Tuesday, 24 March 2026

NEAL 102: Take-up Spool Torque

 NEAL 102: Take-up Spool Torque
 
 
The idler that drives the take-up spool's torque needed attention since the acting torque was either weak or intermittemt. 
 
Initially, the edge of the rubber idler was 'roughed up' and cleaned, and treated with Rubber Renue, but a few hours into PLAY, the same problem arose - torque was intermittent, and this could be heard on playback.
 
The solution was to either replace the idler, or remove it completely and re-work its surface or edge.
 
Flywheel

Flywheel Removed, Idler Exposed

Idler Mechanism Removed


Seperated Components


Note the idler's form, which is unlike any idler normally made.

The rubber idler was first carefully sanded on its perimeter, cleaned, then soaked in Rubber Renue for about 5 minutes. After wiping down and allowing to dry, the idler was returned to its mechanism.

 
 
Out of sight and on the other side, there is a tension spring which needs to be returned, this provides the necessary force so that the idler presses between flywheel and take-up spool gear.
 

Idler Spring Returned.