Dreamcast Disc Spindle Problem

I recently received a Dreamcast; I already had one, but I wanted another as a backup. Anyway, the system seems to be in decent condition except that there appears to be something wrong with the disc mechanism. With the system off, if you put in a disc and spin it around with your finger, you can hear the disc scratching against the plastic.

If you take the disc out, you can see marks (along where the circumference of the disc would be) on the black part of the disc mechanism. It would appear that the spindle is off center. I think it only scratches at low speeds however. When the system is booting up you can hear the disc scratching, but once you get into a game and the disc speeds up the scratching goes away.

In any case, I'm still afraid it could be damaging the disc (for the test, I used a disc I didn't mind breaking). I took to system apart to have a look at it, but the drive looks normal. Is there any way to fix this?

 

I did get a dreamcast that someone had the wrong drive unit it in so it did not sit correctly in the dreamcast, although they did try and cut the plastic around it (badly), so the disc scratched against the dreamcast plastic.

However, it is probably just the spindle is bent, I would just buy another dreamcast as they are cheap and it would be easier then trying to repair this one. You at least have a spare motherboard.

 

They're not that cheap, and anyway I just wanted a backup in case my other DC dies. The point of getting the DC was that it was very cheap (the unit I bought was, I mean). If I can't repair it easily, then that was a complete waste of money - other than the fact that, as you said, I now have a spare motherboard.

 

Push firmly down on the center of the spindle to see if that fixes it. Have you tried spinning the disc with the cover off to ensure it's not making contact with the case?

Are all of the rubber gromets in place and in good condition?

 

I didn't realize that. I'll give that a try.

Yes and yes.

 

Right guys will make some pictures and show you how to fix this problem with breaking it easy fix i have done this with psones all you need is some tools and fork
for this job. pictures will be up later on.
The same thing happens with sega cd model two and pal units aswell.

 

That would be awesome. Please do.