Blu ray lens DIY Fix

[jgda9rs]

i'm thinking about fixing the disc player on my ps3, instead of just sending it off to sony, which will take time, and since it's not on warranty anymore, i'm thinking about tackling it myself. chances are, it's probably a faulty dvd lens, or maybe it's just a loose part inside. i'm just wondering if anyone here's ever attempted to do that? i saw a tutorial on youtube, but the problem is, really identifying the problem that's causing the player not to read. worse comes to worse, it's probably the laser lens and if i screw up, would just have to brick this ps3 unit that i have ( 80gb ) and get a slim version. i mean, i lose either way, so why not just try it. or i can just leave it and just purchase games from the ps store. i mean, it still plays demos and downloaded games that i bought.
i just don't wanna get rid of the discs that i have now just because my stupid ps3 can't read them. i'm not really ready to sell my special edition games like gta4 and stuff like that, at a low price. asking for everyone's blessing what do you guys think?

 

[boiltheocean]

It sounds like your laser has burnt out, you'll need to buy a replacement lens. I had the exact same problem as you not long ago, I simply followed these instructions and now it works fine.

Different models have different lasers inside them so make sure you buy the correct one. I bought this which also includes the laser carriage (it makes the job of replacing the parts easier), also note the page has a chart on for PS3 model and laser compatibility.

 

[advent]

Mine burned out after GT froze following a replay of the ring. This was about 2 weeks ago. Replaced it today, got about 3 hours of GT play in (with a couple of freezes) then following the 3rd freeze I couldn't quit the game via the PS button and it's buggered the drive again. Can't believe it. This was apparently a genuine Sony part from Jackofallgames, brand new at £50 and lasted all of 3 hours. I am seriously wondering whether GT5 is too much for a 40gig fatty to handle. If so, this really isn't a good thing at all.....the system is in good condition, dust free. I've never had a single problem, even a game freeze until I slipped GT5 in the drive....

Anyone else experienced any similar issues?

 

[wonderpill]

honestly... burning out a lens? I doubt it.

Its probably dirty... plastic lens... laser heat... aerosols in the air in your home pass through the system, like a vacuum cleaner... and attach to the lens, blocking the laser light, and eventually creating read errors.

I would never recommend a do it yourself repair, unless you have some experience with electronics repairs.

If you do, use a non abrasive cleaner, and make sure that it does not melt plastic... test it on saran wrap or a ziploc bag, and make sure it doesn't create permanent fog... if it stays clear, using a q-tip, clean the lens only... if that doesn't fix it, get a quote from Sony... or buy another one, and sell the other on craigslist or ebay.

 

[dredre]

honestly... burning out a lens? I doubt it.

the lenses actually do burn out, its a common failure on the ps3's. ive had one burn out on my self actualy. When i took it apart, it didn't matter what i did the laser just wouldn't work. Most of the drives work on a dual beam system, one for DVD ROM and one for Blu-ray.

 

[A7X]

I got given a ps3 that wouldn't read discs, so I did as above and bought a replacement laser and deck, been working fine for the last six months playing bluray and dvd (and gt5). I bought one that had a month warranty though as I've heard horror stories of them only lasting a couple of hours.

When I got a quote from Sony they wanted about 80 plus postage, so thought I'd try it myself. Pretty easy but can get fiddly. Even if you don't manage to replace it you'll still be able to play the downloaded games so haven't lost anything in that respect.