This procedure is applicable on most belt drive turntables.As a geberal rule here are the steps one should take:
1. Diagnose if you need a new belt. The biggest indicator that you need a new belt is when the record player turns on, but the turntable doesn’t spin.
2. Purchase the correct belt for your turntable. Not all belts are created equally, as the width, length, and even thickness of a belt will make a difference in how your records play. Whenever possible, get the same belt your turntable started with by searching online for “[Your Record Player] Replacement Belt.” There is a variety of sites that offer specific belts, such as Needle Doctors or Turntable Belts, and all you have to do is click your make and model.
3. Disconnect the power from the turntable. This will prevent any potential electrical shocks, though they should be rare. Still, it is for the safety of you and the motor.
4. Remove the plastic mat. This is the surface that the record sits on. It should be easily removed from the center shaft. Just pull it off and set it aside.
5. Remove the platter. The platter is a metal or plastic circle underneath the mat. It usually has two “access ports,” small holes that let you see the motor through the platter.
6. Turn the platter upside down on a flat surface. This is also a good time to clean the motor if you haven’t in a long time or it looks dusty. Simply use a lint-free rag and some rubbing alcohol to wipe down the exposed parts and remove and dust or dirt.
7. Stretch the belt over the center hub of the platter. It should fit snugly onto the circle.
8. Stretch the belt onto the small peg or post if your platter does not have access holes. If the platter is one solid piece you will need to find the small little peg near the edge of the platter. With the belt on the center circle, stretch the belt onto this post so that the whole belt looks like a round-bottomed triangle. If your platter has access holes, ignore this step.
9. Flip the platter over and put it back on the turntable. Return the platter to the turntable, but do not replace the C-clip yet.
10. Turn the platter so that the access holes expose the motor. The motor is a small metal shaft coming up from a corner of the turntable. The belt hooks to it, which turns the turntable while the motor is turning. Line up one of the access holes on the platter so you could reach in and touch the motor
11. Grab the belt and hook it around the motor. Pull the belt through the access hole and stretch it over the motor spindle. There should be a little cap on the top that prevents the belt from slipping off, so be sure to pull the belt over this and rest it on the body of the motor.
12. Test the belt by spinning the turntable in both directions. You should see consistent, light resistance. The platter won’t spin forever, but it is also not jerking or stopping instantly. If it is, check the belt for kinks or twists and reattach it. If if is smooth, replace the c-clip and mat and plug the player in. Hit start and watch it spin.
13. Troubleshoot any problems by repeating the process. The most common issue is that the belt is not attached to the motor correctly. Make sure it is beneath the small cap on the top. Another issue is a belt that is too tight or loose. If you cannot spin the platter by hand than it is too tight. If it doesn’t spin with the motor on, the problem is it is too loose.
