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 5th Generation (Video) 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.
- Enter Diagnostic Test Mode: hold Menu + Select, release at Apple logo, then immediately hold Back (|<<) + Select until drive spins up
- Error 1429 during an iTunes restore has several potential fixes.
- Error 1416 can be resolved by formatting the drive before attempting restore
- No standalone firmware upgrade exists for the A1136 80GB
- Update preserves data; Restore erases everything and returns to factory condition
- Clicking indicates drive failure; confirm with a ZIF-to-USB adapter
- Even with a bad HDD, the iPod should show some sign of life (Apple logo)
- Error 1429 during restore has multiple documented solutions
- If the hard reset fails, restore through iTunes (this erases all iPod data)
- To resolve Error 1437 during restore, try completely reinstalling iTunes: 1.
- Error code 1415 during iTunes restore has documented solutions from Apple
- For Error Code 1415 during an iTunes restore attempt, consult Apple's official troubleshooting resources for iPod restore errors.
- Back up all data before attempting an iTunes restore
- The hard drive is the only iPod component that produces audible noise
- A firm tap can sometimes temporarily free a stuck drive head
- To resolve error 1416 after a hard drive replacement, follow this escalating diagnostic sequence: 1.
- Note that the hard drive will need permanent replacement eventually, as this temporary fix only addresses a stuck mechanism.
- Clicking sounds indicate the hard drive is not functioning properly
- For iFlash conversions: reformat SD card to FAT32 with all partitions deleted
- Important: "Update" only installs new software without erasing data. "Restore" erases all content and returns the iPod to factory condition.
- To resolve error 1416 when restoring, try the following methods: Method 1 - Disk Mode with timed cable connection: 1.
- The sad face icon with a web address and audible drive noise indicates a failing hard drive.
- Reformatting the drive will erase all data
- Sad face icon with drive noise indicates hard drive failure
- Error 1437 can be resolved by completely uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes
- Intermittent restore screen often indicates firmware loss from a failing hard drive
- The clicking indicates a mechanical hard drive failure, while the blank screen may resolve after a successful hard reset.
- iTunes restore in Disk Mode erases all content but reinstalls fresh firmware
- This erases all data and reinstalls factory firmware
- Back up all data before formatting or restoring
Choose Your Option
This part comes in multiple variants. Confirm your iPod's capacity, case depth, and order number before ordering.
For original 30GB thin iPod Video hard-drive builds. Not used for flash-mod adapter builds.
You're viewing this optionUse this linked storage option only for 60GB / 80GB thick-case iPods and the order numbers shown here.
View this option →What 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
- Center / Select button or specific control failure: The center, middle, or Select button feels stuck, sits low, or stops selecting.
- Hold switch or lock state symptoms: The iPod appears locked or the Hold switch does not match the device behavior.
- Part appears unresponsive or intermittent: A part or control check is dead, intermittent, or only partly responsive.
- Blank, white, black, lined, or backlight display: Blank screen, white or black display, missing backlight, or lines on the screen.
- Dock, USB, sync, or charging connection trouble: Charging, USB recognition, sync, or dock behavior is intermittent or missing.
Diagnose first when
- Use the thin bumper set only for original 30GB hard-drive builds. Thick 60GB/80GB drives use different bumper geometry.
Specifications & Fitment
Part Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A1136 |
| EMC | EMC 2065 |
| Condition | Used — factory original Apple part. Normal cosmetic wear expected. |
Compatible Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA146LL/A | 30GB | Black | thin (0.43 in) | Yes | — |
| MA446LL/A | 30GB | Black | thin (0.43 in) | Yes | — |
| MA452LL/A | 30GB | Black/Red | thin (0.43 in) | Yes | — |
| MA664LL/A | 30GB | Black/Red | thin (0.43 in) | Yes | — |
| MA002LL/A | 30GB | White | thin (0.43 in) | Yes | — |
| MA444LL/A | 30GB | White | thin (0.43 in) | Yes | — |
| MA147LL/A | 60GB | Black | thick | No— wrong case depth | Different case depth — choose the listing that matches this order number's case. |
| MA003LL/A | 60GB | White | thick | No— wrong case depth | Different case depth — choose the listing that matches this order number's case. |
| MA450LL/A | 80GB | Black | thick | No— wrong case depth | Different case depth — choose the listing that matches this order number's case. |
| MA448LL/A | 80GB | White | thick | No— wrong case depth | Different case depth — choose the listing that matches this order number's case. |
Do Not Buy / Problems This Part Does Not Fix
| Situation | Start here instead |
|---|---|
| You have Thick 60GB/80GB iPod Video chassis - use the thick bumper set | Use the thick bumper set. |
| Flash-mod or SD adapter builds - use the adapter foam or thermal pads instead | Use the adapter foam or thermal pads instead. |
| You have an iPod Classic 6G/7G A1238 unless the SKU explicitly cross-lists that model | This is a different model — check your order number and generation before ordering. |
| Dock-area rubber spacers - those are smaller separate pieces near the dock connector | Use the correct fitment listing instead. |
| 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. |
- Model A1136 is the iPod 5th Generation (Video)
- There is no separate firmware upgrade available for the iPod 5th Generation (Video) A1136 80GB.
- The iPod 5th Generation drive is interchangeable, but the 30GB model uses a slim drive.
Install Overview
Before You Start
Turn Hold off, use the reset sequence for this generation, and confirm the model and variant 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.
