This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to replace the pinch rollers on the following walkmans: WM-A602/WM-B602/WM-B603/WM-AF604/WM-150/WM-170/WM-F181/WM-190/WM-506/WM-2091/WM-F2095/WM-EX48/WM-EX49/WM-EX49C/WM-EX50/WM-FX50. NOTE: There are a couple of other things that need to be done to properly service these mechanisms: 1. Motor re-lubrication: https://stereo2go.com/forums/thread...-type-motor-in-sony-walkmans.7943/#post-59754 Motor depicted in the above link is not from this mechanism, but disassembly process is the same. 2. Play fork adjustment and general lubrication of the mechanism: https://stereo2go.com/forums/thread...her-units-gear-skipping-in-reverse-play.8778/ 3. Tabel reel gears glueing 4. Clutch gear replacement; can be bought here: https://fixyouraudio.com/product/sony-wm-150-clutch-gear/ 5. Depending on model, some capacitors will need to be replaced. NOTE2: In the picture it is depicted a WM-B603 walkman. While the mechanism is the same in all above mentioned walkman, there are some differences between units which are not depicted here. New pinch rollers can be purchase here: https://fixyouraudio.com/product/sony-wm-150-pinch-roller-rubber-tire/ Simply go for the WM-150 one regardless of which device from the above list you have, as not all of them are listed on FixYourAudio. PART1 (disassembly): 1. Remove the door. There are 4 screws holding it: 2 small that hold the latch and 2 longer one that hold the hinge. 2. Remove the back cover. There are more screws holding it: one small near the battery compartment, a middle one on the back and a long one near the volume potentiometer. 3. Remove the screw holding the silver frame and move it aside. 4. Remove the head carriage screw. 5. Remove the head carriage assembly.
PART2 (rollers replacement): 1. Remove the cut washer holding the pinch roller assembly. 2. Pull the pinch roller assy upwards. Note the small spring ! 3. Remove the small spring and put it aside. 4. Remove the roller itself. 5. Remove the old rubber from the plastic hub. Pay attention not to loose this hub ! 6. Install the new rubber on the plastic hub and lubricate the inside of the hub with watch oil. 7. Re-install the pinch roller in its bracket. 8. Re-install the small spring. 9. Lubricate the shaft on which the roller assy moves. 10. Re-install the pinch roller assy on the head carriage and secure it with the cut washer. 11. Repeat the process for the other side.
