gonzalez@bbn.com (Jim Gonzalez) (04/17/91)
Thanks to everyone who responded to my question regarding the sticky eject on 400K drives. The consensus among the dozen or so who wrote was: The problem is caused strictly by the solidified grease on the actuator. The springs ought to be adequate once the cleaning is done. The grease can be removed with WD-40, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, etc. Care should be taken not to get the solvent inside the drive, particularly on the head(s). One brave soul suggested removal of the actuator for a thorough solvent bath (I have this anxiety about bent C-clips). The lubricant should be replaced. Light oil was recommended more often than grease. I ended up cleaning the actuator with isopropyl alcohol and Q-tips, and relubricating it with Break Free CLP (a light oil containing Teflon). Both drives are performing well. Hopefully it will be a few years before I need to repeat the exercise. Thanks again to all. -Jim.