Low CD spindle?

[D-Lite]

So, I've found in many cases that a Duo/R/RX won't spin because the damn CD spindle itself is too low.  Nothing to do with the HOP-M3 assembly, just the spindle itself.  Does anyone know how to lift that little sucker up?

[Necromancer]

Ummm.... viagra? 

Slightly more serious: is it possible that the spindle is exactly where it should be, but the case isn't quite all the way down?

[D-Lite]

Ummm.... viagra? 

Slightly more serious: is it possible that the spindle is exactly where it should be, but the case isn't quite all the way down?

Nope, it's lower.  I've opened up about 100+ of these and it's definitely the case with some.  Switching housings shows definitively that it's the spindle itself.

Any ideas?  Anyone?

[Michael Helgeson]

Ummm.... viagra? 

Slightly more serious: is it possible that the spindle is exactly where it should be, but the case isn't quite all the way down?

Nope, it's lower.  I've opened up about 100+ of these and it's definitely the case with some.  Switching housings shows definitively that it's the spindle itself.

Any ideas?  Anyone?

You could try to rest it on a dab of dried hot glue. Its a risk though it may not work.If you had to you could slowly shave back/mold it, and be rid of the un-needed amount with  a dremel. Another method would be via some kinda thin rubber lift that could raise it. I did that with a busted Sega CD 2 once.

I'm doubtful either method will help much,but it may give you other ideas at least.

[D-Lite]

Ummm.... viagra? 

Slightly more serious: is it possible that the spindle is exactly where it should be, but the case isn't quite all the way down?

Nope, it's lower.  I've opened up about 100+ of these and it's definitely the case with some.  Switching housings shows definitively that it's the spindle itself.

Any ideas?  Anyone?

You could try to rest it on a dab of dried hot glue. Its a risk though it may not work.If you had to you could slowly shave back/mold it, and be rid of the un-needed amount with  a dremel. Another method would be via some kinda thin rubber lift that could raise it. I did that with a busted Sega CD 2 once.

I'm doubtful either method will help much,but it may give you other ideas at least.

Problem is I've seen this with a number of units.  Probably at least 10.  You know, now that you mention changing the other parts, I could probably just remove that plastic cover piece which is raised itself.  Probably will work then....   

[Michael Helgeson]

Anything is worth a shot. I only had this problem occur on a Sega Cd 2 deck cause it was broke on a riser peg and the drive would spin the disc into circular scratch oblivion. I wish I could help more,but I don't have any experience with problematic Duo-Rs drives. Your main problem is of course when removing the protective plate the exposure of working parts to the possibility of more dust and other factors,like clumsy hands.

[Platinumfungi]

Just trying to make sure I'm 100% with you here. Is the part circled in red the only part you're having issues with?  Or is it the whole spindle assembly or something else?

[D-Lite]

Just trying to make sure I'm 100% with you here. Is the part circled in red the only part you're having issues with?  Or is it the whole spindle assembly or something else?

Exactly that part.  Or should I say, that spindle and the shaft supporting it as a result.

[Platinumfungi]

So the cd half of the system cannot be used in the current state correct?

Is the entire cd area assembly too low or just the spindle?

When you said you've tried switching housings, what all did you switch out?  Did you try swapping another spindle in the same system or the entire cd area assembly or other? 

I'd compare two spindles by themselves side to side if you haven't already to get some exact troubleshooting. 

Is the spindle adjustable if you totally disassemble it?  It has two screws on the top but I believe that's just to separate it from the black plastic shell that attaches it to the metal cd area assembly frame.  I bet they're a bitch to totally disassemble without damaging them in the process.

I have noticed that there is a very small amount of play in the spindle if you pull up or push down for what that's worth.

Are the blue rubber feet that hold up the cd area assembly damaged at all?

Does the spindle seem like it will operate properly (besides the height issue)?  (Does it spin at start up and not make any noises?)

[D-Lite]

So the cd half of the system cannot be used in the current state correct?

Is the entire cd area assembly too low or just the spindle?

When you said you've tried switching housings, what all did you switch out?  Did you try swapping another spindle in the same system or the entire cd area assembly or other? 

I'd compare two spindles by themselves side to side if you haven't already to get some exact troubleshooting. 

Is the spindle adjustable if you totally disassemble it?  It has two screws on the top but I believe that's just to separate it from the black plastic shell that attaches it to the metal cd area assembly frame.  I bet they're a bitch to totally disassemble without damaging them in the process.

I have noticed that there is a very small amount of play in the spindle if you pull up or push down for what that's worth.

Are the blue rubber feet that hold up the cd area assembly damaged at all?

Does the spindle seem like it will operate properly (besides the height issue)?  (Does it spin at start up and not make any noises?)

Basically, the spindle itself it definitely the problem.  Switching the laser carriage (the metal framing along with the motor and spindle) with another solves the problem for that unit, but still leaves the original laser unusable.  The problem is that it is too low in the housing to spin the CD above the plastic.  So yes, it spins, but scratches the disc all over the place. 

I've tried to adjust the height before, but couldn't get the shaft to move within the motor.  There is a bit of play, but it's at most 1/32".  And removing those two screws is a royal bitch.  I couldn't even get that metal disc that supports the CD off.  Lined up the holes and I could remove the screws, but that was really hard.

Really want I need to know is if anyone here has ever disassembled the laser motor housing before.

[termis]

I'm not sure if I'll help much in this, but I had similar problems with the Saturn, where the spindle basically sat too low & scratched the discs.  For the Saturn, the spindle part was very easily able to go in *too* far, to the point where the metal shaft of the motor actually punctured through the plastic part of the spindle itself.  However, you can easily pull the whole thing out and just reset it to a more suitable position (and set it in place with some goop glue between the metal shaft and the spindle).

I figure there's gotta be a way you can move/adjust this thing for the Duos as well... 

[SNKNostalgia]

If all else fails you can just use some needle nose pliers to hold the metal rod and yank on the spindle top with your hands. It worked for my Neo Geo CD single speed back in the day. Can you get to the metal rod under the plastic? Also, you can bend a cheap smaller screwdriver to work like an angled wrench to get the housing off easier.

[Platinumfungi]

Is it possible to buy a replacement spindle?  I've never bought spindles myself, so I'm not sure...

[Turbo D]

Its possible to buy them, but I would just pull it up to position. Just make sure that you don't bend the motor shaft when you pull it and your set.

[Platinumfungi]

Why/how do the spindles get out of position in the first place?