How To Replace The Belt and Idler Tire On A Nakamichi BX-2 Cassette Deck

I recently purchased a Nakamichi BX-2 cassette deck that was advertised as broken/for parts. The unit powered on, but when a cassette was played, it would only play for a couple of seconds and then stop.

I assumed the unit needed a new belt and while I was installing the belt, I should go ahead and replace the idler tire as well. In these Nakamichi decks, there is not a belt for fast forward or rewind like there is in some lower end Sony decks. Nakamichi uses an idler tire which wears out over time and needs to be replaced.

I placed an order with Vintage Electronics for the belt and idler tire as I’ve had great success installing their belts on other decks. I prefer to not buy belts on eBay or Amazon as it is likely the size will be wrong which will impact playback.

I will include a short step by step summary of how to replace both the belt and the idler tire and the follow up with photos to help better explain.

How To Replace The Belt In A Nakamichi BX-2 Cassette Deck

Remove the four screws holding the outer case and remove the case.
Remove the door on the transport by gently pushing up from the bottom and it should pop free.

Remove the three screws holding the cassette transport in place. One on top of the unit, two underneath.
Remove the screw holding the ground wire in place.
Once the screws are removed, you can slide the transport backwards to give you better access to reach the belt.

The belt is located on the rear of the transport, under the motor.
Locate three screws holding the motor and plate and remove those. Note, one screw is often hidden behind wires on the far right.
Remove the plate holding the motor which will give you access to the old belt.

Remove the old belt and replace with the new belt.
Reinstall all of the screws removed above and test playback.

How To Replace The Idler Tire In A Nakamichi BX-2 Cassette Deck

Follow the steps 1-4 listed above to provide access to the transport.

Remove the face plate on the transport by removing two screws in the top corners.
The idler tire is in the middle between the two gears.
Remove the washer CAREFULLY and DO NOT LOSE as this washer is important to reinstall the new idler tire. I was able to pull the washer off with needle nose pliers.

Slide the old idler tire off and note there is a black washer that may be removed as well. Be sure to keep it for reinstalling.
Once the idler tire is removed, use pliers to pull the old tire off. They often break in this process which is okay.
With the old tire removed, install the new one in its place.

Reinstall the old tire back on the shaft with the black washer first, the tire second and the plastic clear (or white) washer last. This washer is what will hold the tire in place for proper operation.