I have seen them removed before. I'm not sure what the long term effect is, but the device works without it. If its stretched out, maybe cut it so it still grounds.

However, I believe it's best to avoid damaging it or replacing if possible.

Thanks so much. Now when I connect the screen back together WITHOUT the little spring, there is a very faded screen. You can see it running correctly in the background but can't get a clear pic on screen. Any ideas on where to get a replacement spring or how to fix without the spring. Thanks for your help.

It looks like it grounds to the outside body. The metal plate that attaches to the LCD screen goes against that spring then to the outside metal case. But that's my guess at it.

The Spring is for grounding the digitizer.

What size is the spring, and where i can I possibly get the replacement for it?

i had the same problem with the spring, after removing the screen and replacing it i notice it wasnt there. but i went on and connected my cables and the ipod came on but it doesnt unlock the screen i have to use fast force to where it worked but something isnt right. could it be there spring? not connected well? or not rewrapen my foil over the digitizer? or bad lcd?

I have also lost this spring while knocking out glass shards from the iPod body. After searching for a replacement and not finding one online (and searching the carpet for a solid 45 mins) I came up with a brilliant idea to try a filament from a MR16 bulb. The first I tried was too large and would not fit, but the second I tried worked like a charm and after reassembling device, was successful with no adverse effects. more specifically, i used a Philips Halotone 20w 12v aluminum reflector - model number 409355. this bulb here - http://www.bulbconnection.com/ViewSIMIte...

break it open with caution! they are under pressure and WILL explode, sending glass shards.

hope this helps to those who have lost this spring.

When my friend lost his little spring during a LCD/Digitizer repair it had no color/backlight on his screen so I'm assuming it grounds the digitizer. I'm not really sure if you can find a replacement for it. I've heard of some people having no problems without it, some say any replacements screens they have refuse to work without it.