Replace a model 55x or 720 disk-drive backplane

You might need to replace a disk-drive backplane in the server. Use the procedure in this section to perform this task.

If your model 55x or OpenPower® 720 system is managed by the Hardware Management Console (HMC), use the HMC to complete the steps for replacing a disk-drive backplane. For instructions, see Replace a part using the Hardware Management Console.

To replace the disk-drive backplane, complete the following steps:

Prepare the system

Perform prerequisite tasks as described in Before you begin.
Identify the disk-drive backplane you need to replace. For instructions, see Identify a failing part.
Stop the system. For instructions, see Stop the system or logical partition.
Disconnect the power source from the system.
Note: This system might be equipped with a second power supply. Before continuing with this procedure, ensure that all power sources to the system have been completely disconnected.
Remove the system unit door or open the rack front door. For instructions on removing the stand-alone system unit door, see Remove the door from the model 285, 52x, 55x, or OpenPower 720.
Place the rack-mounted system unit in the service position. For instructions, see to Place the rack-mounted system or expansion unit in the service position.
Remove the service access cover. For instructions, see Remove the service access cover from the model 285, 51x, 52x, 55x, 710, or OpenPower 720.

Remove the disk-drive backplane

Disconnect each disk drive by squeezing and pulling the handle of the disk drive out toward you. If the handle is not all the way out, the disk drive can not slide out of the system or expansion unit. Pull the disk drives forward, but not out of the system unit, as shown in the following figure.
Figure 1. Disconnecting a disk drive from the disk-drive backplane
Pull any disk-drive fillers forward, but not out of the system, as shown in the following figure.
Figure 2. Disconnecting a disk-drive filler
Squeeze the latch tabs on the top edge of the disk-drive backplane and pull it upward to release it from the connector. Tip the disk-drive backplane away from the frame hooks on the wall of the frame, and lift it out of the system unit, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4.
Figure 3. Removing a disk-drive backplane from a rack-mounted system unit

Figure 4. Removing a disk-drive backplane from a stand-alone system unit

Replace the disk-drive backplane

Find the package that contains the new backplane and remove it from its protective package.
Carefully grasp the disk-drive backplane by the top edge.
Insert the disk-drive backplane into the system unit at an angle to the frame hooks, and align the hooks with the blue guides on the disk-drive backplane.
Tip the disk-drive backplane forward onto the frame hooks, then firmly press the disk-drive backplane into the connector until you feel the latch tabs lock into place, as shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6.
Figure 5. Replacing a disk-drive backplane in a rack-mounted system unit

Figure 6. Replacing a disk-drive backplane in a stand-alone system unit
Press the disk drives back into place, closing their handles as shown in the following figure.
Figure 7. Installing a disk drive
If necessary, press any disk-drive fillers back into place.

Complete the procedure

Reconnect the power source to the system.
Install the service access cover. For instructions, see Install the service access cover on the model 285, 51x, 52x, 55x, 710, or OpenPower 720.
Return the rack-mounted system unit to its operating position. For instructions, see Place the rack-mounted system or expansion unit in the operating position.
Replace the system unit door or close the rack front door. For instructions on installing the stand-alone system unit door, see Install or replace the door on the model 285, 52x, 55x, or OpenPower 720.
Start the system. For instructions, see Start the system or logical partition.
Verify that all of the disk drives connected to the new backplane are functional. For instructions, see Verify the installed part.
If you are a service provider performing this task, return to the procedure that sent you here.