WD400 drive dead and clicking. Replace PCB?

[computerdoc]

The drive clicks when connected and is not recognized by the system. It seems likely that the PCB board burned out. It just died suddenly one day without any rough or unusual handling.

Is replacing a WD PCB straightforward or difficult?

 

[MotzTech]

I have only done it a few times, but it was always a simple process for me. You need to make sure you are getting a PCB from an identical drive.

A quick good search brought me to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6w0coK4Y0c

 

[computerdoc]

Do you have to buy a drive or can you get it directly from a pcb sales place?

What do you need to specify to get the identical pcb?

 

[MotzTech]

The only times I ever did it I had identical drives available (from a RAID array) so I never had to buy a pcb board. You really can't just order the same model hard drive because it needs to be the same firmware and such if I recall correctly.

A google search for wd pcb boards should help you to find a replacement board.

 

[Kitten Kong]

It has to be an identical board, to the one you already have.

IE I have one here, which could require a pcb board, the model is WD250JS-75NCB1. I would look for one with the exact same model.

There are places on ebay which sells them. Last one I ordered, was in the region of £40.00. Expensive at the time, but my client was willing to pay, as it was cheaper then sending it off for an expensive recovery. Usual story, didnt back up, years worth of pics and family details 'lost'.

I've done a few in my time, its a simple enough process.

 

[compnet]

Clicking can be fixed by replacing the PCB?? I was under the impression there was a mechanical failure inside the drive if it clicks.

 

[onetech4all]

It seems likely that the PCB board burned out

- it generally does. I always check the board for anything burned and so far I've had success recovering the data from drives.
As a matter of fact, I have a WD right now with a "knocking" sound, the board has a burn mark, and I already purchased a replacement PCB board for recover the data.
Hope for the best!