Ps2 repairs and disc read errors

For anyone having problems with their ps2 consoles and wanting to try fixing themselves there are a couple of easy things to look out for.
a/ 80% of all disc read errors are caused by a build up of dust on your laser head. This can often cause disc reading errors and is very easy to correct. Simply open your console (remove screw head covers from the base of the unit, there will usually be 8/10 of these. and unscrew the screws beneath) once this is done you will need to remove the warranty label on the back of the console (if your unit is over 12 months old there is no longer any use for this anyway and if less than 12 months old you should use warranty rather than mess with your console)
Carefully remove the lid of your console - you will find on most units that there is a ribbon cable connecting the reset button to your unit. Once exposed you will see the disc drive casing. This will be held in place by either 2 or 4 small black screws depending on console version. Unscrew these and remove the cover and you will see the laser beneath. Using a cotton bud gently clean the laser head (pure alcohol is good for this as tit will evaporate completely after cleaning) Pop your drive lid back on and check a game in the unit.
b/ If your unit still struggles to read then there are white cog and azimurth settings which can be adjusted the white cog is a wheel at the back of the drive which can be adjusted both clockwise and anti clockwise and should be altered a couple of clicks at a time until the desired result is achieved. It is good practise to mark the starting point on the cog as a reference. The azimurth is the screw on the laser block itself which determines the elivation of the block and again can be adjusted up or down to improve disc reading.
There are a host of other tricks and techniques and if anyone is seeking advise on your own repairs or installs feel free to contact us.