Introduction
I offer this guide because I'm against e-waste. While a brand new drive can be had for a measly $18 (plus shipping), the repair costs about 25 cents (well not actually—you have to buy a whole bunch of rubber bands, but each one is 25 cents—see step 5). Assuming you have removed the drive from your computer, you can open it with the following steps.
Darn ASUS company will not sell the little O rings that run the drive—I contacted warranty, repairs, their e-store, tech support, all to no avail. Somewhere online, a guy named Thompkins recommended using ponytail rubber bands. I picked some up that were about an inch in diameter and looked like they were made of high quality rubber. Looked pretty thick, maybe 3/32" in cross-section. While the rubber bands may cost $4.00, you'll have a big supply to repair them when they go out. The ones from the factory disintegrate every 2 years, but the ponytail rubber bands look more substantial.
I will be updating this guide with photos some day, but I'm pretty busy now and I'm sure if you're reading this, you don't need pictures. Good luck.
-
-
Insert a "straightened" paper clip into the tiny hole above and slightly to the left of the open & close button.
-
-
-
Using a non magnetized flat screwdriver, push in the faceplate tabs on the sides and bottom of the case. Once this loosens the faceplate, gently pry the top edge free.
-
-
-
The top part the the case will now lift off of the drive. With the tray extended open, you'll see two wheels near the front, the left one being larger than the right one.
-
-
-
Loop the rubber band around the 2 aforementioned wheels, re-assemble your drive, reinstall the drive in your computer, and you're good to go.
-
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
