Western Digital WD20EFZX weird noise

The Western Digital WD20EFZX, a 2TB Red Plus NAS hard drive, is engineered for 24/7 reliability in small NAS systems. While generally quiet during regular operation, unexpected or weird noises from this drive can be alarming. Understanding the source and meaning of these sounds is essential in determining whether they signal a problem or fall within normal mechanical behavior.

Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Noises

Like all mechanical hard drives, the WD20EFZX will produce some operational noise during startup, seek, and spin-down phases. These include:

Spinning up/down hums

Soft clicks during head seeking

Buzzing when accessing data rapidly

However, noises like loud clicking, grinding, screeching, repetitive ticking, or beeping are not normal and may indicate problems.

Common Causes of Weird Noises

1. Head Parking or Stuck Actuator Arm

Repetitive clicking or knocking noises may indicate the read/write head is unable to move correctly. This could result from firmware failure, a failing actuator, or motor issues.

2. Degrading or Damaged Platters

If the platters have physical damage, you might hear grinding or high-pitched noises. This is a serious sign of internal failure and can lead to data loss.

3. Power Supply Issues

Inadequate or unstable power (especially in NAS systems) can cause the drive to fail to spin up properly, resulting in buzzing or repeated attempts to initialize.

4. Bad Sectors and Read Failures

Frequent soft clicking might indicate the drive is trying to re-read bad sectors. If paired with performance issues or file errors, this is a sign of drive degradation.

5. Environmental Vibrations

External factors like nearby vibrating fans or loose mounts can resonate through the drive chassis, creating sounds that appear internal.

Diagnostic Steps

1. SMART Analysis

Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo, WD Dashboard, or Hard Disk Sentinel to check SMART attributes. Look for warnings in:

Reallocated Sector Count

Current Pending Sector Count

Uncorrectable Sector Count

Seek Error Rate

If any are elevated, the drive may be failing.

2. Use WD Diagnostic Tools

WD provides a free utility called Data Lifeguard Diagnostic. Run both the short and extended tests to identify issues.

3. Check Power Supply

Ensure your NAS or external enclosure has a stable and sufficient power source. Try the drive in another enclosure if available.

4. Backup Data Immediately

If the weird noise persists or diagnostics show signs of failure, back up all important data right away. A failing drive may become inaccessible without warning.

What to Do Next

If diagnostics confirm issues and your WD20EFZX is still under warranty, you can request an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) through the Western Digital support portal.

Avoid running intensive operations or full surface scans if the drive is making severe noises. These processes may accelerate failure and reduce chances of data recovery.

For critical data that cannot be backed up or recovered through software, consult a professional data recovery service—especially if grinding or loud clicking is heard.

Conclusion

Weird noises from a WD20EFZX often indicate deeper mechanical or firmware problems. While some minor clicks or hums are normal, persistent or loud abnormal sounds should never be ignored. Run diagnostics, ensure stable power, and back up your data immediately. If necessary, reach out to Western Digital support for warranty service or professional advice to prevent data loss.