Sony Walkman WM 101 fix advise

Yes, mechanical noise seems more noticeable when playing Side-A direction. I have the original service manual. I do have a Teac Mirror Cassette coming, so I can diagnose these problems more closely.

There is really no guides or restorations of the EM-101/100 on tear down on this model online or YouTube. I didn't want to start taking apart until I asked someone for further advice. Yes, I know not to touch azimuth unless everything else is running smoothly and also if it's fine. Which I believe to be correct as Side B has no issues.

Thanks Valentin, and I will report back when I lubricate and look more closely on your recommendation's.

 

In regard to lubrication, there's really nothing complicated:
- for the gears that drive the reels you need to remove the metal plate between the 2 reels: it's held in place by screws, but the clutch also needs to be removed (its bushing is part of the plate);
- for the capstan bearings you need to remove the PCB screws in order to make room for the flywheels to come out;
- the only one which requires the PCB to be tilted (some wires need to be desoldered for this) is the motor itself;

For the motor, please take a look at this tutorial: https://stereo2go.com/forums/thread...-type-motor-in-sony-walkmans.7943/#post-59754
Unlike the WM-702 depicted here, you have no glue at all on the WM-100 series, it's all held with screws.

A good approach is to take them one at a time, put that back and go to the next item.

 

OK, I now see the Problem with the Left Pinch Roller/Capstan when playing ing FWD Direction. Thanks to my New Teac Mirror/ Path Checker!! The Tape is forced UP on the Left Capstan when FWD play. Pinch roller and capstan look straight to me and matches Right side. I haven't lubricate anything yet.

 

Now you have to figure out what is causing the problem. As stated before, for easy check, you will need a cassette gauge. But visually you should check the following:
- does capstan sit in the middle of cassette hole ? Compare to other side.
- is pinch roller perfectly parallel to the capstan ? when you press PLAY slowly and roller is just about to touch, does the middle part touch first ? Roller is barrel shaped.
- is pinch roller straight in the horizontal direction ? If the roller is slightly angled upwards, it will have a tendency to pull the tape up.

While lubrication may help since it will reduce the capstan play, this is likely not caused by lubrication.
If nothing of the above works, final solution is to roughen the capstan with ferric chloride, since its surface may have uneven wear causing it to pull the tape.