The Player is a Pioneer CLD-D704.

It has been making a really almost grinding sound when its begins to spin the disc after pressing play.
It then just lets the disc coast to a stop, and will not attempt to play the disc again.
It also will not open.

I took the case top off, and did some amateur diagnosing.
I noticed that when I apply pressure to the top of the piece pictured, that it puts pressure on the top of the disc, and allows the disc to come up to running speed.

I think that the springs in the part shown have lost tension over the years, and can not apply the proper amount of pressure to allow the player to operate correctly.

I suppose that it is possible that the disc isn't being lifted high enough, but I guess we'll start with this one.

Does anyone know what this part is called?
I found a list of parts that are still available for the unit, but nothing struck me as a possible name for the part shown.
Any info or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/mod ... um=CLDD704

Cheers

Clean the clamping mechanism (the part in the picture and the part it connects to below) with Isopropanol, then it should work
better. If not the rubber sheet of the lower part needs replacement.

//Birdie

Try to clean with isopropanol or replace, VEB1184 BELT (LOADING).

//Birdie

The grip ring on the surface below is more than likely what is causing the problem. In the second picture of your post I can see that it is dirty. It should be all black and not have that white ring around the outside where it "grips" the disc. Give it a good cleaning as described above. Be sure to get all of that label residue off. By the way nice player.

Buy the grip ring that goes on top of the spindle motor clamp section. Here is the Pioneer part link to get it

http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/par ... um=VEB1237

Is the rubber grip part mostly universal among the CLD players or does it vary?

This one is for the CLD-D704, 703, 503, 79, 99 and others that use this mechanical assembly

FYI, I make and sell replacement grip rings for PN VEB1237 which is compatible with the 704 and others. Look on eBay for that PN. Cheers!