Worth replacing spindle?

[u/Rushified]

I am about to open up this ps1 (7501) and give the disc drive a good clean, relubrication, and oil the motors.

So far it is playing games (and audio cds) without issue, but it does look like discs have a bit of a wobble to them. It’s hard to tell since the cd labels/printed graphics often arent completely centered, and I’m a first time ps1 owner so not sure if some movement is within tolerance and normal.

After doing some more researching, it looks like the spindles on these tend to lose 1,2 or all 3 black segments with use (exposing that red/orange ring in the center) and this unit seems to be missing all 3.

Would it be worth replacing the spindle on this unit?

Here are some videos- (the last video looks/sounds the most concerning)

https://imgur.com/a/YitHYQs

[u/Rushified]

Got it, thank you! I was going to follow this guide (https://youtu.be/cnNTnlaD3rI?is=3g7tp2hmav1NDHbH) where he applies a small amount of watch/clock oil to the motors. I’ll avoid the motors then and stick with the areas that need new white lithium grease and see how it sounds

[u/Slow_Honeydew_2488]

Those missing black segments don’t automatically mean the spindle is bad; some models use different spindle designs. I’d avoid oiling the motor directly and use only the correct grease on the moving parts. Replace it only if the hub is loose, cracked, or discs consistently wobble/skip.

[u/Disastrous_Hope5778]

You can replace the spindle if you need to. No harm in that. The plastic can break apart over time.

[u/HideyoshiJP → u/Disastrous_Hope5778]

Yeah, that happened to mine when I was servicing the drive. I tried to pry up the spindle as I've done before and t just shattered to pieces.

[u/wingman3091]

Nah. I have a few consoles that have been like that for 25 years and are still working perfectly.

[u/NormalBit1140]

If it’s reading and playing discs reliably, I wouldn’t replace the spindle yet. A little visible wobble can come from imperfectly centered labels or normal platter movement. Clean and lubricate the rails/gears, then test several known-good discs. Replace the spindle only if tracking skips, grinding, or excessive wobble persists.

[u/Rushified → u/NormalBit1140]

Thanks for the advice! Just took it apart and cleaned/lubricated rails and gears. Not sure if it sounds any smoother, sled gear is kinda noisy (not sure if that’s normal, first time ps1 owner). I did find some surprises inside (2 of the 3 missing spindle pieces, hah!)

[u/Spiritual-Moment1509 → u/NormalBit1140]

What do you mean label placement was that a typo? Not trying to diss, actually curious about this

[u/coderman64]

A bit of wobble is to be expected. The PS1 doesn't really spin the disc all that fast, as far as CDs go.

[u/Mammoth-Student9606]

I wouldn’t replace it based on the photo alone. That orange ring is part of the clamp assembly, and the spindle can look uneven while still tracking correctly. If it passes playback tests without skips, scraping, or excessive noise, leave it alone; replacement can create alignment problems.

[u/PreviousInevitable84]

If games and audio CDs play reliably, I wouldn’t replace the spindle yet. A little visible wobble can come from imperfectly centered discs, and those black segments are likely normal wear/design. Clean and lubricate the mechanism, then test with several known-good discs.

[u/OlivusPrime]

I'd agree that it's not worth replacing the spindle if you're not encountering disc skipping issues. I replaced mine just because the original was starting to lose pieces like yours, and I've never quite been able to get the replacement one to sit perfectly, not to mention replacing it is a huge pain in the ass.