I have a RQ SX25, one of which I originally owned back around 1998, I picked one up, changed the belts and fitted the quality brass clutch retainer and playback is ok, certainly in one direction. I've got the large gear in metal to replace at some point. But more recently I picked up an RQ SX71 which appears to have exactly the same mech but its playback is night and day better playing in both directions. In that I fitted new belts and a new plastic clutch retainer. Both of these units have the same capstans with the rubber bands. I notice some of the RQ SX range has different solid capstans but they are still AR-10 mech models? Is that correct? Do the various RQ SX models all share the same mechanical guts (capstans excepted)? I recently ordered a new capstan for my WM-2 from Buyee.JP but the delivery was ridiculous so I reasoned "in for a penny, in for a pound!" so i bid on a ton of low cost RQ SQ models reasoning if I consolidate delivery it'll work out more cost effective. I'll probably just sell on most of the units but I'd like to restore some and keep. Just wondering which ones are worth keeping.
Yes there are AR-10 mechanism RQ-SX walkmans with solid capstans. In regard to mechanisms, some RQ-SX units have AR90 mechanism instead of AR10. So simple fact walkman has SX in the model number doesn't necessarily mean it's an AR10. If someone has lists with mentioned models, please share. As far as restoration goes, re-lubrication of main gears, capstan bearings and motor is needed. Besides this, some gears can shrink and become hard to rotate, case in which hole must be enlarged with a drillbit. Least, but not last the capstans with rubber bands must be treated. I found the solution presented here at post #6 to work great: https://www.tapeheads.net/threads/panasonic-rq-sx65f-walkman-capstan-rubbers.73038/
There are 2 ways to do it: - either by adding oil under the washer and let it go inside the bushing; - removing the washer, taking the capstan/flywheel assy out, clean everything and re-oil; To be noted on slim Panasonic models, the top washer is not split (unlike most other models). Only way to remove it is push it upwards with a fine pair of tweezers. Method 1 is the safest and easiest, only issue with it is this: any corrosion, old lubricant cannot be cleaned. There is a thread about this here: https://stereo2go.com/forums/threads/how-to-lubricate-the-capstan-bearing.7260/#post-52584 Also, as a sidenote there's no necessary to quote previous posts. Rather than using Reply button, type in the box below post and use "Post Reply" instead.
Presumably neither method will be easy with the RQ SX models with the capstan rubbers? Risk of damaging them when lifting up the top washer has to be pretty risky.
First method doesn't imply any risk, as you're not removing the washers. Disadvantage is oil may not get to the bottom and you also can't clean the bushing, but it's better than nothing. With second method there is a risk, but if one is careful it can be done even on the capstans with rubber rings.
Are you just moving the washers up the capstan slightly to gain access? Cool if that's the case. I've ordered a small syringe for applying oil in small quantities into little areas so that should help.
There's no need to move the washers slightly, as the capstan/flywheel assembly has some up/down play. That play is enough to get some oil inside. At the point you move them slightly up, you may as well remove the washers completely and do a proper cleaning and re-lubrication. Main advantage of first method is it doesn't require one to disassemble anything at all. You can just tilt the walkman upside down, add oil, press the tape in switch manually so capstan rotates. If there is any extra oil, be very careful to not touch the rubber rings with alcohol no matter how low the concentration.
I've made a little (nearly an hour ) video on the basics for restoring a typical RQ-SX model. Specifically my pristine RQ-SX55. I haven't done the capstan oiling as so far I've not seen much evidence that it makes a whole lot of difference, least on the models I've renovated. Hopefully the video will be useful for any new owners looking to restore their model.
