Originally posted by wswong2015 Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I was wondering if it is possible to just replace the ZX-7 nylon gear with a brass pinion gear without desoldering the boards? The replacement motor seems hard to find now, and I am not confident of my soldering skills.
i think CRM-114 did mention loosing of the gearbox, prying it open and slipping in the brass pinion. But he did this on a MZ-5 iirc. Has anyone tried on a ZX-7? Btw, is this just a press fit or is there a groove on the motor shaft that needs to be aligned with?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hi,
I've tried CRM-114's method by disassembling a working Mz-10 to get its plastic pinion, then I try to put such in my working but stuck-up mirror Mz-3. It was worth a try though I failed. However, I think the method might work with me next time. Here are the lessons learned:
- I recommend the brass pinion instead of the plastic pinion or you'll have to be extra careful. This method require handling with the pinion by tool only. Picking/Sliding the tiny plastic pinion with a wrong picking force might leave unwanted marks on its teeth. I don't have the brass pinion to try but this should stand a chance better than the plastic made.
- the hard part begin when you insert the screwdriver to pry open the loosen gearbox, thereafter it's much much much better to do it right at the first try. You don't know what gear/screws might be weaken/loosen at times you keep force prying such metal holder. The same when you try to slip the pinion back in, try stay away from other plastic gears, you don't want to leave marked on their teeth.
- beware, there is a head-tail direction of the pinion. You can tell by the (not mine) picture here.
- take extra care of the flexible PCB copper ribbons. You might end up with working mirror but broken ribbon, that's even worse.
- MOST IMPORTANT be patience all the times
- have the right tool first and a headlight as the move around space is small.
I must say that CRM-114's method is a easy but require meticulous work. I don't have the courage to go through the Bob Bimon way. Sorry for my English, I'm not a native speaker.
Good luck,
N