Repair a Sony SCD 777ES?


My 12 year old Sony SCD-777ES stopped working today. After the disc is inserted and the cover closes it makes some unhappy grinding and clanking noises as it attempts to spin the disk. It also switches automatically to SACD mode even with a redbook cd, but never starts to actually play the disc.

Can these old Sony's be repaired? It is a decent player and an excellent transport for my dac, I hate to just junk it! Any recommendations on the best way to get it repaired?
stickman451
stevebraxtontry this # for Grand Rapids MI - 888.222.SONYKeep us posted on this development.
stereo5, Your SCD777ES may be very repairable. The one I repaired required some work on Gear C in the transport assembly. It would not spin on the shaft which caused the read problem. I used a fine 3 mm round file to open up the bore hole. As I understand, the nylon gears over time become too tight and friction on the shaft causes problems. I also purchased a brass gear on eBay from seller igorek50 for future replacement. It tested fine after bit of filing on the bore hole.
Dgarretson post was very helpful on how to remove the transport assy for the diagnostic.
@stevebraxton...…………………………………….

Thanks for the info, I will attempt repair and I do have a copy of the service manual somewhere (I think).
Thanks! for the update - stevebraxtonI trust that your player is up and running now?Happy Listening!
Picked up an SCD 777ES from a friend last year for 400, originally supposed to be 200 because he said it wasn't working. Tried it out, worked fine, hence the higher tag, with a 30 day return. Issue returned yesterday. Very slow read time and maybe a minute playing track one, never any deeper. Kept working it for day trying to "loosen" it up. Fortunately found this thread. Easily pulled the lid, then 5 screws holding a black cover revealing the plastic gears. Definitely seemed tight. Easily pulled the floppy washers and the 2 larger white gears. Rolled some fine sandpaper to open them up slightly. A little lube, all moved much smoother. Q tip and alcohol on lens while there. Up and running nicely in under an hour. Swapped in my Oppo 83SE for a listen while repairing, but glad to have the Sony back. Might try to track down those brass upgraded gears. Thanks for the good read and direction to look.