REPLACING A FAILED HARD DRIVE

Replacing the hard drive on a 2008 iMac is harder than it looks. The internets have a ton of great tutorials and step by step instructions on how to remove the glass panel and LCD display so I won't go into that here. This post is only meant to offer a few tips for anyone looking to take on the challenge.

Required Tools:

Suction Cups

Philips #1 screwdriver

T6 torx screwdriver

T8 torx screwdriver

LCD cleaning solution

Large microfiber cloth

Optional Pro Tools:

Tweezers to remove and replace the small screws securing the data display cable

Giottos Rocket-Air to remove all the dust bunnies from the fans and logic board

Kapton Tape to replace the tape securing the thermal sensor cables

Extra set of hands to hold up the LCD display while disconnecting the inverter cables

iSesamo opening tool to remove the thermal sensor bracket from the hard drive

Tip #1

Have all of your tools organized and ready to go. Using the pro tools mentioned above will make the job much easier.

Tip #2

Use a large microfiber towel to work on. The microfiber towel pictured was large enough to hold a 20" iMac and the glass panel once removed. The last thing anyone wants to happen is to remove the glass panel and have no where safe to lay it down. The glass panel could attract dust, get scratched, or the suction cups could give out. Being able to remove the glass panel and lay it down immediately is key.

Tip #3

Work slowly and carefully. Remove each screw away from the LCD display. Once the glass panel has been removed the LCD display is vulnerable. Do not reach across the LCD display to grab tools or screws.

Tip #4

Before replacing the glass panel, clean the LCD display throughly. Use a lint free microfiber cloth and a small amount of LCD cleaning solution. Make sure the LCD is free of lint or fingerprints because they will show through.

Tip #5

Allow plenty of time to complete the job.