how do i stop tape from jittering?

Having thought a little, it could also just need cleaning. Probably the capstans. (the rubber rollers and the metal pins they hold the tape against). Also the tape guides. There are proprietry cleaning tapes you can but. I have found the Scotch dry head cleaners (as opposed to the type you have to put drops of liquid in) to be very good. The last one I bought cost £10, but well worth the investment. It can be done manually, using lint 'cotton buds' and ethyl acohol available from chemist shops. You have ti know where to clean, though. And you have to take the cover off, so if you don't feel confident and don't have any knowledge of elecronics/electricity, go for the tape cleaner.

Paul Higgins
July 2005

It sounds as though the mechanism is out. repairs mean having a high-spec jig and tapes to re-set it. Not available to the general public, normally. In these days of digital media, it is hardly worth paying for. Find a cheap replacement, if you really need to keep a vcr. They are now down to less than £30, if you shop around.

Paul Higgins
July 2005