I took the LMCB (tray loading/unloading assembly) out of my player to replace the capacitor on it, but now I can't seem to get it reinstalled correctly. If I hold it in place manually, I can usually jiggle it/apply pressure in the right way that the tray load/unload works. If I try screwing it down, however, the tray doesn't move and the motor makes very unpleasant squealing noises.

Is there guidance on how this thing is supposed to go in? The service manual isn't helping.

For future reference, the capacitors in the Laservision era players will tend to be in good enough condition that the machines will still work, without there being a concern to replace them. Unless a specific malfunction has occurred. To disassemble some key part of the loading mechanism is a risk that could make it less likely that you can put it back together.

There is likely more than one orientation in which this component can be re-installed, and you are not visualizing the correct way. It can often help to take photographs before and after taking this kind of step. I would also use Google to find internal images of inside the player if I were stumped, but LD-V2200 does not turn up many results.

That’s probably because more of these units were thrown out in working condition than were ever repaired. Naturally I have no proof of that but the one I own was given to me over 25 years ago, has never had any maintenance ever, and still works perfectly. These are the Franklin stoves of LD players.

Assume I had a good reason for replacing the capacitor.

The module wasn't disassembled - managed to get the cap replaced without fiddling with the gears. The module only goes in one particular way. The problem as I see it is figuring out how to screw it down so that the gears on the module are meshing with the gear that handles the tray.

I am not sure if the black color under the three screws represents rubber grommets. If so, then the change in the rubber from aging/hardening could alter the final position the gears reach relative to the tray, after you have tightened the screws. I would experiment with the grommets. I would dip them in Rubber Renue, or possibly better buy new ones from a hardware store, maybe several different ones of varying thickness and try each kind until finding the best fit for the mechanical operation to go smoothly. A degree of compliance in the rubber will do what you were doing with you hand, it will mesh the two elements together in the correct level.

Pictures of what I'm dealing with. https://www.shortsword.com/stuff/ld/

It was working before your work because it was screwed in to the same level it had been when it was originally put together. But to unscrew and remove it, then screw it back in. You are now dealing with three rubber grommets that are not physically the same as 40 years ago. It could for example mean that because the rubber is harder, you can now screw that part in so that it is too tight a fit on the gear teeth that your LMCB gear wheel is trying to articulate with, so the motor is squealing from the excess pressure/incorrect fit.

Grommets have been replaced. Still can't get the damn thing seated properly. I'm wondering if its the pattern of screw tightening that matters here.

If anyone who has actually worked on reinstalling on these has any hints, I'd appreciate it.

It is possible that nobody has ever worked on this part in the present day context.

A couple ideas. Can you post a video of the gears struggling? Can the gears be made to move passively, with the power off, when you push the tray in or pull it out by hand with the power unplugged? That could be another point of view for evaluating improper function in the gear motion, without trying to push/grind things under power.

I would evaluate the integrity of the individual gear wheels for cracks or broken teeth. Look at renewing any old grease used in that tray mechanism. The timing belt appears good. Maybe a touch of isopropyl alcohol can ensure it has a good grip on the gear teeth.

After getting another LD-V2200 and looking at its tray loading mechanism, I finally figured out the problem.

SOMEHOW -- I swear it wasn't me -- the metal plate holding one set of the gears, right-most in ...



... was ever so slightly bent. Bent it back with a pair of pliers. Lo and behold, it freely moves the tray back and forth with it screwed down.