I think for a difference of only $15 i would contact spedmetal at norcalmods. If it took a week to get a return email how long will it take to get the console back once its sent?. Nothing against richpsxparts, I buy parts from him. I just think Sped would do you a good job and be honest about whats wrong with the console. I would rather spend 15 extra bucks and get my console back in a week than save it and wait a month for my console to be returned ;) .

I've recently started having this problem and I did a little errortesting on the ps2. The problem I have is that the piece of plastc that connects the laser tray to the arm running it doesn't connect well. So what happens is that it sitts on top of the marks where it should run, hence the clicking sounds.
I push it into place and it works for a while, maybe one two hours but then it jumps off again and I have to open the damn thing and fix it again.
Any ideas on how to fix it? Doesn't feel like a problem that should cost 35$ to fix.

I think it was Ottoman who fixed this with his - I think... :)

did ya try changing media?