PS2 Slim - Noisy disk drive [fixed]

Hello everyone,

So I've had this PS2 slim for a little while now and it's always had this issue; when running the disk drive will make a loud 'swish-swish' sound as it's turning, the problem stops if I turn the unit upside-down. It doesn't make a grinding noise and the worm-drive turns smoothly and freely.

It used to scratch the disks and I think it was the ribbon cable reaching up too far, however I have glued the ribbon cable down (not all the way obviously, just enough to stop it arching up too high) and the scratching has stopped but it still makes the noise. I have also raised the disk assembly by using small washers.

My theory is that the problem is being caused by the spindle, it doesn't spin smoothly by hand unless you use a small amount of force to pull it upwards (however I don't have a healthy PS2 slim to compare it to). My thought is that when the unit is upside down the small force exerted by gravity on the disk is enough to pull the spindle and make it spin smoothly.

Has anyone else had a similar problem? If so how did you fix it?

Thank you for your time

 

Maybe try replacing the spindle. If i'm right, it's a separate circuit with the spindle and a ribbon cable attached. A simple swap out might be all your need to do.

Yeh here, http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Slim-Pl...er_Video_Game_Accessories&hash=item4aca8b21df

Not sure what your model number is, but if you search "ps2 spindle assembly" on ebay, that'll bring up a bunch of other auctions.

Only other thing you can try maybe is lifting the spindle up on the pin a tiny amount... just enough to let it spin a little more freely.. just don't break the plastic.

 

I have looked at replacing the spindle, but I wasn't sure if this was the problem and was hoping to confirm it before spending the money because I'm a bit skint at the moment.

I'll take the plunge and update with my results.

Thank you for replying

 

If it's a SCPH-70000 series console, you might want to also consider replacing it with a newer set (SCPH-75000 and newer). The SCPH-70000 series is known to have problems with the laser burning out, even if the unit isn't modified.

 

I didn't realise that the laser/etc from the 75000 would be compatible. I'll check the version when I'm home and consider replacing more, thanks for the heads-up

 

I meant changing the whole console. The problem with the SCPH-70000, to be precise, was with its MECHACON crashing under certain conditions.

You should decide for yourself on what you would want to do. I see the SCPH-70000 series as being unreliable and prone to breaking down (based on the comments and facts behind the burnt laser coil incidents), but you might have a different opinion.

 

I've got a 70000 from the UK release that has never failed me. Granted I haven't used it in a long time now but it has seen thousands of hours of use. Guess I had some luck?

 

Nobody said that the failure rate was 100%. It was probably just remarkably high on the global level. Hence why I wrote that it's up to the OP's discretion, since different users have different views on the reliability of this model.
There was at least two versions of it too, with one (the "v13") being more reliable than the original release.

 

It's a 7500X anyway

My housemate tried to play mercenaries today and the disk drive started to make a wind-up wind-down noise and took ages to load, looks like the spindle is knackered.

Ordered a replacement on Ebay today, let's see if it works

 

Well it was definitely the spindle, had a good look at the old one and the magnets had cracked, leavings bits of them in the motor.

Fitted the new one, had to hack it a bit to get it in the machine (slightly misleading ebay auction as to which model it would fit) It seems that the 7500X models have the spindle mounted to the same piece of metal as the rest of the mechanisms which makes it almost impossible to replace.

Haven't tested it yet, but if anyone else has a similar problem with that noise then chances are it is the spindle.

EDIT: Working perfectly!

 

Glad you got it working mate! Have fun ^_^

 

Well done! I've marked the topic as fixed for future reference.