Internal rubber drive-support insulators that cushion the hard drive/Microdrive — replace when pads are missing, hardened, or torn. They do not fix storage, electronics, or any exterior fit/finish.
Product Overview
Choose this hard drive bumpers listing to re-seat and protect the internal hardware it supports on the iPod Photo (4th Generation) when the original cushions, bracket, or shield are missing, hardened, torn, bent, or compressed.
Use the Compatible Variants table below to confirm capacity, color, case, or order-number fitment.
This is an internal support part, so choose it when the original cushions, bracket, or shield are missing, hardened, torn, bent, or compressed — not for an electrical, storage, or cosmetic symptom.
- The larger drive requires a thicker rear panel to physically fit
- The sad iPod icon indicates a hard drive issue.
- Error 1429 indicates a hard drive problem
- Clicking sounds are a strong indicator of mechanical hard drive failure
- A USB-to-ZIF adapter allows external testing of the hard drive
- Compatible Toshiba drives end in 004 or 006 (e.g., MK4004GAH, MK2006GAL, MK3006GAL, MK4006GAL)
- Toshiba MK8007GAH 80GB is a compatible upgrade drive for this model
- USB will not complete the restore process.
- The drive connector is believed to be DDKLtd MCD-D50SA-3
- Use a ZIF adapter to connect the iPod hard drive directly to a computer for external reformatting and diagnosis
- Clicking sounds or HD whirring with a blank display typically indicates a hard drive problem
- Wait 30 minutes while the iPod is charging.
- The iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Replacement guide covers installation
- A Toshiba MK8007GAH (80GB) is a compatible upgrade option for this model, as it uses the correct ATA-6 pin interface.
- The issue is not only the thickness of the drive assembly but also the length: with the adapter attached, a ZIF drive becomes too long for the iPod Photo's internal cavity.
Choose Your Option
This part comes in multiple variants. Confirm your iPod's capacity, case depth, and order number before ordering.
Use this linked storage option only for 30GB / 20GB thin-case iPods and the order numbers shown here.
View this option →Used factory original Apple thick hard-drive rubber insulators for iPod Photo 4th Generation. For original hard-drive builds, not flash-mod adapter foam.
You're viewing this optionWhat Is Included
Included
Not Included
hard drive, hard-drive cable, dock-area rubber spacers, flash adapter foam or thermal pads unless explicitly stated on this listing.
Quick Buying Check
Buy this when
- Missing or damaged internal drive supports: Use this check for missing, torn, or compressed internal drive supports.
Diagnose first when
- Hard-drive rubber insulators are case-depth specific. Match the original hard-drive chassis before ordering.
- Confirm the color variant before ordering: White.
- Confirm the capacity match before ordering: 40GB, 60GB.
Do not buy for
- Do not use this part for: Flash-mod or SD adapter builds - use adapter foam or thermal pads instead.
- Do not use this part for: Dock-area spacers, bezels, or exterior housing trim.
- Storage symptoms should be checked against the hard drive, hard-drive cable, flash adapter, battery load, and board connector before ordering bumpers.
- Thin hard-drive chassis - use the matching bumper check.
- Confirm the case thickness before ordering: thick, thin.
- Confirm the case thickness before ordering: thick.
Specifications & Fitment
Also known as iPod with color display (Apple's official name after June 2005).
Part Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A1099 |
| EMC | EMC 2022 |
| Condition | Used — factory original Apple part. Normal cosmetic wear expected. |
Compatible Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M9585LL/A | 40GB | White | thick | Yes | — |
| M9586LL/A | 60GB | White | thick | Yes | — |
| M9830LL/A | 60GB | White | thick | Yes | — |
| PS493AA | 60GB | White (HP) | thick | Yes— compatible | Stock match |
| MA127LL/A | 20GB | Black/Red (U2) | thin | No— wrong case depth | Thick-case part is not compatible with 20GB/30GB thin iPod Photo variants Use Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thin) instead. |
| MA079LL/A | 20GB | White | thin | No— wrong case depth | Thick-case part is not compatible with 20GB/30GB thin iPod Photo variants Use Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thin) instead. |
| MA215LL/A | 20GB | White (Harry Potter Collector's Edition) | thin | No— wrong case depth | Thick-case part is not compatible with 20GB/30GB thin iPod Photo variants Use Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thin) instead. |
| M9829LL/A | 30GB | White | thin | No— wrong case depth | Thick-case part is not compatible with 20GB/30GB thin iPod Photo variants Use Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thin) instead. |
| PS492AA | 30GB | White (HP) | thin | No— wrong case depth | Thick-case part is not compatible with 20GB/30GB thin iPod Photo variants Use Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thin) instead. |
Do Not Buy / Problems This Part Does Not Fix
| Situation | Start here instead |
|---|---|
| You have Thin hard-drive chassis - use the matching bumper check | Use the matching bumper check. |
| Flash-mod or SD adapter builds - use adapter foam or thermal pads instead | Use adapter foam or thermal pads instead. |
| Dock-area spacers, bezels, or exterior housing trim | Use the matching dock bezel, housing, or trim listing for your model before buying this part. |
| Storage symptoms should be checked against the hard drive, hard-drive cable, flash adapter, battery load, and board connector before ordering bumpers | Start with the hard drive, flash storage, or drive cable check. |
| Exterior case or trim damage belongs on the faceplate, backplate, or housing check rather than the internal drive-support check | Start with the hard drive, flash storage, or drive cable check after matching the exact symptom and part family. |
| The only problem is an internal electronic symptom with no physical damage to this part | Start with the relevant power, storage, audio, display, or control diagnosis instead of a housing part. |
| The replacement would not match the case depth, color, or capacity family you are repairing | Confirm the exact model, capacity, connector, and case variant before ordering. |
- Compatible Toshiba drive models include any ending in 004 or 006, such as: - MK4004GAH - MK2006GAL - MK2006GALC - MK3006GAL - MK4006GAL The 4th Gen hard drive connector is believed to be a DDKLtd MCD-D50SA-3.
- A plastic opening tool alone may not suffice; supplement with a small jeweler's screwdriver or thin putty knife.
- Test the original hard drive externally with a USB-to-ZIF connector to isolate the problem
- Most USB-to-ZIF cables come with multiple adapters for different connector types
Install Overview
Before You Start
Lock the Hold switch so the orange bar is visible before opening the iPod.
Treat case opening as the highest handling risk. Work around the seams gently and stop if the shell, clips, or internal stack resist.
Do not pull the halves apart or side-load board sockets. Reseat nearby ribbons and connectors before blaming a replacement part.
Confirm thickness, color, screw points, and nearby hardware alignment before pressing the case fully closed.
After This Repair
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Seat the support pieces | Confirm the rubber supports sit evenly and do not lift, twist, or leave the internal stack loose. |
| Check for pressure or rattle | Before final closure, make sure nearby ribbons are not pinched and the internal stack does not rattle. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right internal support part?
Match the model generation first, then confirm capacity 40GB / 60GB and color White and that it fits the exact internal location. It is chosen by physical fit and condition, not by color or finish.
Will this fix internal electronics symptoms?
No. This is an internal support part that cushions or holds hardware in place. Diagnose power, storage, audio, screen, and control faults separately.
How do I confirm this is the right internal support part?
Confirm the exact iPod Photo model and that the original part is missing, hardened, torn, bent, or compressed before ordering Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thick). It is an internal part, so color and finish do not apply.
Why people land on this part
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Fitment wording people compare
- 3 pieces
