When a Belt Change Helps Most
Many record players rely on a simple rubber belt to transfer motion from the motor to the platter. Though small, this loop of material determines how smoothly the record spins and how accurately music is reproduced. With time and use, the belt’s elasticity, surface texture and tension can all shift — often unnoticed until pitch variation or startup hesitation begins to appear.
In our Liverpool workshop, we often see decks that still run but show subtle instability: speed that drifts slightly across a side, or a faint “wow” effect audible on sustained piano notes. The cause is rarely mechanical wear alone; rather, belts slowly harden or stretch, losing their ability to grip evenly around pulleys and sub-platters. Temperature swings and airborne oils also contribute, particularly when the player sits near a window or kitchen area.
Replacing a belt every few years is not an act of over-maintenance. It restores friction consistency and returns the platter to design tension. Even brand-new models benefit from early observation, because not all replacement belts are equal. Thickness, cross-section and finish vary between batches. A belt that is fractionally too tight may raise speed and strain the bearing, while one too loose may slip during start-up.
At Groovecraft Turntable Works we test each belt change with a calibrated strobe disc and digital tachometer. After fitting, the platter is allowed to run for several minutes to settle, then we verify rotation at both 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM. If a customer brings multiple belts sourced online, we check each for correct circumference rather than simply assuming the labelled model is right. Small tolerances matter: one millimetre can shift the pitch by several cents.
For suspended decks such as Thorens or Acoustic Research types, belt tension also influences suspension balance. Installing a fresh belt without checking bounce behaviour may alter suspension geometry slightly; a good technician accounts for that before the lid closes again. Similarly, on dual-speed designs, the diameter of the motor pulley section determines final ratio. Any belt that rides too high or low changes effective diameter, and thus the final pitch.
Environment plays its part. Belts stored in sealed bags last longer than those left on pulleys under tension for years. In our experience, consistent temperature and moderate humidity preserve elasticity best. A faint talc dusting can prevent sticking, but excessive powdering invites noise; therefore we only apply it where the manufacturer originally specified it.
The signs that it may be time for renewal are usually clear: visible cracking, squeak during start-up, sluggish acceleration, or pitch shift audible on familiar tracks. Occasionally the platter simply stops mid-side, the motor still spinning underneath. Replacing the belt in such cases can revive a long-dormant turntable without deeper intervention.
Regular belt service is inexpensive insurance against uneven wear elsewhere. It protects motor bearings and maintains the listening experience that drew so many of us to vinyl in the first place — steady rhythm, stable tone and a reassuringly physical connection between groove and ear.
Groovecraft Turntable Works
18 Berry Street, Liverpool L1 4JF England
Phone: +44 151 284 9076 Email: [email protected]
