iPod 1st Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement

Insert a plastic iPod opening tool in the seam between the white plastic front and metal back of the iPod. It helps to hold the iPod at top and bottom as shown and squeeze to help pop out the edge. Once you've inserted the tool, run it along the seam to free the five tabs holding the iPod together.

Continue to run the opening tool along the side of the case until all five tabs have been released.

Work around the corner of the iPod and release the two tabs holding the iPod together near the dock connector.

Free the five tabs holding the iPod together on the other side. You may be able to free the tabs by gently wiggling the front panel of the iPod.

Lift the rear panel away from the iPod.

Lift the battery up from the adhesive holding it to the iPod.

Lay the battery next to the iPod (it is still connected to the logic board).

Carefully disconnect the orange ribbon cable from the hard drive.

If the cable doesn't come free easily, it may be helpful to gently wiggle the cable from side to side.

Lift the hard drive out of the iPod.

Carefully disconnect the white battery connector from the logic board. Be sure to pull only on the connector itself and not on the cables.

Peel up the gray rubber bumper near the hard drive ribbon to reveal the T6 Torx screw beneath.

Remove the newly revealed T6 Torx screw.

Remove the remaining 3 T6 Torx screws from the logic board.

Slide the logic board away from the port end of the casing and lift it out of the iPod.

Use a spudger to carefully disconnect the orange hard drive cable from beneath the scroll wheel.