Does anyone have any suggestions for externally rotating the spindle on a WD2000? Motor is pretty difficult to turn. I am thinking of building a jig to use an electric drill. Any better ideas?

you should check your PCB first (IC motor) ?

What is the success on manually rotating the spindle and freeing it? I have always opted for platter swaps but if there is a better method with less chance of damaging heads/platters I would give it a go.

It is not the board. The motor is physically tight from the fall.(was in external enclosure) I have not done this before, but since there are 3 platters and I have no way of assuring alignment in a swap situation, I think this is my only option.

I think the hdd will be fooled by the rotation into working, but am not sure. I should be able to get 2000rpm or so. Has anyone done this before?

Hi,
I've sucessfully free'd a stucked motor and bent axxis with my home made tool.

Regards/ Bosse

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Rescue IT Datarecovery service Sweden
Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
http://www.rescue-it.se

I freed the spindle, but it is still too tight to turn on its own. I cut off the cap on the bottom and cut a small groove in the middle of the spindle to attach the drill. I guess here goes nothing, I'll try it tonight. Please post if you have any suggestions.

Just an update if anyone is interested. The drill was successful at starting the spindle motor, but once the motor got up to speed there was noticeable vibration. Looks like it is bent. Oh well. I guess I will try a body swap now.

Does anyone have any tricks to keep three platters aligned?(besides the $400 tool)

Mr spokk

How does your device attach? Do you screw it on?

Hi, yep two screws...just extra long ones.

Bosse

_________________
Rescue IT Datarecovery service Sweden
Rescue IT Dataräddning Göteborg AB
http://www.rescue-it.se