Trying to repair Sony D-250 (aka D-25) Discman

[jamesj74]

It spins up and reads that there's a CD and it knows how many tracks the CD has, but it seems to be struggling to turn the linear actuator that moves the laser platform out and in. I replaced the plastic gear wheels to no avail. I can see tiny movements in the gears, but none translate into the laser platform moving. I also applied some contact cleaner to the worm drive which does seem to turn freely. Any ideas? I've owned this for 30 years since I was about 20 and would love to get it working again...

 

[Harald Kapp]

I can see tiny movements in the gears, but none translate into the laser platform moving.

Can you move the platform manually?

Check this page. The description of the failure mode sounds exactly like the problem you have.