Recap Epson SMD-400/SMD480L

[DoG]

"I am trying to align the upper head with the lower one. I thought that maybe this part could be helpful. But it's probably nonsense. Anyway, thank you for the response."

Aha. That is very hard as I understand it from the videos I have seen. It seems to be mostly luck snf trial and error, but I think an occilisocpe would be the only tool to nail that alignment.

[omenatalo]

Is it possible to remove the platter to access the two small screws attaching the PCB to the frame?

I can see that the pads for C05 are corroded on my drive, and of course, that is the most difficult one to access. :-/

I also have a corroded trace that runs under the platter, but it's hard to check continuity without seeing where it goes.

[rubber_jonnie]

Is it possible to remove the platter to access the two small screws attaching the PCB to the frame?

I can see that the pads for C05 are corroded on my drive, and of course, that is the most difficult one to access. :-/

I also have a corroded trace that runs under the platter, but it's hard to check continuity without seeing where it goes.

Can I suggest that you post photos as it will help people understand what you're trying to do so they are better able to comment.

[omenatalo]

Edited: inline images

Sure, good idea!

It's an Espson 480L, like the one shown earlier in this thread. C05, circled, is the cap I need to replace, but it's awkward to get to as there is a frame tab right above it.

20260412_190906-EDIT.jpg

Close up of CO5...

20260412_191002.jpg

So I'd really like to remove the PCB from the frame to make the job easier. The problem is that there are two small screws under the spinning platter, and I can't see how to remove it to access them.

Here you can see one screw. Above and to the right is the corroded trace that I need to check. Unfortunately, it disappears under the platter, so it's impossible to do a continuity check.

20260412_190937.jpg

Here's a pic of the screw holding down the PCB on the other side.

20260412_190941.jpg

Any ideas on how to get access to these screws?

[rubber_jonnie]

@omenatalo

Please follow the forum guidelines and upload your pictures to your post and then insert them inline.

I for one can't see the images as you're using links to an external site and we don't support linking to external images on sites like imgur.

Thanks.

[omenatalo]

Please follow the forum guidelines and upload your pictures to your post and then insert them inline.

Ah, sorry about that. Newbie mistake. :D I've updated the post with inline images.

[rubber_jonnie]

Please follow the forum guidelines and upload your pictures to your post and then insert them inline.

Ah, sorry about that. Newbie mistake. :D I've updated the post with inline images.

No worries, you're not the first and you won't be the last :)

I'm not sure you'll need to remove the screws under the platter, they probably hold the motor to the PCB, though difficult to know 100%. The platter is likely a press fit on the motor shaft so I'm not sre how easy it would be to remove.

You might be able to carefully remove the C shaped plastic/rubber item and it may reveal screws that hold the platter to the spindle.

[DoG]

As rubber_jonnie mentioned, there is some clamp holding the spindle in place. The question is if you will be able to refit it once you remove it? If I remember correctly that pcb is single sided. All the stuff is smd mounted. I agree that the frame is a bit in the way.

I would suggest to snip the legs of the cap and try adding fresh solder to it so that you can remove the legs. And neutralize the electrolytes with white vinegar. Some capacitors used a water-based electrolyte. Try a Q-tip moistened with warm water and see if it gets you anywhere.

Use blu tack to hold the new cap in place when soldering.

Some pics for reference:

close-up_C05.jpg

Under_smaller.jpg

[Dlfrsilver]

if you have removed the 2 screws hold the PCB in place on the drive metal structure, you need to remove the spinning wheel on which the disk metal circle is posed on.

and then you'll get access to the 3 screws under it.

[omenatalo]

if you have removed the 2 screws hold the PCB in place on the drive metal structure, you need to remove the spinning wheel on which the disk metal circle is posed on. and then you'll get access to the 3 screws under it.

Thanks! I figured it out in the end. You can push the metal pin from the underside of the drive, and the spinning platter will pop off without much force. It's just a press fit, it seems. Then you can remove the two remaining screws and lift out the PCB, which will make the recapping part a whole lot easier. :D

20260509_163525.jpg