Now that most of these tapes are at least 30 years old, it goes without saying that some of them may need a little tlc to either keep them functioning or get them back into working order.  The biggest issues I have run into involve rotted foam pads, missing felt pads and sensing foil that either breaks if the tape is played through with the original foil in place.  Or in many cases the sensing foil is on the inside of the reel and it has corroded to the playtape resting on top of it.  Essentially locking the reel in place.  Another less common issue I have run into is with the 3 tab TC8 cartridges having dried up lubricant on the spindle that the pinch roller rides on.  Which will cause horrible tape drag.  Fortunately most issues with these tapes can be fixed.  Aside of course from demagnetization, physical damage to the playtape (including mildew) and the rare tapes that are chemically breaking down and turning to goo. 

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The hardest part of the tape tune up in most cases is opening the cartridge itself.  The rest is usually pretty straight forward (emphasis on usually).  Which is where my cartridge opening videos will come in handy.

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I STRONGLY suggest you practice repairs on tapes that you do not care about as it can take a bit of finesse to get things right and you will make mistakes initially.  Much better to do this on tapes you do not care about than your prized 80's Record Club Only tape!!!!