Wii Optical Drive Laser Movement Motor Replacement Tutorial
The laser movement motor moves the laser back and forth allowing it to read different parts of the spinning optical disc. You should be able to hear it moving as a disc is loading. If you're still not sure, open up your wii and try to see if the laser is moving. If it isn't moving the motor is probably dead. Click HERE to purchase a new Wii laser movement motor in our store. Stuff you will need:
Click on the pictures for a larger version. |
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Follow our Wii DVD / Optical Drive Replacement Tutorial to remove the drive. |
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Disconnect the laser cable first. The connector has two little "ears" on the sides. Pull those ears back at the same time to release the cable and pull it out. |
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The spindle motor cable connector works the same as the laser cable connector. Disconnect this cable too. |
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This is the cable for the small circuit board that detects when the disc is inserted into the drive. It is not locked into the connector and can be pulled right out. |
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These wires have to be disconnected and the wires from the new motor resoldered when you get it installed. From left to right the wires are: white, blue, gray, yellow. |
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The two screws that hold the logic board to the drive are circled in green. Remove them. Circled in red are three small hooks on the drive. To remove the logic board slide it down a little so it clears the hooks. |
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Move the logic board out of the way and remove the screw in the metal laser cover. |
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There are two clips on each side and two on the front that hold the metal cover in place. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry/bend them loose. The metal is soft and easy to bend back into shape for reassembly. |
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Two more on the other side. |
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Two on the front. |
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Remove the cover (make sure you don't bent / rip the laser cable). . |
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The laser rides on a small metal rod. To remove this rod lift up the plastic bracket (outlined in red), grab the rod with needlenose pliers, and push it out (direction of the green arrow). |
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Now you can remove the laser. |
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Circled in red are the two screws that hold the laser movement motor. Remove them. |
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You desoldered the motor from the board earlier so you should now be able to remove it. Follow the steps in reverse to reassemble the drive. |
