Xbox 360 Top Vent Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove the gray plastic top vent from your Xbox 360.

What you need

Step 1 Hard Drive

Xbox 360 Top Vent Replacement, Hard Drive: step 1, image 1 of 2

Xbox 360 Top Vent Replacement, Hard Drive: step 1, image 2 of 2

Grasp the hard drive assembly and press the release button while lifting its front edge.
Remove the hard drive assembly from the top vent.

Edit

WARNING: Just replacing the drive will not make it work correctly. Microsoft has married the drives to the motherboard. Hence, in order to get full operation out of the drive you'll have to perform more steps not listed here. Search in the FAQ on this specific topic for more details. Otherwise, before buying a new drive, try cleaning the inside of the old one and/or replace the belt involved in opening and closing the drive door.

- Good Luck

Eric - Jul 6, 2014 Reply

Thanks..helped!

joseph zulu - Oct 4, 2017 Reply

bress the button and lift with the same hand! i thought mine was stuck because of this pic!!!

Maths with Luigi - Mar 10, 2023 Reply

Step 2 Top Vent

Xbox 360 Top Vent Replacement, Top Vent: step 2, image 1 of 2

Xbox 360 Top Vent Replacement, Top Vent: step 2, image 2 of 2

Stand the console vertically with the top edge facing up.
The top vent is secured to the console via clips. The first two clips are located underneath the top vent closest to the faceplate, as shown in the pictures.

Edit

Step 3

Insert the flat end of a spudger into the small gaps previously mentioned to release the clips.
You may also use the long finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool to accomplish this task.

Edit

I found it easier to open these clips using the pointy end of the spudger rather than the flat end. Just slide it in against the side of the case and the clip will pop off.

dave - Jun 7, 2012 Reply

I found this step difficult. I wasn't able to see where the clips were from the pictures. If you look at step 14 you can see what the clips look like after the vent is taken off. Once you realize where they are it is a lot easier.

Jonathan Crall - Apr 21, 2024 Reply

Step 4

Xbox 360 Top Vent Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

In the next few steps, you will use the tip of a spudger or the finger of an Xbox 360 opening tool to release the clips along the left and right sides of the top vent. Their locations are highlighted in red.

Edit

Step 5

To release the clips, work from the middle of the top vent.
While slightly lifting the front edge of the top vent, use the tip of a spudger to push the clips closest to the center of the top vent towards the inside of the console.

Edit

Step 6

Use the tip of your spudger to release the clip on the top vent nearest the back of the Xbox's upper case.

Edit

Step 7

The last clip is hidden underneath the rubber foot nearest the back of the console.
Use the tip of your spudger to release the clip on the top vent nearest the back of the Xbox.
Remove the top vent from the 360.