Correct Tool to Remove WD Logic Board Screws

[_jb]

I have a bad Western Digital hard drive that I am trying to fix. I have tried lots of software options and repair tools, but none seem to work. I tried booting from a Linux System Rescue CD and using a few tools, but still had no luck.

The drive spins up once in a great while, but only for a short time. There isn't enough time to get it mounted or look around.

I'm beginning to think that it could be a bad logic board on the drive. I thought I'd remove the logic board and see what the chips look like (maybe burned, etc...) but I can't find a tool to remove the four screws holding the board on. I have a star-bit driver set that goes pretty small, but not small enough.

Does anyone know where I can find the correct tool to remove the screws that hold the logic board on a fairly new Western Digital drive?

 

[Russwinters]

The Screwdriver is a T8 (Torx)

The problem is that you wont just be able to replace the board and have it magically work.

This CAN happen, but you have to get REALLY lucky.


What is the model of the drive (Something like WD800BB-00GHA7) or something like that.


This will help me determine how easily you can DIY this drive.


Also, a photo of the PCB (good resolution please) once you get it off will help to.

 

[_jb]

Thanks! I found a T8 Torx bit in a reasonably priced set at Home Depot.

The drive is a Western Digital WD10EAVS-00D7B0. It's a 1 terabyte drive.

Here's a picture of the circuit board.

There was a piece of foam between the circuit board and the disk drive. Is that normal? I guess the connectors just push through the foam to make their connection.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

 

[Russwinters]

Alright well. These drives require pro tools if you want to replace the board, heck... my lab can't even do all of these drives yet; we are still working on the solutions for some of them.

Most likely the board IS defective, it is probably overheating.


My best advice is to first, use a standard pencil erase on those contacts (the once that are tarnished in the top left of the photo, until they are nice and silver again) that can cause communication errors with the chip inside the drive from time to time.


next, we need to try to keep the board cool.

I would wire up a 120mm case fan to blow full speed at the board, that may buy you enough time to copy data off of it.

please, do not use the freezer trick. It is high risk especially on these new drives.

again, use creative, but safe means to keep the board cooled down, especially around the area that the MCU (The larger chip) and the Spindle driver (the chip place at an angle)



Just to make sure, the drive isn't making any clicking sounds or anything is it?

make sure you put your ear to the top casing, and check for clicking/knocking sounds. These drives do it quieter then the older drives do.