WD5000BEVT Head Replacement - Clicking

[Montmac]

I have WD5000BEVT - 00A03T0 2.5" HDD that spins up, clicks twice, then spins down. From all the research I have done on this board I believe it's the head mechanism that needs to be replaced. I would like to save the data otherwise it's not worth the effort. Can anyone please point me in the right direction?

Thank you

[BlackST]

Yes, contact the nearest pro.
Simple.

[Montmac]

This is something I'm considering doing myself. I know I can contact Data Recovery Services, however I am looking for information on changing the heads myself on the WD5000BEVT. I have about 10 of these drives. Not all the same version or year but that's why I'm asking for help on this forum.

Regards

[poehere]

With alignment issues, no experience, and never changing out a head before you will never make this one. Head swaps is not only changing the heads there can be other issues inside the HDD and without the right tools you can not do this one alone. Sorry but best advice is to contact a professional who has experience with WD and can do this one for you.

[Nick_CT]

I don't agree that this series has alignment issues, but I do agree with the other information that you've been provided with so far.

The actual headswap process itself is relatively easy for a professional who does it often, but for a first timer it will most likely end up being a disaster. You need the right environment to work in, you cannot just open it on your desk as it will get contaminated immediately.

If the swap is successful and the drive initialises you'll need professional equipment to then image the drive and extract the data.

Unfortunately you cannot just 'change the heads and everything will work', there's a lot more to the process than that.

If the data is valuable you should take the advice given here and have the job done by a professional.

[Montmac]

Thank you for the info. I'll send it in.