Installing iPod Mini Hard Drive Cable

Installing iPod Mini Hard Drive Cable

Connects the hard drive to the logic board.

Tools used in this guide : Phillips #00 Screwdriver , Small Flathead Screwdriver , Spudger

Parts relevant to this guide : iPod Mini Hard Drive Cable

Step 1 — Top Bezel

Before opening your iPod, ensure that the hold switch is in the locked position.

Step 2

Carefully insert a small flathead screwdriver in the seam between the metal casing and white plastic top. Use the screwdriver to pry up the white plastic top bezel. Be careful not to damage the soft plastic with your screwdriver.

The top bezel is held on with an adhesive, so it may be necessary to pry up in several different locations to free the part.

Step 3

Lift the top bezel off of the iPod.

Step 4 — Bottom Bezel

Carefully insert a small flathead screwdriver in the seam between the metal casing and white plastic bottom Use the screwdriver to pry up the white plastic bottom bezel. Be careful not to damage the soft plastic with your screwdriver.

Step 5

Use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the metal retaining bracket beneath the bottom bezel. You can free the bracket by first pushing in the metal arms on the corners and then lifting the bracket

Step 6

Lift the metal retaining bracket out of the iPod.

Step 7 — Battery

Use a spudger or the tip of your finger to carefully disconect the orange click wheel ribbon from the logic board.

Step 8

Remove the two #00 Phillips screws securing the headphone jack to the casing.

Step 9

Carefully slide the iPod out of its casing by pushing on the logic board near the bottom edge of the click wheel.

Do not pull on the headphone jack board at the top of the iPod, as the connector to the logic board is fragile.

Step 10

After pushing the logic board out sufficiently, gently grasp the logic board on either side of the display, and continue to slide the iPod out of its casing.

Step 11

Lift the battery off of the logic board and lay it to the side of the iPod.

Step 12

Use a spudger or the tip of your finger to carefully disconect the orange hard drive ribbon from the logic board.

Step 13

Lift the hard drive out of the iPod.

Step 14 — Hard Drive Cable

Peel back the black tape securing the two blue bumpers to the hard drive near the orange ribbon cable.

Step 15

Slide the two blue bumpers off the corners of the hard drive. There is no need to remove these bumpers entirely.

Step 16

Carefully disconnect the orange hard drive ribbon cable from the hard drive. Be sure to apply even pressure while pulling to prevent any bent pins.

If the cable doesn't come free easily, you may be able to free it by gently rocking the ribbon cable back and forth.

Congratulations!

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.