replacement 60GB "fat" PS3 Blu-Ray Lens/Drive

UPDATE:
Sorry to bump this thread after so long, but I'm finally making progress on getting this PS3 fixed (I've managed to find the T10 screwdriver needed to open up the PS3!)

Now my question is: How do I tell if it's just the blu-ray Laser Lens that needs to be replaced, or if the entire blu-ray drive is faulty?

The PS3 no longer recognizes any disc-based media (DVDs, Blu-Rays, games, etc.), but running demos/games/videos from the hard drive works fine. Thanks!

[customspoiler=original question]
My 60 GB PS3 (which I upgraded to 500 GB a while back) crapped out on me today; Here's a rundown on the symptoms:

I suspect that my Blu-Ray lens/diode/whatever-you-call-it is about to go bust. I would prefer not to spend $150 for Sony to supposedly "repair" it, so I've been looking into the Un-Official PS3 Laser Replacement thread over at Blu-Ray.com. I haven't actually cracked open my PS3 to double check the part number I actually need, although I'm pretty sure it's the KES-400A Laser Lens (or the KESM-400AAA Laser Lens with some sort of mechanism) due to my model number.

So, finally to my request for advice:

1. Does my problem actually sound like a Blu-Ray Lens issue? (I'm almost 100% sure it is, but I'd feel a bit stupid if it didn't actually fix my PS3).

2. If you've done a replacement Laser Lens yourself, do you have a recommended "how-to" guide/site that I should take a look at (other than the Un-Official PS3 Laser Replacement thread over at Blu-Ray.com)?

3a. The guide I found mentions that the Laser Lens part has a newer, more reliable "brown clip" version (as opposed to the older, more likely to fail "white clip" version). Fact or fiction? Also, is it possible to find this part New, or is "Manufacturer Refurbished" the best I'll be able to due since the 60 GB PS3's aren't in production anymore?

3b. Where is the best place to get this replacement part (KES-400A or KEM-400AAA) for a good price and of reliable quality? The guide had recommendations for eBay and GameRepairWorld at about $55, but if you have your own recommendations, please let me know!

4. Should I be thinking about getting "thermal paste" or something like that? Any recommendations for a good guide about that stuff?

5. Is it worth all of this trouble, or should I just get a slim PS3? There was a price drop announced today, but I'd prefer not to drop $250+ if I can avoid it (heck, I'm researching all this stuff to avoid dropping $150 on the Sony "repair"). I did buy a new PS2 from Target because I was worried about this exact situation...

Thanks for your input and your help!
[/customspoiler]

Sounds like what happened to me. Sometimes a bluray disc would start (game or movie) but it would freeze soon after, but PS2/DVD's worked fine.

I replaced mine and it solved the problem. Definitely get the brown clip version, even if it costs you a little more.

And there's no need for thermal paste if you're replacing the laser. It's really not hard to change out the laser, just follow a video on youtube. That's what I did.

Complete 60gb PS3 laser assembly($79.95): http://store.richspsxparts.com/pl3laaskeke.html

Shipping is FREE from them.

thanks! I'm debating whether or not I should go for a "new" one from a non-eBay site (but not knowing whether I'll get a "white clip" or a "brown clip" or a "made-in-China chip"), or if I should go for a "manufacturer refurbished" one off eBay.

Also looking into SquareTrade Warranty info.

The white clips are a hassle. I would say get it from wherever can guarantee you that you'll get a brown clip. I didn't bother, which I regret. My first white clip one worked for a day or so before breaking, and then the second one wouldn't only read things on a bluray disc.

Sorry to bump this thread after so long, but I'm finally making progress on getting this PS3 fixed (I've managed to find the T10 screwdriver needed to open up the PS3!)

Now my question is: How do I tell if it's just the blu-ray Laser Lens that needs to be replaced, or if the entire blu-ray drive is faulty? Thanks!

Sounds like it's just the laser.

And you could have opened that screw with a flathead screwdriver if you found one the right size

I have a very similar issue. PS2 games can be read without a problem. DVD's were played fine up until about last month. I was able to get one to work though, but I'm not sure if it's back to being normal, in regards to DVD's. PS3 games first started having trouble last year, Februrary, being read. I'm going to a local gameshop to fix it, with parts and labor, it'll be $120. They're replacing the entire lens or something. I don't want to risk trying to fix it myself.