Solve stuck focus of AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f/2.8G IF

The lens. Focusing mechanism traps in close-up end, worsens over time.

First, you better download the "AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-200mm f/2.8G IF REPAIR MANUAL". (The attatchment)

Remove Tripod mount (The one can be removed with only hands)

Remove tripod mount base by remove four screws.

short

long

Unscrew switch board and disconnect all three FPC's

Remove tripod ring, by removing three hidden screws. check the Repair Manual

Remove eleven screws and separate rear group. There is an empty hole.

Take the front group. remove zoom rubber ring.

Peel the tape, and keep if you don't have a replacement.

Remove two screws.

Remove three screws and remove "4th Lens Group"

Unscrew three outer screws and remove Aperture Blade Unit

Remove eight black screws and lift "Zoom Fixed Ring" and "MF Ring"

Here is the ISSUE. internal focus ring has contact with Distance readout PCB. The PCB is mounted by double sided tape. This is a design flaw. double sided tape drifts over time, and let the PCB slip out.

More detail. The infinity end is glued using some better glue(dark material), while the close end is NOT.

The fix is

Mark or remember the position BEFORE removing two screws and contact brush! but relax, this part is not extremely precise.

Lift the PCB. Cleanup double sided tape. Glue the PCB back firmly against the inner edge.