Disassembling Apple Time Capsule Lower Case

User-Contributed Guide

User-Contributed Guide

This guide is not managed by iFixit staff.

How to open your Time Capsule in order to perform internal surgery.

  • Author: rousp
  • Time required: 20 - 40 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Add Note x
  • x 9

This guide shows you how to open your Time Capsule for the first time. Take your time with the first step, especially if your Time Capsule is of some age. The adhesive can be really hard then.

If you are like me, and open your units way to often you won't need the heat to remove the dust cover..

Tools
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Lower Case  ¶ 

  • Place the unit upside down on your work surface. Use a cloth or similar object to protect it from scratches.

  • Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the underside of the unit, in order to weaken the adhesives in the tape that hold it in place.

    • Start in a corner, it can be tricky to get a good grip at first.

    • Progress slowly not to tear the tape, but do not over heat the unit.

    • If you tear some of the tape, don't worry too much about it. It will still hold in place fairly well.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Remove the 8 Phillips PH-0 screws highlighted on the photograph.

  • Some revisions of the Time Capsule may have 10 screws. If your Time Capsule has two screws each in the upper left and bottom right, make sure to remove all 10 screws.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • With the rear side of the device (with Ethernet connectors) facing you, carefully pull up on the left side of the metal plate.

  • The fan is attached to the metal plate, and connected to the logic board next to the power connector. To prevent damage, do not lift the plate straight up or use force.

  • Disconnect the fan from the logic board using a spudger or tweezers to pry the cable out of the connector.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the Apple Time Capsule device page.

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