Anyway to fix a broken data connector on a SATA drive?

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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Being the klutz I am, I managed to break off the upper (plastic) part of the SATA connector on a Raptor drive, and now I can't get it to hold the cable in connection. Apparently WD does not do these kinds repairs, as my query to them was answered with "send it in for an upgrade." I'd like to keep the drive, as it still works, and has data I'l like to get back. Any suggestions? I tried taping a cable onto it, but that failed. Any help is much appreciated.
 

taltamir

Lifer
Mar 21, 2004
13,576
6
76
call customer support, my friend broke the sata cables on his two WD drives and they replaced it under warranty. The view of some companies is that they can save money by making it flimsy, but they WILL replace it for a customer who broke it.
 

Elixer

Lifer
May 7, 2002
10,371
762
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Originally posted by: jhansman
Being the klutz I am, I managed to break off the upper (plastic) part of the SATA connector on a Raptor drive, and now I can't get it to hold the cable in connection. Apparently WD does not do these kinds repairs, as my query to them was answered with "send it in for an upgrade." I'd like to keep the drive, as it still works, and has data I'l like to get back. Any suggestions? I tried taping a cable onto it, but that failed. Any help is much appreciated.

Got any pics of the damage? Use macro mode.

Depending on how bad it is broken, you could fix it, although, it is a huge PITA, and you may just take taltamir's advice, and go with the RMA.
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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Since I posted I've found several links for others with the same problem. Apparently, it's not uncommon. The drive is no longer under warranty, so that's out. No, I'm afraid I'll have to rig something up, but damn, what a flimsy design that connector is.
 

taltamir

Lifer
Mar 21, 2004
13,576
6
76
well, ask them about repair, they might be able to help you anyways, maybe with a cheap repair or a part you can replace yourself (warranty is already voided)
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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Originally posted by: MikeShunt
might be a bad suggestion but is holding it on with duct tape out of the question?

Heh, tried that the first time, but your average SATA cable is far too stiff to allow much strain on the connection itself, and the tape could not keep the contacts together. One thread I found suggested hot glue, as it is non-conductive. I may resort to that, but first I want to see if the connector on the drive can be replaced.
 

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
16,240
7
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Hot glue will work fine and it can be removed if you need to.
You could also replace the connector but may have a problem locating the exact replacement.
If you are okay with soldering you could simply cut a SATA cable end off and solder the wires to the points on the circuit board.
It is only 4 wires plus ground and it solders in a straight row just like the cable.
After soldering just use hot glue to secure the cable to the drive so that when pulled the cable doesn't pull on the solder points.


Here is a page that has the most popular connectors used on drives.
See if yours is there.
http://www.amphenol.com.cn/searchProducts.asp?typeid=62


This is the connector that my seagate drives all have:
http://www.amphenol.com.cn/sho...62&itemno=SATA0010229X
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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Excellent, thanks Modelworks. I may yet resort to that. I hate the idea of an otherwise perfectly good drive just collecting dust.
 

taltamir

Lifer
Mar 21, 2004
13,576
6
76
so... you don't intend to even ASK customer support for repair? your choice, but I worked in customer support before and helping with such things was never a big deal and surprised many customers.
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
29
91
Originally posted by: taltamir
so... you don't intend to even ASK customer support for repair? your choice, but I worked in customer support before and helping with such things was never a big deal and surprised many customers.

If you read my original post, you'd see that my call to CS was the first thing I did, and all they would do for me is offer an upgrade to a Velociraptor drive. I even called twice, just to see if another tech had a better offer. Since the drive is long out of warranty, they aren't interested in anything but selling me a replacement drive, which I already have.
 

taltamir

Lifer
Mar 21, 2004
13,576
6
76
interesting. i missed that part. I guess they are not as good as they used to be.
 

RocKKer

Member
Dec 10, 2000
47
0
66
I broke mine also and am out of warranty also, I think I will try a combo power and data plug like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16812226020

I broke the tab part and the metal contacts are still there, it still works if I slide it on but makes me nervous just hanging there, I hope the combo plug adds some stability, if I have to I will superglue the thing on.

 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
29
91
Originally posted by: RocKKer
I broke mine also and am out of warranty also, I think I will try a combo power and data plug like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16812226020

I broke the tab part and the metal contacts are still there, it still works if I slide it on but makes me nervous just hanging there, I hope the combo plug adds some stability, if I have to I will superglue the thing on.

Hmm, that's an interesting idea. The joined connectors might work to keep the data connector in place, but I suspect you are right, i.e., you'd prolly have to hot-glue the crap out of it to get it to hold. Thanks for the link. I'm also exploring the idea of turning the drive into an external SATA drive using an enclosure, but that may be as problematic as an internal setup.
 

Old Hippie

Diamond Member
Oct 8, 2005
6,361
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I'm also exploring the idea of turning the drive into an external SATA drive using an enclosure, but that may be as problematic as an internal setup.

You might be on to something here.

Some of my horizontal external cases mount the drive by sliding it into fixed data and power connectors.

Any docking station design mounts a drive the same way but in a vertical position.

 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
29
91
Originally posted by: Old Hippie
I'm also exploring the idea of turning the drive into an external SATA drive using an enclosure, but that may be as problematic as an internal setup.

You might be on to something here.

Some of my horizontal external cases mount the drive by sliding it into fixed data and power connectors.

Any docking station design mounts a drive the same way but in a vertical position.

By Jove, I think you've got it. Of course, all these possible solutions are contingent upon the remaining data connector on the drive making a good (enough) join with whatever mates with it. At least with a cable, you might be able to rig it so some pressure can be brought to bear on the leads from the drive. I may pursue the Thermaltake solution. Thanks!
 

RocKKer

Member
Dec 10, 2000
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0
66
I got the the combo plug, put the stub of the broken data tab in the connector, connected it all up, verified it works then super glued the plug to the drive. Seems strong, works great!
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
29
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Originally posted by: RocKKer
I got the the combo plug, put the stub of the broken data tab in the connector, connected it all up, verified it works then super glued the plug to the drive. Seems strong, works great!

Excellent. I'll give that a try then. Thanks!

What would we do without the egg?
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
29
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Just checkin' back in. Used the combo plug hot-glued to the connector housing and it worked like a charm. Thanks to all who contributed ideas. You guys rock!