Aiwa CS-M1 Speed Inconsistency

[TechnoSnake]

I recently purchased this unit. As usual for a player of this age, the belts had melted and I replaced them with a DeckTech/Manatree belt kit. While it does function now, there is a noticeable wobble in the tape speed, around 3-5 times per second. I imagine wow and flutter would measure far higher than the specifications, although I do not have a way to measure. It is enough that I cannot get a consistent number when tuning the speed.

Anyone else have this problem with the CS-M1? Any ideas on how to go about solving it?

 

[dubout]

This sounds like a broken gear to me. Shine with a strong light and see if you can locate a crack in any of the gears or on an idle tire.

 

[TechnoSnake]

Sure enough, there's a plastic idler gear for the reels which has cracked. One of the counter pulleys has also cracked, not too surprised. I don't imagine there is any fix for this other than replacement?