Replace a Fan

Time required: 10-30 minutes
Part required: Replacement Mid-plane Fan ordered from Nimble Storage
Information required:
Tools required:
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap or other grounding device
Support contact:

See Support.

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 mid-plane fan in your HPE Nimble Storage array or expansion shelf.

IMPORTANT:
  • The array expansion shelf must be able to slide forward out of the rack 12-15 inches to service the fans. All cabling (network, console, power, SAS) must have at least 24 inches of slack when connected to the chassis to ensure uninterrupted operation during fan replacement.
  • If one fan fails, the array can still function with three healthy mid-plane fans while the replacement is installed.
Figure: Array rear view
  1. Controller A
  2. Controller B
  1. Remove top cover to uncover mid-plane fan.
    1. From the back of the array or expansion shelf, unscrew the two green thumb screws securing the top cover.
    2. Slide the top cover to the rear of the chassis until it stops.
      NOTE: Ensure that the power and networking cables do not interfere with the top cover.
  2. Slide the array out of the rack to expose the mid-plan fan.
    1. Unscrew the two handle screws on the front of the array.
    2. Slide the array out from the front of the rack until the rails lock into place (15 inches).
  3. Locate the failed fan to be replaced.
    Nimble Storage Support will provide the location of the failed fan (1A, 2A, 1B, or 2B).
  4. Replace the failed fan.
    1. Press the two latches in the side of the fan and lift straight up.
    2. Insert the replacement fan into the empty slot and apply gentle downward pressure to ensure that the fan fully seats.
      NOTE: Ensure that the connector on the fan lines up with the connector on the chassis. The green line should align with the same line on the drive bay.
  5. Replace and secure the array chassis top cover.
    1. From the back of the array, slide the top cover forward until it is fully seated.
    2. Screw in the two green thumb screws to secure the top cover to the chassis.
  6. Slide the array back into position and secure to rack.
    1. Slide the array back into the rack in its original position until it is fully seated in the rack.
    2. Screw in the two handle screws on the front of the array to secure the array to the rack.
  7. Verify that the mid-plane fan is operating properly.
    1. Do one of the following in the GUI:
      • For version 3.x or earlier, choose ManageArrays, then click the link for an array.
      • For version 4.x or later, click Hardware, then click the array.
      Roll over the fan icon for the controller with the replaced fan, then check the status of the fan.
    2. In the CLI, enter the command:
      shelf --array [array name] --list
    3. Contact Nimble Storage Support for assistance, if needed, to verify that the fan is operating properly.
  8. Return the failed mid-plane fan as directed on the RMA work order.