WD800 Head Swap Advice

[Logical]

Hi All,

I Have a WD800 Which requires a head swap. (pre-amp chip failed) I have not worked on this particular model before, however have carried out head swaps and resolved stiction on other makes in both 2.5" & 3.5" drives with success.

After some research on the forum I have found that these drives suffer from alignment issues due to the HSA screw on the lid.

I have in fact a WD800BB as a working "training" drive and the client has provided me with a matching donor hard drive for the head swap.

Advice on undertaking the above would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all who have assisted me from here in the past. It has been greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards

Logical.

[CK]

Hi Logical,

These drives are particularly tricky to work with and not disrespect meant but if this is a client drive, then you need to outsource it to somebody who has expertise with these.

It will take you quite some time to master these older WD's and you risk screwing your customers drive if you haven't got the hang of it.

Spend some time getting the process right before you work on a live drive. One test drive is not enough.

//

[Nick_CT]

+1. These are very tricky and you don't want to be practicing on your client's drive, outsource this one.

For practice get some working BBs, remove the top cover, put it back on and let the fun begin

[Logical]

Thank you for the speedy responses Gents

[pcimage]

Agree, these drives can be bitches.

Not a good starting point for head swaps

Happy to take a look for you.

[jono-ats]

Pcimage can definitely help you.