Replace Blu Ray drive on PS3

there is a thread somewhere around here, but i'm lazy so i'll just answer here:


Your drive isn't married to your motherboard, your Drive controller board is. Therefore you can swap lens and trays out no problem.

if your ps3 doesn't read disks, look up what model number laser your system takes and order that.

I just did mine after making a thread about a month ago, piece of cake. I've done 4 more since. Just see what model number your PS3 is and google or hit ebay for a new laser. They run $60-$80 depending on model, where a complete drive is like $170. Just be careful when taking the drive apart, there is lots of springs and small screws that could get lost or make your drive non functional.

tough to say....

in my experience the drive controller board is the least likely to fail. so i would get the correct replacement lens and swap that. it should take care of the ps3 not reading or recognizing disks..

if the unit see's disks but locks up and causes other system malfuntions that is more the sign of the controller board, but can also be just a lens on it's way out too.

Diagnostic -

1) Remove current laser (or tray, which has motor)
2) Replace
3) Test - works? Fine
.
.
.
3) Test - doesn't work? Replace with old laser, send to Sony. Sell laser on ebay.

The board is removable, but tied to the mainboard. Haven't seen many/any complete BD drives for a PS3........because you have to remove the controller board = it's now a laser w/ motor & a shell

Congratulations - you are now among the 1% with a failure (only a fool would believe that line of manure from Sony)

As noted there are two versions, a single lens KES-400A and a dual lens Kes-410ACA.

Open it up to be certain, but you can find using the model number.

It's an easy fix............IF.......you're familiar with comp repair operations (tiny parts, steps in order). Hardest part is getting the security screw off

Sony's $150 repair offer doesn't apply to consoles that have been opened...even those out of warranty.

Rumor or fact? I can say for a fact that Sony charged 149.95 for one that had been opened (3 times) for YLOD (re-flow ceased to work).

I can not say they always handle it the same way.......a fair warning.


Wow, what a shocker - a 40gb that's about 18 months old

400AAA = single lens is listed for that model. BUT the only way to be certain is to open it up (while you have it open you can try cleaning the lens - might fix it).

Disk goes in & out = the odds are very high it's the laser (18mos to 2yrs seems to be the avg fail time) as the motor is working. Blue light come on? (showing it knows there's a disk inside).

Best Thread I've seen on PS3 issues

Laser Replacement guide by Marine Mike

(of note - the 40gb does NOT have the connection show in step 6, the top simply comes off with no connections)

Only you can decide if you have the skills, it's not a complicated repair...just requires following the directions & some care. There's no soldering, it simple screw removal.

See the warning above, Sony might not fix it if you open it up - it's not certain.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible if you break or if Sony refuses to fix your PS3 trying these fixes.