Description

This is the rubber roller which pulls the tape through the VCR. It operates in a similar fashion to an audio deck. The picture shows the pinch roller as used in the SL-C9 / SL-C20 / SL-C24 / SL-C30 / SL-C40 / SL-F1 / SL-F25 / SL-F30 / SL-F60 / SL-F90 / SL-HF100 / SL-HF150 / SL-HF950 / SL-C44.

For reliable operation the Pinch Roller must be clean and free from oxide build up.

Symptoms

A worn pinch roller can cause all variety of symptoms including bad audio, bad APS operation, creased or chewed tapes.

See also the sub-assembly symptoms.

Fixing

If the pinch roller is suspected then it is best to first try and clean it to see if operation is improved. This job can easily be done yourself.

First remove the lid of the video and locate the pinch roller. On the SL-C9 it is necessary to remove the metal head pre-amp can covering the mechanics. This is done simply by removing about three screws and then hinging the can backwards.

It is best to clean the pinch roller by first removing it. If you do not feel up to doing this then it can usually be cleaned fairly well by using alcohol and cotton wool buds directly.

Before removing the pinch roller, first note the position of the spring holding it in place. Now carefully remove the 'C'-clip from on top of the roller. It is best to do this with your fingers if possible as it has a habit of firing out of the machine when a screwdriver is used.

When it is removed, use some alcohol with a lint free cloth to remove as much oxide as possible. Finish off by cleaning it under a tap with some washing up liquid. This helps to make the rubber 'stickier'.

In cases where the pinch roller surface has become polished, an alternative approach is to use a very fine grit sandpaper to rough the surface. If you have access to a Dremel multitool, this could also be used to carefully remove a layer of the rubber to return it to better state.

Noel Higgins has produced this video showing how this can be done.

Now replace the roller making sure that the spring is in place and then replace the 'C'-clip. Play a tape whilst the top of the video is still removed to make sure that the tape is being pulled correctly passed the roller.

If things have improved, it is recommended to think about trying to obtain a replacement. Depending on the state of the rubber, this cure can sometimes only be short lived.

It is also important to check the state of the bearings. The Dremel technique will not solve everything if the bearings also have an issue which other methods can't check properly then the fault will mean that the process will not work cleanly as the roller will wobble at speed meaning the surface will clean unevenly. If a roller comes up clean and even, then it does not need to be replaced and in any event these days, they are very difficult to source.

See also the belt and head cleaning guides.

Assembly diagram

Copy of the Sony fitting instructions for the pinch roller.

Thanks go to Daniel Jenner for supplying the scan.