Maxtor STM31000340AS - Remove head, but stuck on the platter

[CypherHackz]

---------
HARD DISK DETAILS
---------

Brand: Maxtor
Model: STM31000340AS
Size: 1000GB
Date Code: 09292
Firmware: MX1A
Country: Thailand
Type: 3.5"
Interface: SATA

---------
PROBLEM
---------

The hard disk is not detected by PC3000 and producing clicking noise
when turn on. I have open the cover and check the platters and
everything is ok (no scratches or soft scratches). But I believed the
head got problem.

But when I want to take out the head, it stuck at the center of the
platter. But when I turn the platter backward, the head is free and
back to the landing zone (near to the spindle motor).

I try again to take out the head, but it stuck again when reached at
the center of the platter.

---------
QUESTIONS
---------

How to remove the head if it stuck at the middle of platter during the
removing process? Should I force the head or is there any alternative
way to take the head out?

Thank you.

-cypher.

[labtech]

Would you like to post a picture of this?

[mr_spokk]

Hi, you can use this:
head-change-tool-t8382-60.html
But as much as you fiddle with the drive without knowing your way, I believe if the heads weren't dead before you started they surely are now.

Bosse

[CypherHackz]

I have a good donor for this drive.

Btw here is the picture...

-cypher.

Attachments

STM31000340AS

[DataWreck]

Probably been dropped and your spindle has bent some of its axis. Try removing the heads and spin the drive up. Check if the platters are spinning with any eccentricity.

[CypherHackz]

I have successfully removed the head from the platter. But during the process, it was stuck at the center, but put some force to release it from the platter and take it out. Most probably the head is already damage now.

-cypher.

[labtech]

Probably been dropped and your spindle has bent some of its axis. Try removing the heads and spin the drive up. Check if the platters are spinning with any eccentricity.

This is a good point, and to confirm what I think the problem CypherHackz has with this drive, had a couple more questions:

1. Did the customer say or suspect the drive was dropped?
2. Was the drive previously opened by somebody else and potentially have removed and placed the platters back in?
3. When rotating manually, as shown in the picture, are the platters rotating freely?

My suspicion is that the heads seem "to get stuck" half way because there is a shift of the hub and platters assembly off its axis. If this is the case, then it is likely that the platters are rotating with a wobble. As result, once the wobble peaks half way through the revolution, the platters are physically touching the spacers or separators in between them. In terms of design, the spacers are not part of hub/platter assembly as they have their own screws within the chassis. So, I think this may be the only logical explanation why the platters and not necessarily the heads were/are getting stuck, thus in need of excessive force to get passed that point.

This scenario could have happened by a drop or somebody who attempted to remove the platters and somehow did a poor job restacking the platters and spacers back into the chassis.

For drive's sake I hope I am wrong all together, because if not, the recovery is a whole lot more difficult or impossible.