TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work

[besthegreat]

Has anyone else experienced this?  It's been through some wear and tear recently.  I've done a laser replacement but it seemed the more I fidgeted with the system the more problems I would have.   It works now but I have to flip it upside down.  I'm hoping this is repairable but I'm still trying to figure out how.  Anyone have an idea as to what would cause this?

[ToyMachine78]

Did you replace it with PS1 guts? Lol

[jakeri]

Has anyone else experienced this?  It's been through some wear and tear recently.  I've done a laser replacement but it seemed the more I fidgeted with the system the more problems I would have.   It works now but I have to flip it upside down.  I'm hoping this is repairable but I'm still trying to figure out how.  Anyone have an idea as to what would cause this?

I'd guess the spinner motor bearing is failing. Thats been the most usual problem I've encountered with any optical disc drives. Never had tg cd drive though.

[jakeri]

and oiling the bearing (if possible) could help ofc.

[Keith Courage]

usually this is the sign of a week old lens or a drive that needs potentiometer adjustment.

[besthegreat]

usually this is the sign of a week old lens or a drive that needs potentiometer adjustment.

The lens is new.  Is there a specific pot for the motor?  Took me days to get it right to read CDs again without issue.  Just trying to narrow it down

I'm thinking it's just the motor wearing down but just don't get why gravity can fix it but I cant.

[jakeri]

usually this is the sign of a week old lens or a drive that needs potentiometer adjustment.

The lens is new.  Is there a specific pot for the motor?  Took me days to get it right to read CDs again without issue.  Just trying to narrow it down

I'm thinking it's just the motor wearing down but just don't get why gravity can fix it but I cant.

the weared out bearing with pressure is much more work for the motor to spin. When put upside down there is "reversed" pressure and the bearings roll more freely
I hope this side cut of motor explains it:

/bearing.png

[besthegreat]

I see, thank you for the graphic and explanation.  It makes sense.  Although it may not be fixable, I believe it is a component that is replaceable.  I appreciate everyone's help and advice.

[Keith Courage]

the one potentiometer that is alone by itself on the opposite side of the large ribbon cable is the one that adjusts the spindle motor speed.

[besthegreat]

Thanks!  I will give it a whirl

[besthegreat]

I realized its because the spindle was pushed down.  I attempted to pry it up and am able to get it spinning but it's wobbly.  Still works upside down.  I'll probably give it another attempt when I pick up the proper tools.