Funky PS2 disk tray

[rimjet]

My PS2 is a Phat one with 8 screws. When I push the eject button on my PS2 something abnormal is bound to happen. This always includes one of the following:

1] Spits out the tray but then the tray goes right back in the system (I admit that I hold it open when it does open which probably hasn't made the tray any better)
2] Opens very slowly
3] Doesn't open at all, takes a few pushes of the eject button to finally open up

It almost seems like the motor that's running the disk drive is worn out but I'm really not familiar with the innards of a PS2. All I could find was information about PS2 not reading the disks which isn't my problem at all, the PS2 reads and plays games just fine. I guess I'm wondering if my hunch is correct and if it is, what part would I need to fix it? I was also considering buying the replacement top that lets you open the disk drive from the top of the system since it would be a cheap $20 fix to my problem but I'm not sure.

Anywho, tips and suggestions would be grand.

[Hobie-wan]

Stretched out or dirty belt is very likely.

[Ziggy]

I guess if you're having a hard time finding a replacement belt (assuming that is indeed the problem) a flip top case would be another solution. That is, if you don't mind having the flip top. I never recommend doing disk swap procedures because they usually add a lot of needless wear and tear to a console. Though I suppose you could use the flip top to fix your problem without doing any disc swapping.

[BRIK]

1+ for flip top case model. They're pretty damn hard to break.

[rimjet]

I found the belt and gears for the disk drive for around $7. The flip top is about $20.

But I also can't really find a guide on how to replace the disk drive belt and gears and I'm not sure how comfortable I feel going in and doing a repair blind. The flip top seems a lot less risky.

[sabrage]

I can't imagine why you would need to replace the gears, and the flip top mod is definitely more intensive than simply replacing the belt. When you open the drive, there should be a small rubber band connecting two gears underneath the drive tray. Simply pop that off and try cleaning it with mild soap, then let it air dry or wipe it down with a lint-free cloth, then slip it back over the gears (I found that a flathead jewelers screwdriver helped with this.) If that still doesn't work, you can order a new belt and try replacing it completely.
(all credit to humar for teaching me)

[CRTGAMER]

The flip top mod is easy to do but I cringe at the fragile hinges on the lid, it is only small plastic legs. If open and closed every day, might eventually snap. I only open mine when installing an Import game. As long as you are careful then the Flip Top is one solution.

The tray wanting to close by itself must be the sensor that "thinks" you are pushing on the tray. Maybe because of the slippage or friction of the tray coming out slow. Pop the cover, see how it works, clean then lubricate with just a little bit of 3in1 oil where the plastic rubs. Not too much that will drip or attract dust, just a little for lubrication. Once you do get it working avoid pushing on the tray to close, use the eject button.