Introduction
You are now going to:
- Open the Time Capsule
- Disconnect and remove the Power Supply
- Installing a new power supply if your old one is broken. Or re-install your old power supply if you do this for fun.
Tools
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Open the Time Capsule by exposing the screws that hold the device together. The screws are concealed by the rubber base, which is the bottom surface of the device.
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Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the rubber base, which softens the adhesive holding it on.
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Starting in a corner, carefully lift the rubber base to prevent tearing. You can use a guitar pick or a small, plastic ruler to help separate the rubber from the metal.
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Once the rubber base is separated from the device, remove the 8 Phillips PH00 screws that attach the metal bottom of the case to the plastic top of the case.
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Lift up the left side of the metal plate and slowly flip it over the right edge of the device.
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Since many people have had serious problems with the fan power connnector breaking, it is advisable to NOT try to disconnect the fan power connector. Be VERY careful with this connector. It is extremely fragile. If you absolutely have to disconnect the fan from the logic board, VERY carefully use a spudger or tweezers to do so.
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Using a spudger, unplug the cable that supplies the motherboard with power. There's a clip to release the locking mechanism; make sure to press and release the clip before pulling up on the connector.
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Then, using the same spudger, unplug the HDD power cable.
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Lift the power supply out of its mountings.
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The mounts can snag the motherboard somewhat. Just fiddle it a little and it will come loose.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
13 comments
Hi there,
thanks a lot for this topic,
I have no problems getting there to change the power supply, my only concern is where can i find a replacement power supply?
thanks
as with sebastien... I too need to replace the power supply... but the power supply page is blank. Can someone please advise?
Michael -
Hi there,
if you like me want the cheapest repair for your time capsule, it is possible to repair the power supply for as less as 2$
raphael -
Slowly start peeling at one corner... worked better than shown on the pictures.
Markus -
Slow down particularly near the bottom label where it is stiffer. Either that or I needed to give it more heat. Going too fast can risk tearing the rubber base if the adhesive is strong.
ElvinC -
If you are wondering if the Time Capsule will still work as a router if you remove the HDD and leave it out, the answer (according to another webpage I read) is YES, it will still work. Apparently, you get a warning with the AIrPort Utility about a missing HDD, but it still works. I wanted to keep and reuse the 1TB Hitachi HDD for offsite data backup.
CraigH -
Use an iron instead of a heating gun or hairdryer!
Gradually raise the temperature while checking for separation, while moving over the rubber. I first cleaned the rubber with some soap, to avoid scorching dust or grease. The setting for synthetic fabrics seemed to do the job with my Tefal iron; probably a little over 100 degrees centigrade. No steam off course!
Worked like a charm without leaving almost any residual glue.
Sticking the rubber sole back after the repair was also successful.
Frits de Bruijn -
Thanks for sharing this.
kenatkenichikato -
Adhesive tape used is Nitto No. 5015. I found a piece of a back-paper left underneath the rubber…
vesa -
Is there a possibility to change an already changed 2TB SATA to a bigger one? Mine is full. because I added another MacBook Pro, but I’d rather not buy a newer TimeCapsule
Bette Rose -
I have a heater plate from my beer fermenting days. Sat the router on this rubber side down for an hour or so and the rubber came off easily and cleanly. A pet bed heater may work just as nicely.
publiclee -