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How to Fix a PS3 Disc Spindle

The PlayStation 3 has a Blu-ray drive inside the console that plays game discs and movies. Dirt or other contaminants that accumulate on the disc spindle must be cleaned off for the drive to function reliably. You'll need to partially disassemble the PS3 to remove and clean the drive. You can buy the required tools from a hardware store or electronics shop.

Things You'll Need

Phillips screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers
Compressed air
Cotton swabs
Isopropyl alcohol

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all of the cables connected to the PS3. Place the PS3 on a work surface with the front facing you. Pull the plastic tab out of the bottom front edge. Scratch the sticker off, using the tip of the Phillips screwdriver. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw that can now be seen.
- 2
  Pull the top cover toward you. Lift the cover. Remove the screws that are now revealed, using the Phillips screwdriver. Press the plastic clip at the inside back of the cover and pull the cover off. Place the cover aside.
- 3
  Locate the square-shaped disc drive inside the PS2. Grip the plug from one of the two cables connected to the drive that is in a socket on the motherboard, using needle-nose pliers. Pull the plug out of the socket. Repeat this procedure with the other cable connected to the drive.
- 4
  Pull up on one end of the clasp that covers the cables connected to the drive. Remove the screws from around the clasp, using the Phillips screwdriver.
- 5
  Remove the screws from around the green board, using the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the bracket off the board. Pull the board out from inside the PS2. Place the bracket and board aside. Remove the cover from the DVD drive. Place the cover aside.
- 6
  Blow any dust off the drive with a burst of compressed air. Moisten the end of a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol. Run the moistened tip of the swab clockwise against the rim of the disc spindle at the center of the drive. Do this for two revolutions. Repeat the entire procedure with a fresh cotton swab.
- 7
  Place a game disc on the spindle. Rotate the game disc back and forth for 10 seconds before removing it.
- 8
  Blow off the drive with a burst of compressed air. Place the cover back on. Place the board and bracket back in the PS2. Reattach the screws. Reinsert the cables from the drive into the sockets and reattach the screws. Close the clasp.
- 9
  Press in on the plastic clip at the inside back of the cover. Place the cover back on the PS2. Push the cover away from you. Insert the plastic tab and reattach the screw. Reattach the cables.

PlayStation 3