Since it plays fine, I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with the transport. There is likely a pulley/belt system utilized to open/close the tray. I suspect a worn, slipping drive belt. Sometimes you can get by simply removing the belt and turning it inside out providing a new unworn contact surface. Also clean the guide rails of old hardened lube with cotton swab and alcohol. Sparingly apply silicone grease after cleaning.
Wadia 8 transport CD drawer will not open or close on its own
I have had my Wadia 8 transport for almost 2 decades and it has functioned without fault for that time without any malfunctions, we have just sold, bought and moved into a new home in which I hand carried this piece myself, after install the transport will not open or close on its own but you can hit open, manually pull the drawer out, hit close and push it shut. You can here the mechanism trying to work to open and close but needs physical help to accomplish the task. WTS, it looks to sport a Teac VRDS transport does anyone know of a source for this piece so I can replace it my self? By the way the unit still sounds excellent but I do not believe it would be worth sending it off for a costly repair and will probably just replace it. Would appreciate someone pointing me in the right direction. Enjoy the music