Editing S130/cassettedeck php

{{ImportedFrom|site=Xenonzcar|title=Cassette deck refurbishing in your 280ZX|url=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s130/cassettedeck.php.html|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/s130/cassettedeck.php.html|fetched=2026-05-15}}

== Cassette deck refurbishing in your 280ZX ==

![280ZX Dashboard](images/Dash Removal/dash.png)

Has the cassette deck in your 280ZX gone kaput? Have no fear — you may be able to fix it yourself!
In my experience, about '''75% of the time''', a “bad deck” is only suffering from
rotted, broken, or melted belts. This is an easy fix!

'''Note:''' These instructions are based on a 1982 280ZX Turbo coupe.

'''Safety Tip:''' Before performing any electrical work on your car, disconnect the negative battery cable.

=== STEREO CONSOLE REMOVAL ===

* Remove the knee guards under the dash on both the driver and passenger sides. Each is held in place by two screws.
* Unscrew the two small panels at the base of the stereo console — one on each side (driver and passenger).
* With those panels removed, you’ll see four bolts on each side (top and bottom) of the stereo console. Remove all eight bolts.
* Engage the parking brake (or block the wheels). For automatics, move the shifter all the way down to 1st gear. For manuals, place the shifter in Reverse.
* Carefully slide the entire stereo console out. Disconnect the antenna cable to gain more room. Leave the stereo attached to the large main cable — there’s no need to remove it.
* Locate how the cassette deck is mounted to both the console and the AM/FM receiver. You can easily remove the larger beige cable from the receiver. However, there’s a single blue cable that may be difficult to disconnect — if it won’t release, it’s safe to cut it and later reconnect using a standard wire nut.
* Remove the screws securing the cassette deck to the stereo console, then lift the deck out.

=== CASSETTE BELT REPLACEMENT ===

Now that the cassette deck is out of the stereo console, it’s time to open it up and replace those worn-out belts.

* Remove the screws securing the top cover of the cassette deck. These can be tight — use care to avoid stripping them.
* Remove the faceplate (three screws).
* Flip the deck over and remove the bottom plate to access the belt area.
* Locate the two large wheels and the small metal plate above them. Remove the two screws holding the plate to gain full access to the belts.

* Inspect the belts. Common issues include broken belts, stretched belts, or belts that have turned to mush. Order replacements — there are five belts in total.
Recommended source:
[http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com Studio Sound Electronics]Use square belts in the following sizes:- RED — 4.0" × 1.2mm (SBS4.0)
* GREEN — 12.4" × 1.2mm (SBS12.4)
* BLUE — 6.0" × 1mm (SBO6.0)
* PURPLE — 4.6" × 1.2mm (SBS4.6)
* YELLOW — 3.2" × 1mm (SBO3.2)

Here’s the belt diagram (faded belt sections indicate hidden routing points):

![Cassette deck belt diagram](images/Cassettedeck/6860040f.png)

The green belt may feel slightly loose, but it still works fine. These belts cost around $1 each and typically arrive quickly.

Once all belts are replaced, simply reassemble the cassette deck by reversing the disassembly steps.

=== Sources Used ===

* Written by: maalsa of
[http://www.zcar.com Zcar.com] [[S130/s130fsm php|1979-1983 280ZX Nissan Factory Service Manuals]]

[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]