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Hey folks, quick question... My PS3 Super Slim system has a squeaky disc drive. It works perfectly fine, but whenever the disc comes to a halt (like when opening the drive cover), it lets out a very audible squeaking noise.  Before I go an shoot some DW-40 contact cleaner in there, I thought I'd ask the experts first. Thanks y'all!

retromangia wrote:Hey folks, quick question... My PS3 Super Slim system has a squeaky disc drive. It works perfectly fine, but whenever the disc comes to a halt (like when opening the drive cover), it lets out a very audible squeaking noise.  Before I go an shoot some DW-40 contact cleaner in there, I thought I'd ask the experts first. Thanks y'all!

I would prefer to use white lithium grease on the spindle. It lasts longer than WD-40, maybe because it doesn't run as much. White lithium grease comes in either a tube of paste form or a spray can form. I prefer the tube of paste form because it's easier for me to control. I would just dab it on with a toothpick or other small applicator, and keep on turning the spindle so you get it all coated.

That said, I don't know any good reason off hand why you can't use WD-40. In my experience, it doesn't last as long as white lithium grease. It tends to do the trick for a little while, and then wear away after a short time. I've heard that the plastics on printed circuit boards don't always react well to WD-40, but as long as you're careful about how where and how much you spray, that shouldn't be a big problem.

By the way, here's a link to the teardown guide so you can reach the optical disk drive from all angles.
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/PlaySta ... down/10670
While you're taking apart your PS3, it's a good idea to clean out any dust which has accumulated over time.

WD40 is just too thin for long-term mechanical lubrication. It's almost better as a cleaner and protectant. I tried to use it to lubricate a small air filter unit and it just made things worse. I should have used some kind of grease instead.

marurun wrote:WD40 is just too thin for long-term mechanical lubrication. It's almost better as a cleaner and protectant. I tried to use it to lubricate a small air filter unit and it just made things worse. I should have used some kind of grease instead.

Yeah, that's kinda my thoughts too. Lubricating an old door hinge is one thing, but lubricating a motorized spindle that will make thousands, or tens of thousands of rotations every day... that's going to require a different level of lubrication. That's why I prefer white lithium grease.

Hey Samson,

Sorry for the late reply... Totally forgot I posted here. Anyhow, thanks so much for the help. I tried WD-40, and just like you said, it helped for 5 minutes. Luckily I have some extra White Lithium that I'll try next with the help of the Ifixit guide you provided.

Thanks again!

retromangia wrote:Hey Samson,

Sorry for the late reply... Totally forgot I posted here. Anyhow, thanks so much for the help. I tried WD-40, and just like you said, it helped for 5 minutes. Luckily I have some extra White Lithium that I'll try next with the help of the Ifixit guide you provided.

Thanks again!

Oh, cool! Glad I could be helpful to you.