Replace Xbox 360 S DVD Tray Guide
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 43 Steps
Here’s a straightforward and cheerful guide to get that stubborn drive tray on your 360 S back in action! First, make sure to check out the steps for removing the drive from the 360 S. You’ve got this!
Step 1
Be super careful when taking off the fan vent, those plastic clips can be a little fragile. You got this!
– Let’s get started! In the following steps, you’ll learn how to carefully remove the top vent, which is held in place by thirteen clips attached to the top panel.
Step 2
– Hey there! Grab your console and make sure the words ‘XBOX 360’ are right-side up and the faceplate is looking to the left. You got this!
– Now, take that trusty metal spudger and slide it between the top vent and the top bezel, right at the back of your Xbox. Easy peasy!
– Gently rotate the spudger away from the console, lifting the edge of the fan vent until those two plastic clips pop free. You’re doing great!
Step 3
– Gently slide a metal spudger into the gap between the fan vent and the top bezel on the left side of the console. You’ve got this!
– Following the same technique, start easing the left side of the top vent away from the top bezel. Nice and steady!
– Keep prying along the left edge of the device, releasing all the clips on that side. You’re doing amazing! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 5
To release each clip, slide a metal spudger gently under the bottom edge of the clip. Once it’s snugly in place, a simple pry away from the console will do the trick and free that clip right up!
– Get ready for action! In the next steps, you’ll be tackling the six clips marked in red. Let’s do this!
Step 6
Position the console so the left side is looking at you, with the faceplate turned to the right. You’re doing great!
Listen for a cheerful ‘pop’ sound—this means the clip has happily released its hold!
– Slide a metal spudger into the front slit on the left edge of the top bezel. Make sure it fits snugly between the bottom of the clip and the left case, just as we mentioned earlier.
– Now, give that spudger a little twist away from the console while gently pulling up on the top bezel to release that clip. You’ve got this!
Step 7
– Just like we did before, gently pop off the last two clips that are hanging out along the left side of the top bezel. You’ve got this!
Step 8
Hang tight, it’s not ready to pop off yet!
– Grab the top panel firmly with both hands and lift the left edge up high enough to clear the clips from the left case – you’re making great progress!
– If some clips re-attach, don’t worry, just use a spudger to gently release them and you’ll be back on track.
Step 9
– Turn that console around so the back of your Xbox 360 S is pointing right, with the right side of the case looking right back at you!
– Grab your trusty metal spudger and slide it into the rear-most slit on the right edge of the top bezel, right between the bottom edge of the clip and the right case. Get in there!
– Now, as you gently lift the top bezel with your fingers, twist the spudger away from the console to pop that clip free. You’ve got this!
Step 10
– Just like we did before, go ahead and pop the middle and front clips along the right side of the top panel free. You’re doing great!
Step 11
– Gently remove the top panel from the device, like you’re unveiling a surprise!
– If you find that a few clips decided to throw a party and reattach themselves, just grab your trusty spudger and encourage them to step back out into the wild.
Step 12
Get your Xbox 360 S ready by flipping it over so the bottom is facing you. This is where the magic starts!
– Slide the latch to the left that’s keeping the hard drive cover snug and secure.
– Gently lift the hard drive cover away from the console like you’re unveiling a surprise!
Step 13
That fabric tab is holding onto the hard drive like a stubborn friend at a party! Give it a gentle tug, it’s ready to come out. You got this!
– Grab the fabric tab on your hard drive – it’s labeled with the size, like ‘250 GB’ – and get a good grip!
– Now, carefully pull the hard drive straight out of the console. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 14
Get ready to dive in! The next steps will guide you through the process of removing the bottom vent with ease.
– Those seven clips holding it down are ready to party! Let’s get this show on the road.
Step 15
First, position your Xbox 360 S with the hard drive port pointing skyward and the faceplate turned to the left. You’re going to be a pro in no time!
Step 16
Great news! All the clips along the right and front edges should be free as a bird now. And hey, if some other clips decided to join the party and pop open too, no worries at all!
