How to replace read/write heads on Seagate 7200.11

Discussion in 'Storage Devices' started by Help Disc, Dec 17, 2010.

  1. Help Disc

    Help Disc Geek Trainee

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    The following user guide will give step-by-step instructions on how to change read/write heads with HddSurgery Seagate 7200.11 read/write head change tools.

    Seagate hard drives belong in the category of disks that "park heads" above the magnetic platters.
    That way of functioning implies that, in a situation when the drive is powered off, heads are located on the surface that has no sensitive magnetic material. This allows drive to start the motor to the required speed.
    The purpose of Seagate 7200.11 head change tools is to enable safe heads passage over the "data" area above platters surface, and to provide non-contact transfer to patient disc.
    HddSurgery Seagate 7200.11 head change tools are tools made for safe and easy read/write head change on Seagate LP , Seagate 7200.11, Seagate 7200.ES, Seagate ES.2 SATA drives with 2 platters and Seagate 7200.12, Seagate 7200.11, Seagate 7200.ES, Seagate ES.2 SATA drives with 3 or 4 platters. It was needed to have two tools for these families of Seagate drives because of different design. HddSurgery Seagate 7200.11.2 head change tool and HddSurgery Seagate 7200.11.4 head change tool. The example of 7200.11.4 series tool is explained here. For the case of 7200.11.2 apply the same procedure.
    During the whole procedure of head change heads and platters do not have contact. Read-write heads are lifted over NON-data area and safely guided over the platters. In process of installing back the donor head same procedures needs to be done. Heads are guided over platters with no contact and safely deployed in non-data area.

    Supported models for HddSurgeryâ„¢ Seagate 7200.11 head change tools

    Seagate 7200.11.2 head change tool
    (2 platters)


    SATA

    ST3640323AS, ST3640623AS, ST3500320AS, ST3500620AS, ST3500820AS, ST31000528AS, ST3750528AS, ST31000520AS

    ES.2 SATA

    ST3500320NS

    ES.2 SAS

    ST3500620SS

    Seagate 7200.11.4 head change tool
    (3 and 4 platters)

    SATA

    ST31500341AS, ST31000340AS, ST31000640AS, ST31000333AS, ST3750330AS, ST3750630AS, ST32000542AS, ST31500541AS, ST32000641AS

    ES.2 SATA

    ST31000340NS, ST3750330NS

    ES.2 SAS

    ST31000640SS, ST3750630SS, ST3500620SS


    Head replacement process (9 steps)


    Step 1. Mounting the tool on actuator arms

    Remove screws holding flat cable contact and with a finger push contact from the bottom upwards to release it. The pressure from below may cause flat cable contacts to pop out and possibly damage platters, so hold firmly top of a flat cable contact with another hand while pushing related plastic. Before applying pressure remove screws from their holes.
    Carefully center the tool over the center hole of the hard disc head. Take care that the notch on the bottom of the tool coincides with the commas in the actuator arm base. Take the screw of actuator axis and insert it into the intended hole on the tool. Tighten the screw with the screwdriver to perform tool installation.

    [​IMG]

    With your right hand make sure that the tool shank with snouts remains in the area outside of the platters.

    !!! IMPORTANT !!!
    Be sure to tighten the screw in order to ensure good contact and proper tool height.


    Step 2. Lifting the heads

    By horizontally moving tool shank we slide the tool over platters. Construction of tools enables heads to lift on tool snouts by relatively small force. If you feel that the necessary force is greater than the expected, check tool positions and possible damage to the HDA assembly. Push the tool as far as limiter is allowing.

    [​IMG]


    Step 3. Securing the tool

    The tool has a hole at its edge, which coincides with the hole in the head. The leftmost position is necessary to ensure the bound between tool and actuator arm. Securing is being done with the securing pin.

    [​IMG]

    !!!IMPORTANT!!!
    If the connection of tool and actuator arms is not properly engaged, heads slipping is possible during disassembling.


    Step 4. Moving the tool outside of platters area

    By vertical scrolling move the tool (previously secured by pin) to the initial position.

    [​IMG]


    Step 5. Dismounting the heads


    From the bottom side of hard disk unscrew the screw of actuator axis to dismount actuator arm with read/write heads. Hold the tool with one hand because of the possibly contact with the platters.

    [​IMG]

    Step 6. Mounting the heads in a new drive

    Place the tool with actuator arm to its place in new hard disk. Screw the arm from the bottom side of the hard disk. Tighten the upper axis screw too, just in case it got loosen up during the manipulation. This operation is necessary because of possible changes in height!

    [​IMG]

    By horizontal force return the head back towards the central section of the platters.


    Step 7. Removing the pin


    Carefully remove the securing pin when heads are above the parking zone.

    [​IMG]


    Step 8. Removing the tool outside of platters

    Horizontally push tool shank with a finger to return the tool outside of platters.

    [​IMG]

    !!! IMPORTANT !!!
    With another hand hold back side of head arm (magnetic coil) to prevent
    heads from moving.


    Step 9. Dismounting the tool

    Takeout the screw and remove the tool. While loosening use the assisting tool to make counter force.

    [​IMG]

    Put the lid back and close the disc. Put pcb back and clone the drive.


    Thank you for your interest in data recovery tools and processes.
    I hope you found this guide useful :)
     
  2. Ferg

    Ferg Manbearpig

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    Most extensive Ad i've ever seen ha!
     
  3. Sniper

    Sniper Administrator Staff Member

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    Yep, the same thread exists on quite a few other forums.

    @Help Disc I've removed the link at the end of the post, you can set your homepage as the company website but not advertise in your signature/post!
     
  4. Help Disc

    Help Disc Geek Trainee

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    I am sorry if thread is being overused and thank you for seeing it useful and leaving it on forum. I do believe it is very nice "how to" :)
     

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