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Q: faulty internal drive making noise even when empty

My internal DVD drive is faulty and continues to make noise as if a disc is stuck in there. The noise stops when the computer goes into sleep mode. This is a 2007 iMac and probably not worth the cost of a repair. Is there any way to stop the noise by turning off the drive or somehow ejecting it from the hardware list. The computer works beautifully in every other aspect. I suppose I could learn to live with the noise but would rather not if someone out there has a solution. Thanks

imac 20, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Apr 21, 2016 5:50 PM

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Q: faulty internal drive making noise even when empty

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Apr 21, 2016 6:16 PM in response to spurdoots
    Level 6 (14,328 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 21, 2016 6:16 PM in response to spurdoots

    You can still buy an optical drive of the correct spec from several vendors &

    have one put in, or use an online guide to replace the component yourself...

     

    Locate the exact model guide to see what is involved in restoring the iMac.

     

    • iMac intel repair guide - iFixit:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel

     

    One of the online vendors whose inventory likely includes a replacement optical

    superdrive equivalent for the iMac (intel) would be OWC macsales; they also have

    some DIY video guides to see how to accomplish various repairs. Usually a few

    additional tools would be required. While the iMac is open to replacement of this

    part, is an opportunity for the clock battery to be replaced as well. Maybe even

    the hard disk drive should replaced; the rotational hard drive likely is rather worn.

     

    So, it could be a great DIY project if you went into it knowingly, with correct parts,

    tools, and patience. Helps to have a second working machine to check details in

    the process of repair, online; such as the guides and video to help.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing! 

  • by spurdoots,

    spurdoots spurdoots Apr 21, 2016 7:07 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 21, 2016 7:07 PM in response to K Shaffer

    Thank you for all the info!! I had no idea there were resources like this available.I shall research what's involved and attempt a DIY replacement of my drive(i just need to get up the courage).

    Thanks again for your help and all the info!!

  • by Duane,

    Duane Duane Apr 21, 2016 7:07 PM in response to spurdoots
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Apr 21, 2016 7:07 PM in response to spurdoots

    It is really odd that an optical drive would continue to spin and make noise with no disc installed.

     

    I would be concerned that the noise is coming from the internal hard drive.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Apr 21, 2016 7:11 PM in response to Duane
    Level 9 (50,397 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 21, 2016 7:11 PM in response to Duane

    I had an MBP that never stopped attempting to load a disc, didn't matter that it was empty, it made that noise. I fixed it by getting rid of the machine (it was old)

  • by spurdoots,

    spurdoots spurdoots Apr 21, 2016 7:15 PM in response to Duane
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 21, 2016 7:15 PM in response to Duane

    Thought about your hunch and ran first aid in disc utility. The internal drive appears to be sound.(no pun intended)

    Thanks for the suggestion. Much appreciated!

  • by Duane,

    Duane Duane Apr 21, 2016 7:17 PM in response to spurdoots
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Apr 21, 2016 7:17 PM in response to spurdoots

    First Aid in Disk Utility can pass perfectly even though the bearings in your hard drive are failing.

  • by spurdoots,

    spurdoots spurdoots Apr 21, 2016 7:22 PM in response to Duane
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 21, 2016 7:22 PM in response to Duane

    Didn't know that. If that's the case I may have to just let it die and follow Csound1's lead. This is the second drive on this machine(first was replaced while under warranty)

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Apr 21, 2016 7:28 PM in response to spurdoots
    Level 7 (27,550 points)
    Apr 21, 2016 7:28 PM in response to spurdoots

    Have you tried resetting the SMC and NVRAM...?

     

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

    How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    I would also try running a DVD cleaning disc in it, to see if that helps.

     

    Google Search: DVD Cleaning Disc

  • by spurdoots,

    spurdoots spurdoots Apr 21, 2016 7:40 PM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 21, 2016 7:40 PM in response to den.thed

    Haven't tried that but will, thanks.  Will want to try the most non-invasive fixes before I take the thing apart.

  • by den.thed,Helpful

    den.thed den.thed Apr 22, 2016 4:59 AM in response to spurdoots
    Level 7 (27,550 points)
    Apr 22, 2016 4:59 AM in response to spurdoots

    That's exactly what I was thinking.

     

    Additionally if you get up the nerve, you could just go in and disconnect the SuperDrive instead of replacing it. Besides if you do a lot of DVD and CD work, then a good tray loading external DVD drive is faster and more reliable than a SuperDrive any day.

  • by spurdoots,

    spurdoots spurdoots Apr 22, 2016 5:05 AM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 22, 2016 5:05 AM in response to den.thed

    KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED!

    Strangest thing happened this morning. When I pressed the space bar to wake the computer out of sleep mode the drive made an "ejecting" noise and the other noises just stopped. It must have been caught in some sort of scanning or reading loop. After listening to that infernal clatter for over a week-What a relief!!!

    Thanks to all of you for your advice and help much appreciated.