Ticking noise in Audio Research Reference CD7

Did you expose the mechanism completely ? You need to take the player's top lid off first, then the square black metal element that covers the mechanism (it is beeing hold by 4 screws), and then the black plastic part that covers the rails (it is beeing hold by 4 allen bolts AFAIR).

Amuseb - must be a left over.

There is very little you can do to damage the transport mech. Worst case scenario, you can get a brand new CD-Pro2 transport mechanism from any shop that carries them in EU, and replace it by yourself. It is an easy 10 minutes job. No soldering necessary, jest a screwdriver and an allen keys set.

Yes, definately, go for it.

Amuseb - I'm surprised you haven't solved your problem yet.

Why don't you get a brand new CD-Pro2 transport mechanism from ARC (or any DIY vendor in Europe) and replace it yourself ?

This is a 10 to 15 minute job, no soldering necessary, you just need to remove 4 hex screws that are holding the transport mechanism, and then reconnect all connectors (from what I remember there are 4 or 5 connectors total).

That will solve all problems you are experiencing, as the new mech will come with a new servoboard.

You can contact DAISy for the ne CD-Pro2 transport - they are the OEM CD-Pro2 supplier and have their warehouse located in France:

http://www.daisy-laser.com/index.htm

A complete new transport mech will cost less than a return trip of the unit to the US.

Yes, it is plug and play.