This mechanism unfortunately relies on an idler tire in addition to a belt to function, but I haven’t seen any guides on how to replace them. I’ve attempted to do it once and destroyed the little rings that keep the capstan, reels etc. secured. Is there a way to get these off without damaging them? I don’t see any other way of accessing the idler tire without taking apart the mechanism which requires their removal. I’m not sure of their actual name but I’m attaching a photo of the idler tire and the little metal ring/clip I’m referencing is above it. You can see my crude attempts with fine tweezers to remove it.
Hi. I don’t think it is a metal clip. It is a plastic washer. Put a piece of tape over it so you don’t lose it and bend it of with a knife. I don’t think there is no other way than disamble the mechanism to get to the idler. You may find washers to the capstan from a donor. Don,t lose the small rings under the capstan pulley.
@therealmccoykoi You need to somehow keep that split ring from rotating in order to remove it. It seems that you just rotate it around and the twezeers slip at that point. First, as @nakamichi said you need to make sure that washer won't fly out as you remove it. You can achieve this by putting tape over it or by keeping your finger on one side of it. My preferred method of removing these is keeping a finernail over one side (this keeps the clips from flying off and also from rotating), and while doing so kind of peel off the other side with the tweezers. After half of it is removed (I still had my fingernail over the other side), grab the side that is already out with the tweezers and remove it completely. As a sidenote, from you picture it seems you do not need to remove that idler to replace its rubber, as there is plenty of room to remove it. Removing is only necessary if you want to lubricate the shaft (which is recommended, but can probably be left alone if it turns freely). If you do lubricate it, only use oil, not grease.
