PS2 making clicking sound when loading games

[dunedog]

I have a PS/2 modded with Infinity. It is model no. SCPH-50001.
It is starting to have loading problems with games. It does not matter if it's a backup or original. It will be in the middle of loading and then it seems to freeze and make a rapid clicking noise.

Is this a laser problem? If so, is it worthwhile trying the cleaning disks? Or is this a job to take it apart and try cleaning the lens directly? Almost seems like a mechanical problem since it's making that clicking noise.

If it is recommended to try a cleaning disk, any recommendations or warning of what brand/type to use or not use?

The unit is only 1 yr. and 2 months old.

[dunedog]

When I give a hard knock on the top edge around where the reset button is, it seems to fix the loading problem with clicking noise. It fixes it temporarily, but could come back while playing the same game.
I'm not "banging" it extremely hard, just a nice steady hard knock.

I recall seeing a similar problem, but not seeing any final resolution.

[zellar]

Mine was doing that also. I cleaned the lens and I also noticed some of my games on cheap Princos were also doing it. I re-burned those games to Ridata and with the lens cleaning the noise has stopped.....give it a try.

[lufcfan]

Yeah - it's your laser. Give it a clean and see if that improves the situation...

[dunedog]

Lufcfan, do you recommend I try a cleaning disk first, or is taking it apart the only real solution?

Zellar, I forgot to mention I am "only" using Ridata -R disks, since day 1. The only exception would be for the rare instance of playing a PS1 game on a Sony CD.

[earthman]

Hi, my ps2 have clicking noise too, my clicking noise is when I play the game with Hdl and in the middle of loading and then it seems to freeze and make a rapid clicking noise. so is that mean my hd is dead. or is there anything it can fix it...


ps2 modded dms3, model no. SCPH-30001 R

[sawdust]

hi i had a 50001 system in last week that was doing the same, what was wrong was the sled rails needed greaseing( use sillacone grease or as a last resort wd40 on a cotton bud) after that no problems also done the romeo mod on it so see if the laser is sticking on the rails it should be moveing freely some times on the older systems the white arm that runs on the worm drive wears on the v9-10 this can be lightly bent down to give it more grip (i do mean LIGHTLY)
hope it helps

[Warlock]

The laser is clicking because it cannot focus on the grove on the cd/dvd. I would take it apart and clean the laser with a cue tip as well as be sure the rails are lubed like Sawdust stated. hopefully this will fix the problem, if not it may be time for a new laser

[spedmetal]

Originally Posted by dunedog

When I give a hard knock on the top edge around where the reset button is, it seems to fix the loading problem with clicking noise.

Please dont suggest this solution to anyone any more. Reminds me of "if it doesnt fit get a bigger hammer" just not correct.

Anyway like Warlock stated the click you here is the laser trying desperately to read the data on your disc. Dust is just about the worst thing for any PS2 laser. You might try the cleaning disc but some times they do more harm then good. The best way to clean it is with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol. It being only 1 year old will have no bearing if the laser is dirty from dust. Dirt lasers will also wear out much faster as the laser has to work much harder to read the disc's through the dust.

[dunedog]

Well I finally found the time to take the PS2 apart. I cleaned the laser with alcohol and lubed the rails. It's working better, although it still makes a clicking sound once in a while, but is not getting stuck like before.

Thanks for all the suggestions.