– Just like before, gently pop open the last two clips located on the bottom right edge. You’ve got this!
Step 17
– Gently pop off the bottom vent by lifting it away from the bottom bezel. You’ve got this!
Step 18
Next up, we’re taking off the bottom bezel! It’s held in place by four sneaky clips, so let’s give it a gentle nudge. You’ve got this!
– To release the clips highlighted in red, grab your trusty metal spudger and slide it under the bottom edge of the clip. Once you’re in there, a gentle pry away from the console will do the trick and set that clip free!
Step 19
You might hear a little *pop* sound, like the clip is saying “I’m free!”
That’s just the clip letting you know it’s unlatched and ready to go.
– Slide a metal spudger into the gap near the bottom left corner of the rear bezel. It’s like giving your device a little tickle, but don’t tickle it too hard!
– Now, rotate the spudger away from the device while gently lifting the rear bezel up with your other hand. It’s like giving your device a little high-five!
Step 20
You’ve successfully liberated the whole left side of the bottom bezel! Way to go!
– Slide a metal spudger into the left middle slit of the bottom bezel, making your way between the bottom edge of the clip and the left case.
– Now, gently lift the bottom bezel while twisting the spudger away from the console to release that sneaky clip.
– Keep it going! Just like before, release the clip at the front of the bottom bezel’s left edge.
Step 21
Flip the console around so the front is facing right and the right side faces you.
This clip can be a little tough to get off. You might need to give it a little extra oomph to get the tool in the right spot.
– Time to get this repair started! Insert your trusty spudger into the rear-most slit on the right edge of the bottom bezel. Gently push it down while guiding the tip against the right case, and you’ll find the clip starts to loosen.
– Now, carefully release the clip and pull the bottom bezel up – it’s like a little puzzle piece coming together! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 22
This clip is hiding, but we can find it! It doesn’t have a guide, so look for it under the bezel, near the hard drive slot.
Step 23
This little guy is a bit smaller than the others, so don’t try to yank it out like the rest. Just leave it in there, it’s chillin’
Step 24
Hey, just a heads-up – going any deeper means you’ll be removing the warranty sticker. This means Microsoft’s warranty for anything outside the logic board might be kaput. No worries, though – you’re totally in control! If you’re feeling a bit unsure about this, you can always schedule a repair with us.
Step 25
Alright, let’s get this party started! Flip that console over so the front side is facing you. We’re ready to rock and roll!
– Find the two clips that are hugging the top edge of the console, right behind the Wi-Fi card. They’re your little puzzle pieces waiting to be freed!
– With one hand gently pushing the left and right cases away from each other, take your trusty metal spudger and gently pry those clips loose. It’s like giving them a little nudge to set them free!
Step 26
Keep those two cases apart like they’re on a first date! This will stop those pesky clips from making a surprise reunion.
– Now it’s time to get a little creative – insert a spudger between the right and left cases to keep them from getting too cozy while you work on other parts.
Step 27
Flip your Xbox over, positioning it so the faceplate is on your left and the left case is facing you. This will give you the access you need to get started with the repair.
– With one hand, gently pry apart the left and right cases. As you do this, use your other hand to free the clip that’s hanging out next to the hard drive slot. Easy peasy, right?
Step 28
– Keep those cases apart! It’s crucial to stop those pesky clips from snapping back into place.
– Now, slide another spudger in between the left and right cases, right under that clip. You’re doing great!
Step 29
Feel free to let go of those spudgers that have been keeping the top and bottom clips apart. It’s time for them to take a break!
– Let’s get started by inserting the flat edge of a metal spudger between the left and right cases, where the warranty sticker used to be. This is the first step in separating the cases.
– Next, gently pry the left case upwards to create a gap between the two cases. Then, carefully slide the spudger in toward the left case to loosen it.
– Now, rotate the spudger upward to release the last clip. This might take a bit of finesse, but you’ve got this! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 30
– Gently pop open that clip in the top left corner where the left case meets the faceplate. You’re almost there!
