Ps3 having trouble with disk

[Aylee]

So I bought a ps3 about 2 years ago. Haven't really used it that much has about maybe 100-200 hours on it. Just started using it again recently to play ff13 and i've noticed that when I turn the system on with the disk in it it kinda makes clinking noises (noises it makes when trying to read a disk) then makes a noise like its ejecting the disk although it never comes out. Then it makes the noises again and then ejects the disk for real this time. Any idea wtf is up with it? The only way I can get it to read the disk is to take the disk out restart the system then put the disk in. Even then this only works about 33% of the time.

[Cyn]

I had a similar problem years ago with a PS2. I opened it up and poked around a bit and it turned out that the laser wasn't tracking properly. Pulled the assembly out and didn't see much wear on it so I put it all back in and made sure it was firmly set and the problem went away.

Not saying that is for certain what is wrong with yours, but it definitely sounds like it to me. The clicking sound drives make are usually the laser assembly homing to a neutral position so that the drive knows where it is. Or hell, maybe the laser just needs to be cleaned...

[Aylee]

I had a similar problem years ago with a PS2. I opened it up and poked around a bit and it turned out that the laser wasn't tracking properly. Pulled the assembly out and didn't see much wear on it so I put it all back in and made sure it was firmly set and the problem went away.

Not saying that is for certain what is wrong with yours, but it definitely sounds like it to me. The clicking sound drives make are usually the laser assembly homing to a neutral position so that the drive knows where it is. Or hell, maybe the laser just needs to be cleaned...

Well its 2 years old so I assume any warranty it has is already voided so opening it wont really hurt me any. What are the odds of messing something up? I assume do it away from carpet?

[Cyn]

PS3s are not incredibly difficult to open up, there are tons of videos on Youtube that go through the process. There are a lot of screws though, and of various lengths, so you need to make sure you keep them organized in order to get it back together.

And yeah, with it being that old it's out of warranty. But unless Sony has drastically reduced their charge for repairing it, even if you need to swap the whole drive it will be cheaper in the long run to do it yourself. Or, if you're not tech savvy and nervous about doing it yourself, it's better to look for a local repair shop.

[Aylee]

anyone else have any suggestions before i rip the thing apart?