TR Forums

Hi,

This may belong to the back porch, but no matter really... I just dismantled a HDD to re-purpose it (don't know in what yet). Does anyone know how to remove the bottom center spinning part? It seems to me it's integral to the bottom tray, but maybe there's still a way to remove it. I've tried to look for videos, but the ones I found never go as far.

Thanks.

You're trying to remove the spindle hub/axle that the platters slide onto?
Assuming I understand you correctly, that's going to be very dependent on what exact model of disk you have, and probably not possible using typical tools without causing damage.

I have three drives in front of me. One (a WD blue) is press fit, probably assembled hot/cold and going to be near impossible to dismantle
The next one (Seagate ST250) looks to have a split-ring spring-clip under a layer of semi-opaque epoxy
The last one is a 2.5" drive and the spindle looks soldered.

Yes that is what I meant. I apologize, as you can see I don't know the terms (plus I'm French ).

The defunct drive was a WD Caviar SE.

The actuator magnets are fun to play with (a little dangerous if you're not prepared for how strong they are) but if you're already trying to remove the spindle you've probably already taken those out!

Yes they are quite strong! Strong enough that I though at first that part was screwed on. But I saw no screw and after using a screwdriver to try to force it up, that's where I saw it would obey, then come back to place very quickly.

But I still have no solution for the hub/axle...

If you're just seeing how far you can go with disassembly, put the drive upside down in a bench vice with a towel/cloth underneath it (to stop the platters from dropping to the floor) and tap the spindle progressively harder with a hammer and punch:



If it's split-pinned, you'll just destroy the pin.
If it's press-fit, you might managed to dislodge it
If it's epoxied or glued, you should be able to break the seal
I assume you've used a knife to make sure it's not a metallic sticker covering a screw/torx head, right?

Anyway, hitting the spindle will probably remove it, but the shock will also demagnetise the magnetic platters, completely destroying the data and making the platters useless (although I assume you're well aware that you're already far beyond this disk ever working again).

Don't worry about the data, one of the purpose WAS to destroy the data. The drive also wasn't working properly anymore to start with.

I will try what you suggest. Many thanks.

Yeah if he's playing with the head actuator magnets we're already far beyond caring about the data. The only question is whether he wants to remove the spindle assembly and/or platters (relatively) intact or not!

It's actually completely disassembled right now, except from the bottom spinner thing.

Oh and I don't see any other stickers or screws left that would be related to it.

I started hitting it with a hammer and punch from the bottom. I think it moved a bit, because the thing doesn't spin anymore. But I will have to hit pretty hard to get it out I think.

For now I'm experimenting, so it doesn't matter if I damage something...