Step 31
– Turn the console over so the bottom is facing up and get ready for some fun!
– Pop open the clip located in the front left corner at the bottom edge that’s keeping the left case attached to the faceplate.
– Gently swing the left case away from the device to free the last two inner clips – it’s almost there!
– Carefully lift off the left case and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!
Step 32
Alright, let’s get this party started! Make sure your device is facing you, with the screen up. You got this!
– Let’s loosen that grip! Carefully release the clip near the front right corner of the top edge, where the right case meets the faceplate.
Step 33
Flip that console over so the bottom is looking up at you, and make sure the faceplate is pointing straight ahead. You’re doing great!
– Give that sneaky clip in the bottom right corner of the top edge a little nudge to free it from holding the right case to the front case. You’re doing great!
Step 34
Hold your horses! The faceplate is still hanging out with the console, thanks to a slender ribbon cable. It’s not time to say goodbye to the faceplate just yet, so let’s keep it cozy for now.
– Gently lift the left edge of the faceplate upwards to pop free the last two clips securing it to the right case. You’ve got this!
– Carefully detach the faceplate from the device. You’re one step closer to getting things back in action!
Step 35
The locking tab has a bit of a limited range – it’ll only budge about 2 mm, so be gentle!
– Alright, let’s get this party started! Using a spudger or your trusty fingernail, gently lift that clear blue tab away from the connector. It’s like giving it a little high five!
– Now, slide that locking tab on the power switch board cable connector towards the top of the console. Just a little slide to the side, no need to get too wild!
– Time to pull the power switch cable straight out of the connector. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
– Woohoo! The faceplate is now free from the rest of the console. You’re doing great! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 36
– Time to tackle that T10 Torx screw that’s keeping the wireless card in place. Remove it with care!
– Now, gently pull the Wi-Fi board out of the console like you’re unveiling a surprise. You’ve got this!
Step 37
This is a tamper-evident sticker, but no worries— Microsoft can’t cancel your warranty as long as nothing gets damaged. Enjoy the process!
– Peel off the large white sticker from the metal frame to reveal a hidden screw just waiting to be discovered!
Step 38
– Unscrew those five 55.5 mm T10 Torx screws that are keeping the right case snug against the metal frame. You’ve got this!
Step 39
Flip that Xbox over, buddy! Let’s get to work on that right side.
– Gently lift the right side of the case away from its metal frame. Give it a little nudge, and it should pop right off!
Step 40
– Unplug that optical drive data cable from the back of the optical drive—it’s just hanging out there!
– Now, let’s also disconnect the power cable from the back of the optical drive. We want to make sure everything’s powered down safely!
Step 41
– Time to give that optical drive a little lift! Gently lift it out of the Xbox.
Step 42
– Alright, let’s tackle that drive unit!
– For the Lite-On Phillips drive, you’re going to need a bit of muscle and maybe a tiny prayer (just in case). First, remove that rubber piece near the back – it’s like a sound dampener that keeps the drive from wiggling around. Then, pop out that foam strip up front. It helps the drive close quietly, and it’s getting in our way. Now, unscrew those 4 screws at the corners.
– Time to remove the top piece. Some videos will have you take off the top spin plate, but trust us, it’s not necessary. Slide the drive components towards the front, and carefully lift the front to clear those base pins from the other half of the case.
– Finally, gently remove the drive tray from the side lips holding it in place. Start at the back of the drive and use its flexibility to free it one tab at a time, working your way towards the front.
Step 43
– Once you’re free, keep an eye out for a little guide pin over on the right side (when you’re looking at it from the front) close to the gears. Just give those gears a gentle twist to lower the lens assembly until that pin lines up snugly on the far right side. There’s a guide track waiting for it right at the bottom of the tray!
– Now, slide that tray back into its cozy spot, making sure our guide pin is perfectly aligned with the guide track. You’ve got this!
– Feel free to do a quick partial reassembly to check if everything’s working smoothly. Just a heads up though, the power cord “key” is a molded part of the case, so be cautious—it can be inserted the wrong way around. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
