Trying to FIX a Faulty DVD / Optical / Disc Drive in a Desktop PC

Hi, in this video me and my brother Paul try to fix his DVD drive in his PC which is failing to open.
Remember that this is just for entertainment and I am not an expert in these repairs. The processes in the video may not be the best way, the correct way or the safest way to fix these things.
I do love fault finding and trying to fix broken things so I hope that comes across in this 'Trying to FIX' series.
Many thanks, Vince.

[dan_]

For me, trouble ejecting is usually almost always the small belt at the front of the drive. I’ve fixed countless disc drives on game consoles, computers etc by popping it off, giving it a clean in warm soapy water and cleaning the wheels with a cotton bud and alcohol while the belt is off. Over time it seems the belt/wheels pick up grease along with aging rubber. Best wishes guys!

[thcub]

i had this exact same issue with a blueray drive (same diagnostic), i tried to fix it with no success, so i leave now a CD in it all time and it work always, but still frustrating to not have found a more elegant solution.
I didn't noticed there was a magnet in this white thing or that the belt/motor could be weak, very interesting, i will definitly test out thoses solutions, thanks for a great video again (love the bro too, good insight and the exchange between the both of you was great)

[UltimatelyEverything]

It's nice to see you and your brother working together it's nice to have that bonding time with siblings where there's no arguments or fighting lol.

[mikenelson]

As someone who's had these problems over the years, I suspected the drive belt right away. Your diagnostics of the problem, and logically working through every possibility was still fascinating to watch. I've got to give your brother credit for first suggesting the problem at about 39:50 "maybe that belt is slipping". When doing some research on the issue, I came across your suggestion of putting the belt in boiling water. Even ordinary rubber bands are said to work, but with a limited life span.

[johnmaskell-bott]

I've just fixed the same problem with an old DVD drive. Small amount of washing up liquid to clean the belt followed by a soak in some boiling water and it works a treat. Many thanks for the video and to the others for the tip about the small belt. Many thanks, JM-B

[EthanBB]

The "clunk" you hear when it tries to open it, is belt being too loose to break the force of magnet in the top part of drive that holds the DVD while spinning. It has no problem to open with DVD inside because makes magnetic force between top and bottom side of spindle sandwich weaker.

And yes, the top part spins with the bottom part together.

[MrKeebs]

How can you make the most uninteresting topic so intriguing and interesting? Loved this video. Thank you so much!

[kylejohnson]

I immediately diagnosed the belt to be loose but I'm glad you guys are not just tossing a working component into a dump even tho a optical drive is only 20 bucks to many things are thrown away even tho there perfectly fine

[TechGorilla]

What a way to start a Sunday morning off!! The set may change, but the fabulous content continues. Cheers!

[kimspeller]

sorry ! i was shouting at the screen before you even took the drive out ! we could see the belt that needed changing thru the tray opening ! :) the belt stretches over time and loses grip. the top magnet clamps together with the drive spindle to hold the disc and stop it moving around as it spins. the reason it wouldnt open is when shut the 2 magnets clamp together and need to be pulled apart to open the tray, but the belt slips. the reason it opens with a disc in is that the disc keeps the magnets slightly apart, so needs less force to pull them apart to open the try. :)

[gardiner]

Great video thank you and can tell it's your brother you both really work together brilliantly

[wilburjones]

Good stuff. I love how you think out loud about what the issue might be and possible solutions.

[KBUIF]

The white plastic with the magnet spins with the disk and keeps the disk in place and does not allow the disk to fly off when spinning.
You will see the same configuration on a FAT PS2 Also. Without the white plastic and magnet there is no pressure onto the rubber
on the drive spindle to drive the disk around either. The white plastic spins freely when gripping the disk and does not contact the lid
when the magnet holds the disk in place.

[davepowell]

Brill teamwork! Great to see brothers working together! 👍👍

[hobbyaddict]

The magnet clamps the disc to the motor spindle so the disc does not slip. It spins along with the drive. but experiences little to no friction as it doesn't touch anything (other than the disc) while running. It is obviously a good design as these drives last many years and rarely if ever fail due to the magnet.

[martinmeyer]

I have same "clunk" problem with one of my old DOS gaming machines. I just use a paper clip, not so good with working on insides on things! When I was a PC technician 20 years ago, it was a grease issue 99% of the time. I have loads of drives spare from a job lot if you need spares or want another project....some of them might very well work, just too pressed for time to check them all. Let me know if you want them FOC :-) You also mention your brother was working with resin...I could sure do with some help on that front, I'm just making a mess....

[TheCheshireCat.]

9/10 it's the belt. Pick up 10 or 20 for £1 off an auction site. 👌

[ARIGHETTI]

DVD drivers always had these problems!! Great job vince!! 👌

[kenny]

I have that exact same problem on my XBox360 (very first model) DVD Drive. Now I know how to fix it. Thanks to you both! :-)

[vgplayersandhaters]

the Drive knowing if it has a disk in it or not has nothing to do with weight. the Drive gears open and lowers the laser and when it closes it raises it. one its closed the drive laser checks or a disk or not. well that is my understanding of it. so like others say it can be the belt slipping or the gears slipping.