
Thanks, Steve! Is this the natural fiber clamshell you suggested? I am sure I can dig one out and will follow your directions. Does the DIY fiber washer need to be oiled? My original "survivor" washer looks like it has a bit of oil or lubricant on it. I want to make sure I don't gum up the capstan shaft.
No, the material I meant is clear plastic, like a soda or pop bottle. Only flatter. Shaped like the picture you posted. None of the players I have worked on have washers that I would describe as "fibrous". They do have tan-colored opaque washers. I haven't cut into one to see if they are fibrous inside. I think the clear plastic would be an entirely suitable replacement and would not be affected by lubricants.
