Hi. I have a mod chipped Sega Saturn that recently, without warning quit spinning discs. I read that the problem may lie in the laser assembly ribbon. After much, much work unscrewing stuck screws (one of which I refuse to put back in because the screw hole is stripped), I re-seated the ribbon.
The CDs now spin. However, I have a new problem. There is a ton of noise! My Saturn sounds like a dying PS2 (I've had three lasers die on me before). There seem to be no problems reading the discs (even burned ones) and no extra load times. Just a ton of racket. Any clues as to what may be causing this?
I'm thinking it may be a lube issue. All I did was off the black plastic cover and removing the laser rod so I could maneuver the ribbon. . . . and clean dust off with a q-tip. I'm beginning to think this was a bad idea, because I absent mindedly cleaned some dirt off the laser rod piece. I know with PS2s, the rod is supposed to stay lubricated. I fear I may have removed that lubrication and caused me laser to behave very noisily.
Might this be the culprit? I've read that WD-40 is not the solution for lubrication. Any suggestions for what to use? I'd prefer a product easily found in major chain hardware stores, if possible. And when I apply the lubricant, I'd apply it to the metal rod, correct?
Of course, if it's something else, I would greatly appreciate any advice. I don't want to run my Saturn until I solve the problem (unless it's harmless, which seems unlikely).
Alternatively, if my laser is inevitably going to bite the dust, is a replacement laser easy to obtain? Would I be better off buying a new Saturn? I am unable to solder myself, and I would like to keep my modchip in whatever system I use, preferably without having to buy a new one. I'm not sure what the best, and cheapest, route would be if I need replacement.
Sorry if this seemed long winded. I'm just not super knowledgeable about this. Thank you in advance!