[ben]

I've always found the backtension on these decks to seem a bit high, but they do not have pressure pads so it is relied upon for good head-tape contact. Might be worth checking according to specs.

My best guess is that the rubber pinch roller is past it. Try gripping it in the chuck of a drill with a nut/both through the centre, sanding it down with fine sandpaper to remove the outer rubber.