T430 with faulty cd drive

[barbican]

Hi there,

Could anyone advise on what to do about a faulty cd drive on a T430.

It has worked well for a couple of years but now sometimes recognises the discs I put in and sometimes doesn't. The discs are music cds and dvds.

I don't think it's a fault with the discs I'm using because sometimes it will recognise a disc and then later I'll try the same disc again and it won't recognise it.

Recently I tried to play a dvd and it worked for five minutes then stopped. Ten minutes later it played perfectly!

Is this probably a case of replacing the drive? And, if so, could you advise how to go about doing this?

Many thanks!

[RealBlackStuff]

Get the illustrated T430 Manual from the HMM link above.

[rkawakami]

The HMM will list some of the CD / DVD drives that were available for the T430. If you stick with Thinkpad part numbers (FRU), you shouldn't have any problems with physical compatibility; i.e., it will fit inside the drive bay and look original. There should be several drive types available: CD/DVD (reads CD and DVD), CD-RW (reads CD and writes CD-R / CD-RW; doesn't read DVD) and DVD-RW (reads/writes CD and DVD). If you are comfortable with buying off of eBay, typically most are used (or "refurbished") units but you might find some that are described as new. I would suggest selecting a local (UK) seller with good feedback and a stated return policy. Another option would be to place a WTB (Want To Buy) post here in the forum's Marketplace stating what you are looking for.

[Vopu]

Hi, Unfortunatelly drives fails over time , have you tried cleaning the lens with isop.alcohol (min 70/proof)? Drives themselves have firmwares, Check your drive firmware is up to date. Have a look at this https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/downlo ... ad-general, Failing that as realblackstuff said , download the HMM to replace your drive yourself. Drives are not that expensive (15-25$), you can get generic ones online , check aliexpress. Or search with the FRU on the drive you took out.
Vopu

[kfzhu1229]

If you are skilled enough, you can just get any tray loading sata 12.5mm height cd/dvd drive on gumtree for pents and transfer the brackets on your current drive there.
Lots of ppl opt to swap out the dvd drive for 2nd module bay hard drive mounts to have hdd and ssd together so its cheap

[Vopu]

Am i seeing this correct $45+$20 Shipment / $65 brand new, From States.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lenovo-Think ... SwRTtbNZTs

Generic one here $18.99
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3297626 ... web201603_

[rkawakami]

Yes, that price looks correct. Although I saw some used DVD Multi drives for $10: https://www.ebay.com/itm/274404430765 That seller ships to UK for $15.

Another seller has new drives for $16: https://www.ebay.com/itm/333211867843 and ships to UK for additional $19.

You have to look around for good deals on eBay. Just can't jump on the first one you see.