Panasonic Breadmakers SD206 and SD251to SD257 Drive Belt fix

walkingpole

These machines keep going and going, but eventually, the profiled drive belt on these machines starts to slip on the motor drive pulley. It is impossible to buy a replacement SD026 drive belt - ASD158-108-W (even second-hand); or an SD251 belt - ADF01R140 (except at a ridiculous price).

First of all remove the bottom of the bread-maker (6 pozidrive screws plus 2 star slot screws).

The affordable fix that I have used to keep my SD206 working is to clean all pulley and belt surfaces with methylated spirits, then fit four nitrile16mm o/d 1.5mm c/s o-rings onto the pulley grooves, and then refit the belt. There is now no slip, and after making several loaves, I have observed no deterioration in the o-rings, and the bread-maker kneads well. Because the profiled drive belt will now importantly engage with the gap between the o-rings, it will run slightly higher (or lower) than originally designed, but will soon bed itself in after slightly abrading against the pulley edge for a short time. Do not fit a smaller c/s o-ring. A slightly larger one might be ok.

These o-rings can be bought on-line from Amazon (also ebay). Sold as 50 for £4.09, or found in o-ring boxes of assorted ones.

The SD251 belt is of the same length, but 2mm wider, with an extra pulley groove requiring an extra o-ring.

wkrd

Thanks for this info. I bought a sd251 belt and cut off one of the grooves and worked well but now getting annoying squeak. Have cleaned belt and pulley but still there. You’re right with two aspects 1 - these machines keep on going (21 years) and 2 - the price of another belt of which you have to buy a pack of two is ridiculously priced (rip off). Ive no problems buying another machine but just for a belt seems daft. Ive just got to find those O rings but all advertising 16mm id. Happy bread making. Panasonic are tops.

wkrd

Well I’ve done the modification and it works a treat. Thankfully I kept my old belt so at least I have a spare. Walking pole I thank you and anyone else reading this with a first class machine and belt squeak will equally thank you.

walkingpole

Looked today on ebay, and easily found a pack of 10 for £2.02 with free postage, sold by 'Seals 'R' Us'.

Search '1.5mm nitrile o rings'.

Also found them on Amazon - search '1.5mm nitrile o rings 16mm id

Note that for a 1.5mm thickness o-ring of 16mm od, the id is 13mm.

walkingpole

Another fix to try:

The drive belt for the SD207 is 8mm wide rather than the 6mm of the SD206, but of correct length.

Using a suggestion above, try using sharp scissors to cut along groove in belt to carefully trim off one section along its length to reduce its width. You will only be cutting through rubber (the internal strengthening cords run longitudinally).

Search Amazon Panasonic SD207 drive belt. 1 off for £14.16, free delivery

walkingpole

After nearly three months now of making bread twice a week, modification still going strong.