I just obtained a CLD-HF9G from Japan for a reasonable price. It seems to play beautifully. However, there seems to be an issue with switching from side A to side B. If the disc is already being played, the B button doesn't respond. Nor does the player switch to side B after side A ended. If I press the B button right after ejecting the tray, it does work and I can switch back to side A as well. What could be the cause of this?

The unit does need the tray belt to be replaced. Which belt is recommended for this player? I see one for the HF7G on eBay, is it fine for the HF9G?

edit: Never mind, the changing from side A to side B seems to work now.

change the spindle cushion.
if the disc slips upon startup and stop it may cause the side change not working now and then.
loading belt is the same

What kris said.

Spindle cushion/grip ring is VEB1237. Sometimes letting a disc slip a few times will correct it (as it might have in this case). Sometimes you can clean it and it resolves the issue. If neither of those work, it is replacement time.

For the belt it should be VEB1184. Generic equivalent is SBS3.6

IMHO the player isn't always capable of reading the TOC data due to slipping.

I got myself a few players and they all needed a new grip ring.
cleaning is a temporal fix but a good way to find out the problem.
I changed every grip ring on my hf9G players and 703
these things are getting old... good practice giving them a new belt , grip ring and clean.
recapping a PS won't hurt either.
The players I bought were all in working order I was told...
Yes ... they work... but they slipped like hell and took a very long time to spin down.
Grip ring every time.

While I don’t have your exact player I have several times encountered the issue where slipping on startup makes the TOC not read and therefore it won’t go to side B. The grip ring thing is the issue but even a brand new OEM part can slip only a year or two later.

Some people have tried Plastidip which I’d assume works better.

Thanks for all your help. The disc does seem to slip when it starts. I have already replaced the loading belt in my HF7G unit, so I should be able to do it.

If I make a jarring sound or slip
Apply SHOEGOO

Stretch very thin

This will fix it

SHOEGOO is very good
Quick drying

Someone on this forum can provide the new grip ring for you. don't waste time with plastidip etc..
just replace the original one.
I have replaced all griprings on known problem players. they all work like new now.

Okay, if someone is willing to sell me the gripring, I'll consider it. Thanks.

The player may not have been used for several years. The Japanese seller didn't test it any further than the U1 error. The unit seems to have no crosstalk issues, so i am very happy with this purchase.

Contact Ethan Gallo!
He is on facebook

I was at a big box store and saw Shoe Goo and remembered this post. I bought the original clear color in the red tube. So far this works great!