What Causes Hard Drive Grinding Noises
Hard drives contain multiple mechanical components that can produce noise when starting to fail. The main components that can cause grinding or clicking noises include:
Hard Drive Read/Write Heads
The read/write heads float just above the drive platters and move back and forth to access data. If they malfunction or get stuck, they can scrape against the platters causing a repetitive grinding or clicking sound.
Hard Drive Spindle/Platters
The spindle spins the platters at high speeds. If the bearings start to fail, the platters may wobble or rub, creating grinding noises. Dust inside the drive can also cause friction and noise between the platters.
Hard Drive Motors
Problems with the motors that spin the platters or move the heads can lead to whining or grinding sounds as they struggle to operate.
Hard Drive Controller Board
Issues on the circuit board can lead to problems controlling the spindle and heads, resulting in unfamiliar grinding or buzzing.
In general, any mechanical failure in a hard drive’s moving parts can cause odd noises like grinding or squeaking as the components start to break down from wear and tear.
Hard Drive Read/Write Heads
Hard drive read/write heads float just above the spinning platters inside a hard drive on an air bearing. They move rapidly back and forth to different tracks on the platters to read and write data (Wikipedia). The heads are attached to an actuator arm that moves them across the platters. They never actually touch the platters, instead “flying” nanometers above the surface on a cushion of air.
If the read/write heads fail and make contact with the platter surface, this can generate a grinding noise as they scrape along the platters. Head crashes typically occur when the air bearing beneath the heads becomes unstable or insufficient to keep them from contacting the platters. Factors like shock, vibration, contamination, manufacturing defects, wear and tear, can all contribute to head crashes and the resulting grinding noises.
Replacing failed heads requires opening up the hard drive in a clean room environment and transplanting the platters to a new drive mechanism with working heads. This is an expensive process only done for recovering critical data, as it’s typically more cost effective to just replace the entire faulty hard drive.
Hard Drive Spindle/Platters
The spindle inside a hard drive holds the platters in place and rotates them at high speeds during drive operation. The platters themselves are thin, circular disks made of aluminum or glass that store all the data on the drive. If there are problems with the spindle or platters, it can cause audible grinding noises.
Specifically, if the spindle bearings start to fail, the platters may wobble and rub against the drive heads or interior casing. This physical grinding creates a harsh metallic sound as the platters scrape against other components. Additionally, damage to the surface of the platters themselves, such as scratches or dents, can cause similar grinding as the heads pass over the imperfections.
According to Seagate (source), if a drive is making a grinding noise during use, physical damage is likely being caused and continued use may further destroy the platters. So grinding noises point to serious spindle or platter issues that require professional repair or drive replacement.
Hard Drive Motors
The hard drive’s motor spins the platters at high speeds during operation. Motor failure can cause the platters to spin irregularly or at variable speeds, resulting in grinding and clicking sounds. Signs of motor failure include:
- Loud grinding or screeching noises when accessing data
- Clicking sounds that occur randomly or during data access
- Vibration or motion coming from the hard drive
- Issues detecting or accessing the drive
Motors contain ball bearings that can wear out over time, especially in drives that have seen heavy use. Insufficient lubrication, manufacturing defects, and damage from drops or shocks can also contribute to premature motor failure.
Replacing the motor is generally not cost effective, so grinding noises from a faulty motor typically indicate that the hard drive needs to be replaced. Backing up important data regularly can help avoid data loss when motor failure occurs.
According to Backblaze’s hard drive stats, motor issues accounted for about 13% of drive failures in Q1 2023 [1]. Motor failure rates can vary across drive models and manufacturers.
Hard Drive Controller Board
The controller board is the printed circuit board (PCB) that houses the electronics and firmware that allows the hard drive to communicate with the computer. Controller board issues can manifest in grinding noises and other problems.
Common controller board failures include:
- Power surges or ‘dirty’ power damaging components on the PCB leading to electrical shorts and instability that can cause grinding vibrations (source).
- General wear and tear on the PCB components leading to malfunctions, instability, and erratic behavior that translates into audible grinding (source).
- Overheating and thermal damage to the chips and components on the controller board resulting in glitches, crashes, and grinding noises as the drive tries to read and write data.
A damaged or malfunctioning controller board can send incorrect signals to the read/write heads and spindle motor leading to scraping, friction, and audible grinding noises. Replacing a failed controller board may resolve the issue and allow data recovery.
