Pioneer LD-V4400 Repair - Any pointers?

[ENunn]

someone gifted me an ld-v4400 for my birthday. when it came I powered it up to see if it worked. when I put a disc in, it wouldn't spin or play. I saw the park light on, so I assume that something was going on with the laser. I read online that before shipping a laserdisc player you should park the laser so it won't get destroyed in transit, and apparently the only way to unpark it is by using a remote, which I don't have. ok, that's fine, I'll order one.

when I opened up the tray, it was very slow to open. I opened it a few times, and after that I heard a crashing sound, and then the tray wouldn't open at all. it kept making this noise that sounded like a chipmunk spongebob screaming.
https://youtu.be/-TwGUCnolAg?si=Os-42O9J2Xm7mvWT

well that's not good

I opened up the player, and later on the disc tray was loose and I could move it freely. I don't think that's normal.
https://youtu.be/bfTaugfLaY8?si=u6PVEIJVboh90769

after seeing what could be causing this, I went to put the player back together, and then I found a broken gear in my lap. I thought I was screwed but I found out where it came from and I was able to buy a replacement gear off eBay. I'm planning on getting this gear replaced when I get it, but I have some questions.

is there anything else that could be wrong based off the videos I linked? and has anyone else worked on these units? I'm trying to figure out if it has belts or not. I can't find anything about it anywhere. thanks!

[ENunn]

I got the replacement gears, I replaced them and now I am able to open the tray again. but I have another issue now. the tray isn't closing all the way unless I force it to. it's like it's getting caught on something but I've confirmed there's no obstructions. does anyone know what could cause this? grease maybe?
https://youtu.be/hy_jGsyM4yc?si=-9ZVoi5yo5fSM97d

[dellsam34]

It looks like the gears are not timed correctly, Have you tried to find a service manual for it? As to grease, By now you should have already cleaned it and re-lubed it.

[ENunn]

It looks like the gears are not timed correctly, Have you tried to find a service manual for it? As to grease, By now you should have already cleaned it and re-lubed it.

I tried, but I have to pay for it and I do not feel like doing that right now lol

I probably should've done it by now but I didn't think about it until I replaced the gears.

in better news, I took it apart (at least the tray and the front cover) and put it back together and SOMEHOW it works!! the only issues I have is that sometimes the tray gets stuck, but mashing the eject button gets it unstuck. could that be a grease thing too?

[ENunn]

i bought some grease, lubed everything up and the tray still isn't opening.
https://youtu.be/xgZYcEZRZE0?si=u84Mzj5HP5tn2FWo

HOWEVER, before I lubed the gears I noticed a tooth off one of the replacement gears broke off. that probably explains why I can't open the tray. time to buy yet another set of replacement gears :/

[steptoe]

It looks like the gears are not timed correctly, Have you tried to find a service manual for it? As to grease, By now you should have already cleaned it and re-lubed it.

I tried, but I have to pay for it and I do not feel like doing that right now lol

I probably should've done it by now but I didn't think about it until I replaced the gears.

in better news, I took it apart (at least the tray and the front cover) and put it back together and SOMEHOW it works!! the only issues I have is that sometimes the tray gets stuck, but mashing the eject button gets it unstuck. could that be a grease thing too?

Found these, service manual for the LD-4300D which may be very similar with minor tweaks for the LD-4400D



https://www.dragons-lair-project.com/tech/manuals/Pioneer_LD-V4300D_Service_Manual.pdf


https://www.dragons-lair-project.com/tech/manuals/Pioneer_LD-V4400_Programmers_Reference_Guide.pdf

[ENunn]

Found these, service manual for the LD-4300D which may be very similar with minor tweaks for the LD-4400D



https://www.dragons-lair-project.com/tech/manuals/Pioneer_LD-V4300D_Service_Manual.pdf


https://www.dragons-lair-project.com/tech/manuals/Pioneer_LD-V4400_Programmers_Reference_Guide.pdf

thanks! i ended up switching the gears sides and now the tray opens and closes perfectly! i think i got this thing fully up and running now!!