If the display shows pressure marks, dark spots, bowing, or lifting after repair or battery replacement, stop reassembly and inspect internal fit before treating the display alone as failed.
If the symptom appeared after opening the iPod or replacing a part, inspect and reseat nearby ribbon cables and connectors before assuming the replacement part is bad.
Verify the exact generation, capacity/thickness variant, connector, and part listing before ordering; similar-looking iPod parts are not always interchangeable.
Repair Guide
Repair guide summary: iPod 5th Generation (Video) Side Bumpers Replacement.
Show all 12 installation steps
Before opening the iPod, confirm that the hold switch is locked. With the iPod screen-side down and facing you, the slider should sit all the way to the right.
Do not get discouraged if the iPod takes several opening attempts; work slowly until the case releases. Release the first bottom retainer clip with the plastic opening tool. Point the tool edge toward the metal rear case to avoid scratching the plastic front.
Use these retaining clip locations: four along each side, one on top, and two along the bottom. This helps avoid frustration and reduces the chance of scratching the plastic cover.
Each side of the iPod has four retaining clips. Use a plastic opening tool to separate the plastic front from the metal rear case. Slide the plastic opening tool into the iPod's left side with the tool edge pointed toward the metal rear case. A small guitar pick can help with opening. Place it in the seam and slide it around the case to release the clips more smoothly. Gently enlarge the existing crevice by wiggling the plastic opening tool and moving it to the left. Keep working this way until the entire side of the iPod is loose. Then slide a plastic opening tool to the right of the Hold button. Work very carefully while inserting the tool because the display is fragile.
Gently glide the plastic opening tool on the top of the display, making sure to release the retaining clips. The other sides of the iPod should now release easily. If they do not, work plastic opening tools along the right side the same way you did on the left side. In this step, separate the front of the device from the back about an inch (or a couple of centimeters). The iPod casing is now open, but do not fully separate the two halves yet. Two ribbon cables still connect the back panel to the remaining iPod assembly.
With angled tweezers or a plastic opening tool, slide the brown connector latch upward where it secures the orange battery ribbon cable. Pull from both sides of the latch. Lift it only about 1-2 mm to release the cable; do not lift farther or remove it, or the white connector may come with it. Do not raise the assembly very far; lifting too high could pull the battery connector out of the logic board. Move the brown connector straight upward. It is fragile and can break if shifted to the side. Hooks at the bottom hold the cable in place. If an arm breaks, reinstalling the battery cable becomes difficult; put the cable in the slot and press the brown holder into place to stop the cable from slipping out. Take the cable out of the connector.
At this stage there should be one orange ribbon cable still attaching the front housing to the back. At this stage you are able to take out and replace the blue rubber bumpers, or keep going with separating the case. You can replace the battery without separating the case, but opening it farther can make the work easier. Doing so requires one extra cable removal and adds some damage risk.
Raise the hard drive so the headphone jack ribbon connector is exposed. If the hard drive bumpers come loose, put them back with the notch seated in its original orientation.
With the plastic opening tool, gently raise the brown tab of the headphone ribbon cable connector. The tab can rotate up 90 degrees, releasing the ribbon cable. With your fingers, draw out the headphone jack ribbon cable.
The front and rear case halves should now be fully separated.
With a small plastic opening tool, release the black hinge clamping the hard drive ribbon cable. Rotate the tab upward 90 degrees toward the logic board to free the ribbon cable. With your forefinger, hold the ribbon cable in place; detach the drive from the ribbon cable. Confirm that the hard drive rubber side bumpers are installed on the drive. Use the side bumper installation guide for placement. If needed, transfer the blue foam padding from the hard drive to the replacement drive.
In this step, the rubber side bumpers should be installed as pictured: The drive side supported by the hard drive bracket should use the rubber side bumper with a corner sidewall, indicated by the red box. In this step, there should be a space in between the two smaller rubber edge bumpers, as indicated by the yellow box. Seat both sides of the drive snugly, as described in the third picture.
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. |
Worth Knowing
- Owner-verified failure mode: installing a thick-case part in a thin 30GB case compresses the LCD panel against the internals — dark pressure marks or permanent panel damage. Thin and thick batteries, headphone jacks, backplates, and side bumpers are NOT interchangeable between case variants.
- The "www.apple.com/support/ipod" message indicates a failing hard drive, which is the most common cause of this error.
- Error 1429 is most commonly caused by a bad hard drive or improperly connected storage
- Error 1416 is commonly caused by drive communication issues
- Sad iPod icon with Apple support URL indicates hard drive failure
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right internal support part?
Match the model generation first, then confirm capacity 30GB and color White, Black, Black/Red 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 Video 5th Generation model and that the original part is missing, hardened, torn, bent, or compressed before ordering Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thin). It is an internal part, so color and finish do not apply.
Some buyers search for "iPod 5th Gen Video 30GB Rubber Bumpers", "30 GB 5th Generation iPods (iPod Video)", or "Original Rubber Bumpers for 1.8-inch ZIF HDD"; confirm the checks above point to this same part before ordering.
Why people land on this part
Also searched as: iPod video 5th generation thin hard drive bumpers, iPod 5th Generation Video Hard Drive Rubber Insulators, iPod 5th Generation Video drive bracket supports, iPod 5th Generation Video rubber drive supports, Hard Drive Rubber Insulators (Thin) replacement.
