Next, remove the indicated end of this spring and the E-clip. A pair of curved tweezers can be handy for the spring.

Slide the pinch lever partway up its shaft, and try to get some oil inside the bushing at the bottom of the capstan lock.

I used common bike chain oil on my machine and it has been working well for about a year as of writing this. I doubt this is the best oil to use though, so if you have something better, go for it.

That's it! Assuming all other functions work, you now have a working U-Matic player.