I have heard that these are a pain to replace and when my units cassette stopped working i dreaded doing the work but it had to be done.

After removing the back i saw that belts were located under main board.

Removed the screws from the man board and noticed that the smaller cassette mechanism board was blocking the belts also. I removed the two lower screws and i was at the belt area. There was a bracket that leveled main flat belt that coverd belts but 2 screws later and i am removing broken belts and putting in 3 new ones. I found it easy to put main flat belt in when motor is removed, line belt up then replace screws. Sorry no pictures but wasnt thinking to post until i was done re-assebling unit. I may just tackle my sharp GF 777z. Mabe tomorrow!!

It was pretty easy and took me about 45min and now works great.

Nah, sorry, I'm not buying this.  The belt replacement for the 9998 involves the total removal of the main board to gain access to the chassis.  There is no possible way this can be done in 45 mins.

I challenge you to prove this mrupscale1

would love a set of those mics for my 920

Then I'm very impressed, so much in fact that I'm going to have another go with mine...

agentorange sorry i cant prove this but it actually did take that short a time. Most of that time was putting on the counter belt. Please be sure to line up main board with connectors that are for speakers (under main board) if you get no sound then that will be your problem. As for the smaller board there are 2 small screws (not the 2 on the board) that hold it in place . You will have to use your fingers to hold white tabs up when putting back in place for re-assembly.

the 9998 is a good box, it has a warm sound to it not harsh or tinny ,  i would compare the sound to aiwa 950"s  imho.

Perfect !!

I find these two very similar in sound, deep punchy bass with good realistic treble.  The Aiwa as we know being one of the best sounding boxes ever.

Glad this was here!!! changing belts again!!!