1996 850 SC-815 or SC-816 tape deck belt install

johnbarbour · Post by **johnbarbour** » 06 Jun 2014, 20:29

Hi,

I just took apart the SC-816 radio from an 850 to figure out why the tape deck kept flipping sides, hoping that it was an easy fix. After removing the tape deck, I found the broken tape drive belt.

I'm currently looking for a replacement belt (any ideas?) but my big concern is with installing the new belt. How does it wrap around the rollers on the underside of the tape deck? Does anyone have a diagram or photo? I've spent the last few hours digging through the website and haven't found anything. Even the tutorials for adding a iPod hookup (tempting since the radio is already open) leave out a photo of the tape deck bottom.

Can anyone point me towards a photo or diagram for installing the belt?

Thanks!

-John

johnbarbour · Post by **johnbarbour** » 07 Jun 2014, 22:19

Well, lots of looks but no responses. In the meantime I've kept looking and found a thread on volvoforums:
http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850- ... sue-63050/

It includes a link to a video, here:

It's a different radio, a 710 I think, but there are some shots of the underside of the tape deck and the path of the tape drive belt. It'll be a good starting point once the replacement belt arrives.

Figured I'd update this post since I found at least one other person asking the same question and not getting a response. Maybe this will help the next person out.

Would still love a clear photo or diagram of the belt path.

-John

Post by **Ben850** » 08 Jun 2014, 02:11

If you have a pick and pull yard near by, you can get a functioning unit complete, usually less than $20.

I own hundreds of cassettes but have not played one in years. Certainly not in either of my 850s, but I did change out both radios to SC-816s for the cd capability. I haven't used the cd function either except to see if they worked.
I still have this one, and the deck works. You can have it for the price of shipping. (Just kidding, find a pick and pull unit.)

: The Sedan.

johnbarbour · Post by **johnbarbour** » 08 Jun 2014, 14:23

Cool story.

Post by **Ben850** » 08 Jun 2014, 19:10

johnbarbour wrote:Cool story.

I meant no disrespect at all. These radios are cheap and Volvo dealers will usually give you the code if you let them know it was a salvage piece.

johnbarbour · Post by **johnbarbour** » 08 Jun 2014, 20:16

I know; it's just frustrating when you see your own thread turning into what 99.9% of the other threads on the topic became. I know I can buy a replacement radio for cheap either online or at a junkyard and that I can get the security code from the dealer. I know I can upgrade to a better sound system. I know that most people don't use tapes or cds anymore. If I didn't know these things I would definitely learn it within 2 seconds of Googling "Volvo 850 tape deck trouble."

However, what I don't know, and what I'm asking, is how to install the the tape deck drive belt.

I know I'm being grumpy-internet-that-guy, but how awesome would it be if my question were resolved in such a way that the next person with a $2 replacement belt could find his way here and leave with a satisfactory answer? Pretty awesome, right?

Post by **Ben850** » 08 Jun 2014, 22:05

johnbarbour wrote:I know; it's just frustrating when you see your own thread turning into what 99.9% of the other threads on the topic became. I know I can buy a replacement radio for cheap either online or at a junkyard and that I can get the security code from the dealer. I know I can upgrade to a better sound system. I know that most people don't use tapes or cds anymore. If I didn't know these things I would definitely learn it within 2 seconds of Googling "Volvo 850 tape deck trouble."

However, what I don't know, and what I'm asking, is how to install the the tape deck drive belt.

I know I'm being grumpy-internet-that-guy, but how awesome would it be if my question were resolved in such a way that the next person with a $2 replacement belt could find his way here and leave with a satisfactory answer? Pretty awesome, right?

Wow, all apologies and seriousness. I have turned almost every nut an bolt around these cars, but never had taken the radio apart.
I do happen to be an audio engineer, but seriously have not had to deal with that issue since digital information.
I know someone has, and hope they may chime in.
Sincerely.

Post by **Ben850** » 09 Jun 2014, 18:13

Just a suggestion?
Alright, the shipping is too expensive, but I'm not sure if this is a mission or a way to save a dollar.

If it gives a sense of accomplishment, by all means chase down that O ring and get it done.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-S70-V70-8 ... f3&vxp=mtr

johnbarbour · Post by **johnbarbour** » 18 Jun 2014, 18:58

Here's the correct installation path for the tape deck drive belt. I figured it out via that youtube video posted above. Guy has some shaky camera work but I was able to get some useful screen grabs.

Belt (SBS 16.0 from studiosoundelectronics.com) was $2 and shipping was $5.99.

Nothing like the sweet sounds of Lionel Richie circa 1983 to signify a job well done.

Post by **Ben850** » 20 Jun 2014, 03:55

Glad you could get it working.
I have a stockpile of old fusion jazz and '70s rock in my storage if you're interested.

Some 8 track as well.