How to replace the ThinkPad T480 storage drive (M.2 SSD or 2.5-inch drive)

The T480 HMM (FRU 1050 Internal storage drive) covers both the 2.5-inch drive and the M.2 solid-state drive.

Source: every step below is paraphrased from the official ThinkPad T480 Hardware Maintenance Manual (First Edition, January 2018) (Lenovo, pp. 64-72). Screw sizes and torque values are quoted from the manual's own tables. The manual's illustrations show each step, so keep it open while you work. Service manuals are written for trained technicians; work at your own risk.

Applies to

ThinkPad T480

Before you start

  • Lenovo: the drive is sensitive to physical shock; do not drop it. Back up the data first if possible.
  • Never remove the drive while the system is running or in suspend mode.

Tools

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Plastic pry tool

Steps

  1. Turn off Fast Startup in Windows. In Control Panel (Large or Small icons view), open Power Options, choose "Choose what the power buttons do", click "Change settings that are currently unavailable", clear "Turn on fast startup" and save.
  2. Disable the built-in battery in ThinkPad Setup. Restart and press F1 at the logo screen to enter ThinkPad Setup. Go to Config > Power, choose "Disable built-in battery", and confirm with Yes. The computer powers off by itself; Lenovo says to wait three to five minutes for it to cool.
  3. Remove the removable battery. Take out the removable rear battery (FRU 1010).
  4. Remove the base cover. Remove the connector cover, loosen the base cover screws, release the hooks and lift the cover off in the order shown in the manual (FRU 1030).
  5. Remove the drive. Follow the HMM illustrations for your drive type. The screw table lists M2 x 3 mm flat-head nylon-coated screws, black, torque 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm): two at one step and one at a later step of the M.2 procedure.
  6. Reinstall. Lenovo says to make sure the drive is firmly attached and that its tape does not cover the speaker. Refit the base cover and battery.

Matching ssd part numbers

We have not indexed a ssd part number for this model yet. See the ThinkPad T480 page for the parts we have documented.

Official manual

ThinkPad T480 Hardware Maintenance Manual (First Edition, January 2018) (PDF, Lenovo)