Replace the Chassis

Time required: One hour
Part required: Replacement chassis ordered from Nimble Storage
Information required:
  • RMA (Return Material Authorization) work order
  • Case number
  • Array serial number
Tools required:
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • ESD (Electrostatic discharge) wrist strap or other grounding device
Support contact:

See Support

A replacement chassis comes without drives, controllers, or power supplies. Those components come from your existing array.
Caution:
Before you attempt to replace the chassis:
  • Schedule for adequate downtime during hours of minimal array use.
  • Disconnect the array from your VMware host.
  • Unmount the array from your Linux host.
  • Plan how you want to install the new chassis into the rack. Does the existing array have to be removed first? Do you have a jack, or other lifting device, or a second person to help you lift the array into place?

HPE recommends using the Maintenance Window functionality within the HPE InfoSight portal to inform HPE Support of upcoming maintenance windows.

Refer to https://infosight.hpe.com/dashboards/nimble/wellness/maintenance-windows for more information.

You can disable automated support case generation during planned maintenance from the Manage Maintenance Windows page. After a maintenance window is set, no further communication with HPE Support is required.

Use this procedure to replace the chassis of your Nimble Storage array or expansion shelf.

  1. Shut down the existing array using one of the following methods.
    • In the GUI, go to Administration > Shutdown and click Shut Down Array.
    • In the CLI, type halt --array [array_name].
    • On the array, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
  2. Label the cables for all eth/port connections so that you can easily reconnect them to the correct ports during installation.
  3. Unplug the power cords, network cables, and SAS cables from the array, and remove the front bezel.
  4. Remove the existing array from the rack.
  5. Remove the rack rails from the existing array and install them onto the new chassis.
  6. Install the new chassis into the rack.
  7. Move the drive carriers from the existing array to the new chassis.
    Do not remove a drive from its drive carrier.
    1. Slide the black tab down to release the drive carrier handle. The handle springs open.
    2. Pull the drive carrier handle to remove the drive in slot 1 from the existing array. Use firm, steady pressure.
    3. Slide the drive into the drive bay of slot 1 on the new chassis. Do not force the drive. If it does not slide in smoothly, remove it and start again.
    4. Close the drive carrier handle.
    5. Repeat this action with the other drive carriers.
      IMPORTANT: Always install each drive into the same slot number on the new chassis as on the existing array.
      1. New chassis
      2. Old array chassis
  8. Move the controllers from the existing array to the new chassis.
    1. Unscrew the keeper to release the handle on one of the controllers.
    2. Grasp the controller by the handle, pull the controller firmly to remove it from the chassis bay.
    3. Slide the controller into the same bay on the new chassis, in the same controller slot.
      NOTE: Do not force the controller. If it does not slide in easily, remove it and try again.
    4. Return the handle to its original closed position and tighten the keeper screw.
    5. Repeat this action with the other controller. Each controller must be installed in the same bay of the new chassis.
  9. Move the power supplies from the existing array to the new chassis.
    1. Press the release tab down on one of the power supplies.
    2. Grasp the power supply by the handle, pull the power supply firmly to remove it from the chassis bay.
    3. Slide the power supply into a bay on the new chassis. Do not force the power supply.
      NOTE: If it does not slide in easily, remove it and try again.
    4. Return the power supply handle to its original closed position and push the release tab up.
    5. Repeat this action with the power supply. A power supply can be installed in either bay of the new chassis.
      1. Release lever
      2. Holding screw
      3. Release tab
      4. Handle
      5. Power supply
      6. Controller

      With all the components from the existing array installed into the new chassis, the new chassis becomes the new array.

  10. Plug in the network cables first, then SAS cables, followed by the power cords into the new array, and replace the front bezel.
  11. Verify that the array is powered on.

    The array powers up automatically when the power cables are connected. If the array did not power on, contact Nimble Storage Support.

  12. Contact Nimble Storage Support. They will verify that the array is operating properly.
  13. Return the old chassis as directed on the RMA work order.