Kenwood KD-37R Turntable Belt Replacement and Modification

Introduction

This guide will walk you through a standard turntable belt replacement on a Kenwood KD-37R record player. However, I ran into a snag when replacing mine! The company that I ordered the belt from sent me one that was slightly too large, causing my records to spin too slowly. Never fear! Physics is here.

Along with standard belt replacement, I'll show you a helpful trick to resize your belt to get your records spinning at the correct RPM.

All you need is a stove and cooking pot, some water, and common kitchen tongs.

What you need

Step 1 Turntable Belt

Kenwood KD-37R Turntable Belt Replacement and Modification, Turntable Belt: step 1, image 1 of 1

Always dust your turntable before performing any maintenance or repairs.

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Step 2

Remove the rubber mat from the platter and set it aside in a clean, dust free area.

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Step 3

Remove the metal platter by placing your thumb on the center spindle and two to three fingers in one of the holes.
Pull the platter up firmly, but carefully.

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Step 4

Remove the old belt.
Throw the old belt away if it's damaged.

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Step 5

Turn the metal platter over.
Place the new belt around the inner lip of the metal platter, ensuring there are no twists.

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Step 6

Put the metal platter back on the turn table.
Use your thumb and forefinger to pull a small section of the belt behind the pulley shaft.

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Step 7

Replace the rubber mat.
Play a record to test the new belt.
This is when I discovered the belt that was sent to me was slightly too big. Not to fear! We can fix that.

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Step 8

Kenwood KD-37R Turntable Belt Replacement and Modification: step 8, image 3 of 3

Remove the rubber mat.
Before removing the metal platter, carefully remove the belt from behind the pulley shaft.
Remove the metal platter and the belt.

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Step 9

Bring two cups of water to a full boil.

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Step 10

Kenwood KD-37R Turntable Belt Replacement and Modification: step 10, image 3 of 3

Turn off heat.
Using tongs, fully submerge the belt into the water.
Be careful, the water should be very hot for this to work, and can burn your skin.
Let the belt sit in the water for between 6-8 minutes.