Hi All.
I have now had so many 9000's through my hands, that I would like to chime in regarding the "bend rod" issue. The issue is that the whole laser assembly, should be pulled down towards the bottom of the 9000, so that it is free from the cd's when sliding under them.
Under that carriage, is a long lever, that is responsible for this, and the theory is that this alu lever will be bend slightly upwards from the pull of the 2 springs.
In my first unit, I bought a new lever, and it fixed it, although laying on a table, there was no visible/measurable difference between them.
In the next unit that had this issue, I looked more closely at the rod, and there was noticeably wear on the rubber bushing that sits between the rod and the metal part that pulls down the mechanism. This plastic sleeve is approx. 1.2mm thick, and there was a very visible hole/groove in the rubber.
I turned the rubber 90 degrees, so new fresh rubber was where the worn rubber used to be, and presto, no more scraping.
I have now done this on quite a few units, and this fix has worked every time.
I don't think the rods get bent at all, I think that the work rubber sleeve is causing enough slack, for the 1mm to actually make a difference.
This is only my experience, but I would at lease say it is worth a try before exchanging the rod. It is possible to turn this rubber part without removing the bottom plate, it is visible with the cd mechanism out.
/Jacob
