Intel iMac HDD removal?

[hogweed]

I’m trying to repair a 20” aluminium iMac whose hard disk has failed catastrophically. I found a very helpful guide somewhere on the net (downloaded the text and pics, can't remember where, sorry…) and got to the point where the screen swings forward and you supposedly reach in and pull the disk out.

Unfortunately, I can't get any further. The guide says that a black bar along the side of the drive swings out, then you can lift the drive out. But the black “bar” along the side of this one has the 2 main fixing screws on that side going through it into the disk, and it certainly doesn't swing out – it remains stubbornly in place even after removing the screws.

Do I have to remove the LCD panel completely to get at the disk properly, and remove it in the normal way, ie by taking 4 screws out? Apparently that requires a No 7 Torx, which I don't have… these machines certainly aren’t boring to dismantle…

Oh, and I know about the HDD heat sensors, but this model is a mid-2007 2.4 with a 320GB drive, and I believe the heat sensor in that one is not drive specific, so I should be able to use the existing sensor whatever drive I fit…

Any help appreciated beyond words!

 

[powermac G5]

I personally suggest to remove screen completely for this. First working with the imac's base facing you, remove 2 T6 screws from the LVDS cable connector located at the bottom right of the screen.

Remove T7 screws from the perimeter of the LCD panel. Again with the imacs base facing you, turn the imac clock wise 90 degrees, now the optical slot will be facing you.

Grab your self a black marker and set aside, lift the screen (edge facing you) about 5" or so and take note to the (2) cable sets to your left as well the (2) on your right. Cable wires are the same color on one end but not the other, some models matched, clips are the same though. Mark with the black marker one set on each side, marking the clip and connector. This way you will not mix the order of the cables upon reconnection.

Now you will use the back of one hand and slide under the panel to hold it up so that you may use both hands to disconnect the cables. Once the (4) power cables and (1) LVDS cable have been disconnected carefully remove screen and rest on a flat surface.

You will notice the sensor on the drive. It is connected with double sided tape. Use a finger nail to get under the sensor and gently pull it off. Move the sensor/cable out of the way for the HD replacement.

The black bar or clip you speak of does have a small amount of flex in it to remove drive in a hinge like manner. Replace the (2) T7 screws you removed earlier and with both hands, firmly pull down on the clip and gently pull towards yourself. Drive will rock slightly towards you.

The lower side of the drive has just (2) T7 pins that just rest in the rubber grommets. Pull gently towards you and up, it will slide right out. Disconnect the (2) remaining cables connected to the HD and replace.

Reinstall in reverse order.

Oh and best of luck keeping dust from in between the glass and LCD.

Aaron

 

[hogweed]

Oh and best of luck keeping dust from in between the glass and LCD.

Aaron

Oh yes, I know that one! But this customer doesn't treat his machine with respect... the screen's so filthy I don't suppose he cares.

Thanks, this is very useful and very kind of you. Will post how I get on once I receive my new Torx set...

 

[hogweed]

I did it! Thanks so much for your help. Am now installing MacOS.

I know how to do that, he said smugly :-D