ReadyNAS Ultra 6 rattling

If 1 drive fails replace it immediately - you can hot swap it or swap it with a shutdown
Check logs frequently - for ATA Errors: 1 and over - Reallocated Sectors: 50 and over - thats when we replace drives (if you purchased the NAS with drives, call us when you see errors like that and we will replace the disks) If you purchased disks seperately please call drive manufacturer.

Sometimes a failing disk will rattle, sometimes it is a chassis fan.

One way to check is to power down the NAS, remove all the drives (labeling the slots!) and then turn it back on. If it still rattles, it is the chassis.

Turn the NAS off, and replace the disks in their original positions.

@kossboss: the logs show no anomalities, the drives look fine.
@StephenB: that's a great tip, will try that this weekend, thanks! Cannot shutdown the NAS right now as it is a production unit that has too much going on. This weekend I could test, however.

@kossboss: I bought the unit with 3 drives included. If I should see disk errors in the near future, then I assume I am eligible for disk replacement? Bought the unit new through a reseller, so warranty should apply. Which number may I dial? I live in Belgium, but will call an international number & send the unit anywhere I can get service. Thanks!

@kossboss: If it would turn out to be a chassis fan that is rattling, then can this be serviced under warranty just as well?

sventunus wrote:
@kossboss: the logs show no anomalities, the drives look fine. @StephenB: that's a great tip, will try that this weekend, thanks! Cannot shutdown the NAS right now as it is a production unit that has too much going on. This weekend I could test, however.

Note that the system won't fully boot up without drives. If you don't hear any rattle, and you have a scratch drive handy you can insert it and let the NAS start its install. (no harm is done since the OS is on the disks).

You can also power each drive separately (for instance with a USB/SATA adapter kit), and see if any of them rattle when they spin up. You might need a PC for that though (running a disk diag to generate some seeking).

The main thing to remember is that the ReadyNAS will wipe any disks you hot-insert.

Hey Stephen,

I have USB HDD docking stations laying around & can test disks using testdisk by CG Security under Linux, so no problem there.
I don't suspect any problems with the drives however. I assume it's the disk mounting or the chassis fans that are causing the rattle, but we'll know for sure this weekend.

Thanks once again for the tips!
Extremely logical & simple, if you think of it that is ;-)

Ok, so it is the chassis fan that is causing the rattle, as I suspected. I removed all the disks, booted the NAS and it started rattling right away.
Also tested each individual disk just to be sure they're ok.
So where do we go from here? Will Netgear replace the fan for me, and if so, where do I have to send my unit? How long will I be missing it for?
Or is this just a standard chassis fan and can I replace it myself? Anyone knows what will fit the case & board?

I'd start a support request at support.netgear.com I'm not sure if they will offer to send you a PSU or RMA the unit. In the latter case they can ship it in advance of the return (so there is no downtime).

They can probably also answer the do-it-yourself question, though it might void the warranty.