| Grex > Hardware > #185: CD-Writer tray ejecting is flaky. |
| CD-Writer tray ejecting is flaky. | 
May 21 16:49 UTC 2006 |
My CD-Writer is on the blink. I opened it up and the small rubber belt used to eject the tray is loose. Is there any way to fix this. I'm not sure i could get a spare. Can't i use a rubber band instead?
| response 1 of 4: |
May 21 17:08 UTC 2006 |
It might be an O-ring, which are readily available. Does it have a flat or round cross-section? If round, what is its cross-section diameter?
| response 2 of 4: |
May 22 04:56 UTC 2006 |
It's is O shaped..well circular..not elliptical..it had a rectangular CS. I washed it and heaved it back in. The tray doesnt eject and i have to use a pin to force it out. I'll try some rubber-bands. Any way to measure the CS diameter accurately..its 1-2mm in dia (rough estimate). I was wondering if i could somehow make the band more adhesive, by applying some compound..without having the gunk fly all over the shop, or some way to make the rubber contract..
| response 3 of 4: |
May 22 06:03 UTC 2006 |
Try an O-ring anyway. They are available in more sizes, both in cross section and circumference, than rubber bands. (The "O" in O-ring stands for the cross section, while "ring" applies the, well, ring.) See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-ring for some O-ring faqs. They are widely used as seals in plumping so that limits sizes available at hardware stores.
| response 4 of 4: |
May 25 17:56 UTC 2006 |
Places that sell VCR repair parts have a wide selection of belts. Usually you measure the length of the existing belt, subtract 10% or so for stretch, and order that size.