Bearings and Lubrication
Hard drives contain ball bearing assemblies that allow the drive’s platters to spin at high speeds. These bearings are lubricated to reduce friction and prevent overheating. Over time, the lubricant can break down or leak out, causing the bearings to wear down through metal-on-metal contact. This results in a grinding or squealing noise as the drive spins up. Re-lubricating bearings is usually not recommended, as worn bearings will have developed rough surfaces that can cause issues even with fresh lubricant. The proper fix is to replace the bearings entirely. Some key lubrication tips include using the manufacturer recommended lubricant, avoiding incompatible greases, proper cleaning before application, and re-lubricating at the specified intervals
According to Machinery Lubrication, changing the lubricant after the first 50 operating hours and then at regular intervals is a lubrication best practice for drives and conveyors [1]. Linus Tech Tips forums also note that once bearings start making noise, it usually means they have worn down too far and adding more lubricant won’t help [2].
When to Be Concerned
Grinding noises from a hard drive often indicate a serious issue that requires attention. If the grinding sound is persistent and occurs frequently, it likely means the read/write heads are making contact with the disk platters. This results in physical damage as the heads scrape against the platters while attempting to read data (Identifying Hard Drive Sounds and Determining What They Mean).
Any grinding noise should be concerning, as it can worsen over time and eventually lead to a catastrophic hard drive failure. However, if the grinding only occurs occasionally, such as during startup or when accessing data, the hard drive may continue working for a while before complete failure. But persistent grinding indicates immediate action needs to be taken to avoid permanent damage and data loss.
It’s important to understand that grinding noises point to physical defects within the hard drive. As the components continue degrading, the sounds typically get louder and more frequent until the drive is no longer operable. Heeding the early grinding noises provides a chance to take preventative steps, like migrating data to a new hard drive before it’s too late.
Backing Up Your Data
Backing up your data is absolutely critical to protect against data loss from a failed or failing hard drive. According to Backblaze’s 2022 hard drive stats, over 1.5% of hard drives fail within the first year of use. With failure rates that high, it’s almost guaranteed you will eventually experience a hard drive failure if you don’t have a backup.
There are many options for backing up your data both on-site and off-site. On-site options include external hard drives, NAS devices, and RAID arrays. Off-site options include cloud backup services like Backblaze Personal Backup and Carbonite. For best protection, utilize both on-site and off-site backup methods.
When your hard drive begins making grinding noises, that is a sign it could be failing soon. At that point, you’ll be glad you backed up your data, as you may need to rely on those backups if the drive fails completely. Don’t wait until it’s too late – implement a comprehensive backup strategy before trouble strikes.
According to Backblaze’s research, once a hard drive exhibits signs of failure, there is a high likelihood it will fail completely within 6 months. So take those grinding noises seriously and immediately back up any important data on the drive that is not already backed up. Your backups could save you from catastrophic data loss.
Repair vs Replacement
When a hard drive is making grinding noises, it’s often a sign of mechanical failure and that the drive is rapidly degrading. According to Stellar Info (Why Hard Drive Makes Grinding Noise), the grinding sound typically means the read/write heads are malfunctioning and scratching or hitting the disk platters. This usually indicates permanent damage. Recoverit (How to Repair a Hard Drive Making Noise) notes that grinding is one of the most serious hard drive noises, and repair is unlikely.
While some minor grinding issues can potentially be repaired by replacing bearings or lubricating the drive, severe grinding often means the internal components are failing. This type of physical degradation cannot be repaired – the drive will continue to degrade. Most professionals recommend immediately backing up your data and replacing any drive that emits loud or chronic grinding noises. Repairing the drive is not worth the risk of continued data loss.
In limited cases, grinding may be caused by a faulty controller board rather than mechanical failure. In these instances, replacing the circuit board can potentially fix the issue. However, grinding attributable to physical breakdown of internal parts cannot be repaired. If the noises persist for more than a short time, replacement is strongly advised.
Preventing Hard Drive Noise
There are several steps you can take to help prevent noise issues and prolong the life of your hard drive:
- Keep your computer in a cool, well-ventilated area. Excessive heat can cause the drive to work harder and make more noise. Ideally keep temperatures below 85°F.
- Make sure the computer is on a stable, vibration-free surface. Vibrations from unstable desks or knocking against the computer can lead to noise.
- Avoid moving the computer when it’s powered on and the drive is spinning. Sudden movements can cause the read/write head to scrape against the platters.
- Run the disk defragmenter tool regularly to keep files neatly organized and reduce unnecessary drive head movements. This is especially important on frequently used drives.
- Clean out the computer case regularly with compressed air to prevent dust buildup on the drive components. Dust can retain heat.
- Avoid downloading and installing unnecessary programs that take up drive space and resources. Keep at least 15-20% free space.
- Use a surge protector. Power fluctuations can cause the drive motor to work harder and louder.
- Handle laptops gently and avoid bumps and drops which can knock drive parts out of alignment.
Following proper computer use and maintenance best practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of noticeable hard drive noises occurring. But some noise during drive operations is inevitable over time. Seek help if sounds seem excessive or you notice a decline in performance.[1]
[1] Hard Drive Maintenance: How To Avoid Damage and Prolong Life
