iMac Intel 21.5" Retina 4K Display 2019 Hard Drive Replacement

Step 1 Install the iMac service wedge


Tool used on this step:
iMac Intel 21.5" Cardboard Service Wedge
$4.99
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• With the hinge free to move, the iMac will be unbalanced and hard to work on. Place an iMac service wedge, in the stand to stabilize the iMac.
• If you are using the iFixit cardboard service wedge, follow these assembly directions to put it together.
• Before beginning any work on your iMac: Unplug the computer and press and hold the power button for ten seconds to discharge the power supply's capacitors.
• Be very careful not to touch the capacitor leads or any exposed solder joints on the back of the power supply. Only handle the board by the edges.
Step 2 Insert the opening tool



• Starting on the left side of the display, near the power button, insert the iMac Opening Tool into the gap between the glass panel and the rear enclosure.
• The hub on the iMac Opening Tool will keep you from pushing the wheel in too far. If using a different tool, insert no more than 3/8" into the display. Otherwise, you risk severing antenna cables and causing serious damage.
Step 3 Slice through the display adhesive
• Use the tool like a pizza cutter—roll it along the gap, cutting the foam adhesive in between the frame and display.
• Be sure to always push with the cutting wheel forward. If you pull, the wheel might get pulled out of the handle.
• Run the tool up along the left side of the display.
Step 4
• Continue running the tool up around the top left corner.
Step 5
• Cut the adhesive along the top left of the display.
Step 6
• Continue along the top of the display.
• You may want to run the tool back and forth a few times to ensure you completely cut through the adhesive.
Step 7
• Push the tool around the top right corner of the display.
Step 8
• Push the tool down along the right side of the display.
Step 9
• Finish pushing the opening tool to the bottom of the right side of the display.
• At this point, you'll want to run the tool back around the entire display, to ensure you cut as much adhesive as possible.
Step 10

Tool used on this step:
Plastic Cards
$2.99
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• While the opening tool cut most of the adhesive, the display will still be slightly adhered to the case. A plastic card will be necessary to free up the last of this adhesive.
• Set the iMac face-up on a table.
• Starting from the top right corner of the iMac, wedge a plastic card between the display and frame.
• Be careful not to insert the plastic card more than 3/8", or you may damage internal components.
Step 11
• Gently twist the plastic card sideways to create a gap between the display and frame.
• Move slowly and be careful not to stress the display glass too much—you only need to make a gap of about 1/4".
Step 12
• Slide the card toward the center of the display to cut any of the remaining adhesive along the top right corner of the iMac.
• Be sure to stop before the iSight camera, or you may damage it.
Step 13
• Wedge the plastic card into the top right corner once again, and leave it there to prevent the adhesive from resticking.
Step 14
• Insert a second plastic card into the gap between the display and frame near the top left corner of the iMac.
Step 15
• Gently twist the card upward, slightly increasing the space between the display and frame.
• As with the other side, twist slowly to allow the adhesive time to separate, and be careful not to over-stress the display glass.
Step 16
• Slide the plastic card toward the center.
• Stop sliding just before the iSight camera to avoid damaging the camera.
Step 17
• Wedge the plastic card back into the top left corner.
Step 18
• With both plastic cards inserted as shown near the corners, gently twist the cards sideways to increase the gap between display and case.
• If there are any sections that seem to stick and won't separate, stop twisting and use one of the cards to cut the remaining adhesive.
• Begin to lift the top of the display up from the frame.
• Only lift the display a few inches—the display data and power cables are still connected to the logic board.
Step 19 Display Assembly Cables
• Lift the display up enough to have easy access to the connector, but not so much that you stretch the cables and stress their connections (about 8").
• Hold the display with one hand while using your other hand to unplug the display power cable.
Step 20
• Continuing to support the display with one hand, flip up the metal retaining bracket on the display data cable.
• Carefully pull the display data cable from its socket on the logic board.
• Be sure to pull the display data cable connector straight out of its socket, keeping it parallel to the motherboard, to avoid damaging it.
Step 21 Separate the display
• Lift the display up to a near-vertical position.
• At this point there is still a strip of adhesive along the bottom of the display that will hold the display to the frame like a hinge. You can loosen this adhesive by working the display up and down a few times.
Step 22

Tool used on this step:
Plastic Cards
$2.99
Buy
• If necessary, a plastic card can be used to cut any remaining sections of the bottom adhesive strip.
Step 23
• Lift the display up from the frame and remove it from the iMac.
• It may be necessary to slowly lift from one side to peel against the remaining adhesive.
• Be very careful handling the display—it's big, heavy, and made of glass.
• After the adhesive is cut, it cannot be used to re-seal the display in place. Follow this guide to replace the adhesive strips that secure the display to the rear enclosure.
Step 24 Hard Drive Brackets
• Remove the following T10 Torx screws securing the hard drive brackets to the iMac:
• Two 21 mm screws
• One 9 mm screw
• One 27 mm screw
Step 25
• Remove the left and right hard drive brackets from the iMac.
Step 26 Hard Drive Assembly
• Lift the hard drive from the edge nearest the logic board and pull it slightly out of its recess.
• The hard drive is still attached by its SATA cable; do not attempt to fully remove it from the iMac yet.
Step 27
• Use a spudger to disconnect the single SATA cable by prying it gently away from the hard drive.
• Remove the hard drive assembly from the iMac.
Step 28 Hard Drive
• Peel the rubber bumper off one side of the hard drive.
• Repeat for the other side.
• When installing a new drive, it's helpful to use double-sided tape to stick the bumpers to your new drive.

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Adam O'Camb

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