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.