Aiwa TPR-950 Pinch roller

[FreqFeeder]

Hi there!
I have a TPR-950 and recently I hear more audible flutter than before. Tape path is thoroughly cleaned, belts are relatively new, and I can't detect any oscillation on the capstan shaft, so I'm pretty sure the pinch roller is the culprit. I'm not an expert but intuitively if I touch the pinch roller surface while running in Play mode (no playing a cassette of course), the surface is not completely consistent, I can feel some random flutter if it makes sense.
I Googled for a TPR 950 pinch roller but couldn't find anything.
Would greatly appreciated if anyone know a source for such, maybe a specific size or any lead.

Thank you!

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Do you see shiny area on the pinch roller where the tape travels? In many cases the rubber hardens and show those shiny tracks. If the rubber has hardened that will cause flutter and all sorts of tape eating problems. Once you know the diameter of the pinch roller rubber, width and the axle hole diameter, you can get them from Ebay or Amazon. They come in a pack of 5 or more. Our members here can direct you on the size of those.

 

[FreqFeeder]

Thank you @BoomboxLover48 !
Yes, I inspected it carfully and indeed the pinch roller looks shiny. I have a caliper and I can definitely meassure the sizes of the pinch roller.
If anyone have certain knowledge about the type of TPR 950 roller and/or source - that will be great!
After measuring I hope I will be able to find one that will fit these dimensions.

 

[Fatdog]

I have found that sometimes, not always, the shiny areas can be comprised of magnetic particles that have built up from playing cassettes. Try cleaning it really well with isopropyl alcohol and Q-tips. If doing that has no effect, then you definitely should replace it.

By the way, welcome aboard!

 

[Tinman]

Don't go crazy trying to find an Aiwa direct replacement roller, you just have to find the correct size.
Like Bbl48 said, places that sell them can be found pretty easily by doing a Google search then you can drill down by the size you need.
Try Googling "cassette player pinch roller".