Opening the iPod can be challenging. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries before the iPod is opened.
Insert a plastic iPod opening tool in the seam between the white plastic front and metal back of the iPod. Once you've inserted the tool, run it along the seam to free the five tabs holding the iPod together.
Like the hard drive connector, for the following step, you only need to move the connector about 2 mm. Pushing too hard or too far will damage the connector.
Loosen the touch wheel connector by pulling the brown locking bar toward the side of the iPod using the tips of your fingers.