How to replace the belts on Sony CDP-CE375 and CDP-CE275 CD Changers
Sony CDP-CE375 and CDP-CE275 are very popular 5-Disc CD Changers that were made between 2001 and 2011. While they have proven to be reliable performers over time, their weak spot are the rubber belts. This blog describes how to replace these belts to restore your machine to like-new operation.
The two belts usually fail concurrently, sometimes deteriorating into a gooey mess. One failure is that carousel simply won’t turn or turns very sluggishly due to a worn rotary belt. The other failure is the drawer won’t open, often causing a screeching sound and the dreaded “ERROR” message on the display due to a bad loading belt. These are Sony p/n 4-225-328-01 Rotary Belt (turns the carousel) and 4-225-885-01 Loading Belt (moves the drawer and CD pickup mechanism).
These step-by-step instructions describe how to change the belts in a CDP-CE375 and CDP-CE275. They also apply in principal to other models that have a similar mechanical design including CDP-CE245, CDP-CE345, CDP-CE500, CDP-CE545, CDP-CE575, MCE-CX80K, SCD-CE775, and SCD-C222ES.
We recommend using a magnetic #2 size Philips screwdriver for screw removal and replacement of all chassis and cover screws. Fortunately, all of these screws are the same size so you won't have to worry about which goes where. The carousel screw requires a #1 size Philips screwdriver. An electric screwdriver will assist in quick disassembly but reassembly should be done with a manual screwdriver to prevent stripping the plastic threads. A small slotted screwdriver is needed to manually eject the table in order to remove the drawer trim.
If your machine is barely or "kind of" working, then belt removal and replacement is easy. If the machine is completely non-functional or the belts have deteriorated to a gooey mess, you will likely need to clean the pulleys with 91% (or better) Isopropyl Alcohol and a lot of cotton swabs and paper towels. 70% Rubbing Alcohol is not strong enough to be very effective.
Purchase our Replacement Belt Kit for Sony 5-Disc CD Changers 2000-2016 HERE.
1 - Remove the top cover.
Remove the two screws on each side and two screws on the back. With the back of the machine facing you, grab each bottom side and flex them outward slightly while lifting it off.
2 - Remove the bottom screws.
Remove these bottom screws. CDP-CE275 does not have the left-most screw because it does not have a headphone jack, While the machine is upside down, insert a straight-blade screwdriver in the hole shown in the upper right side and rotate it clockwise until the table begins to move out. Then turn the machine over, making sure the table remains out.
3 - Remove the drawer trim.
Remove the drawer trim by lifting both sides up while very-slightly pulling the bottom side out. This needs to be removed so that the front panel bezel can clear the drawer.
4 - Remove the front panel cables.
Remove the two power connectors on the left side by squeezing each connector latch and pulling each connector out, Take care when removing the ribbon cable on the right side by pulling it straight up, not at an angle. The CDP-CE275 does not have the other small connector on the right side because it does not have a headphone jack.
5 - Remove the front panel.
Gently pull the retaining wing on the right side of the front panel and pull the panel so that it just barely clears the chassis. Do this on both sides. You will then be able to completely remove the panel.
6 - Rotary Belt replacement.
Remove the screw in the center of the carousel using a #1 Philips screwdriver, then lift off the carousel. Then replace the Rotary Belt (carousel belt). Take care to ensure the belt is not twisted by rotating the pully by hand. If there is any dust under the carousel, wipe it clean before replacing the carousel. Then replace the carousel. When putting the screw back in, be carful not to "cut" a new set of threads. Rotate the screw counter-clockwise until you hear/feel it click (seat in the original threads), then turn clockwise to tighten. Be careful not to over-tighten.
7 - Mechanism removal from chassis.
Remove these three screws from the rear panel.
Remove the four screws which hold down the mechanism to the chassis. You will need to extend the table and rotate the carousel to gain access to the top right screw shown in the image below. Carefully remove the two connectors from the PC board. Remove the two pieces of black tape from the rear panel and chassis which hold the blue and brown wires (tape not shown here). Then, lift up the mechanism to remove it from the chassis.
8 - Loading Belt replacement.
Turn the mechanism upside down and replace the Loading Belt. Take care to ensure the belt is not twisted by rotating the pully by hand.
9 - Reassembly hints.
Reassemble the machine in the reverse order. Do not overtighten any of the screws, use a hand screwdriver only.
When placing the mechanism back in the chassis, make sure the wires are out of the way so that the mechanism seats correctly in the chassis. Make sure the clip on the side of the mechanism is retaining the two sets of power wires that route to the front panel. Check that all four mounts protrude through the bottom of the chassis before replacing the four screws. Position the blue and brown wires between the back panel and the retaining tabs of the mechanism before replacing the three screws on the back panel. Don't worry about replacing the two pieces of tape that were previously removed, they are not necessary.
Take care when re-inserting the ribbon cables. Do not insert them at an angle, they are not very forgiving. On the PC board, fold the retaining wires back to their original position.
When replacing the front panel, make sure the ribbon cable on the right side not pinched between the chassis. On the CDP-CE375, make sure the headphone jack retaining tab is on the inside of the chassis.
Before putting the cover back on, make sure the wires on the left side are out of the way of the tray table. Plug in the machine and test it to make sure the carousel rotates, the table goes in and out, and it plays a CD.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have just extended the life of your Sony CD Changer!
Purchase our Replacement Belt Kit for Sony 5-Disc CD Changers 2000-2016 HERE.
Fits CDP-CE245, CDP-CE275, CDP-CE345, CDP-CE375, CDP-CE500, CDP-CE545, CDP-CE575, MCE-CX80K, SCD-CE775, SCD-C222ES
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