Bumper radio cassette capstan clutch

[Andy_Clarke]

So, got this '90s ish radio cassette to fix. It's not playing cassettes, the take-up capstan isn't being driven.

1st pic shows the mechanism, 2nd shows parts found loose inside, the spring obviously fits over the capstan shaft, is the plastic 'spider' piece supposed fit on the capstan as shown in the 3rd pic? Or somewhere else?

The capstan should be held on the shaft by a spring clip which has obviously escaped, causing the problem. The shaft is 1.5mm in diameter and the recess for the spring clip is about 1.2mm. Wondering if I can use a 1.0mm e-clip?

Never done any work on cassette mechanisms!

[Nickthedentist]

Hi Andy,

I think you are right about where the parts go.

BTW I would call the bit which you're talking about the "take-up spindle".

The capstan, in contrast, is the slim metal shaft on a flywheel, which engages with the rubber pinch roller. Together, they pull the tape past the head at a constant 1 7/8" inches per second. Pic of a castan and (grubby) pinch roller here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/F...oller-3286.jpg

[Andy_Clarke]

Originally Posted by Nickthedentist

Hi Andy,

I think you are right about where the parts go.

BTW I would call the bit which you're talking about the "take-up spindle".

Ah yes, apologies for the incorrect terminology!

Not sure what the function of the 'spider' bit is?

Should the take-up sprocket fit like the 1st pic, or the 2nd? The 'spider' rotates with the sprocket until one of its arms contacts the angled black plastic lever below.

[EDIT] Just found a YouTube video which explains the function of an almost identical mechanism, https://youtu.be/4ylOWFczexc. The 'spider' fits as in the 1st pic and operates the auto stop lever.