JVC VCR belts

Have you tried JVC Service Dept?

At

MCM has some belts, but I think a rubber idler wheel might be the problem. I thought there would be a kit with the whole set.

A long time ago there used to be an outfit called PRB - they carried all sorts of replacement belts and pulleys...but I think I remember seeing a post here that they were bought out by another company. Sorry, I can't remember the name.

Also, at the risk of stating the obvious, have you tried rubber cleaner/reconditioner fluid?

They were bought by Russell industries.

Never heard of it actually. Thanks. Google finds rubber stamp cleaner (maybe the same?) and a guy who recommends GoJo hand cleaner. Do you know another product?

I have some stuff called Rubber Renew, it works pretty well.

Don't waste time with 'rubber repairers'. if the rubber is on its way out, you're just putting off the inevitable. for a reliable fix replace the parts.

Molgar have them, as do (i think) SEME and CHS

fair point - I have successfully resurfaced rubber idler tyres and rollers, ( in vcrs, printers etc) often by just giving 'em a once-over with fine sandpaper or an emery board. On more serious cases , on especially hard-to-find parts (like idler drive 1960s record players) putting the part in a lathe to rotate it 'evenly' as you 'sand' it is a good way.

Anyway i digress - since we're talking belts here, I have found these to be far less likely to respond well over the long term to 'rejuvenation' - best to replace, they're generally far cheaper than idlers anyway

-b

Automotive brake fluid is a good rubber cleaner/conditioner. Wipe on, wait a day, rinse off excess.

Aged rubber will oxidize and crack, the conditioner won't always bring it back.

Try here