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Maintain MX304 Cooling System Components

Maintain the MX304 Air Filter

Purpose

For optimum cooling, verify the condition of the air filter.

Action

  • Regularly inspect the air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow in the unit which negatively affects the router ventilation, The filter degrades over time. You must replace it every 6 months.

    CAUTION:

    Always keep the air filter in place while the device is operating, except during replacement. The fans are very powerful and can pull small bits of wire or other materials into the device if the air filter isn't in place. These materials can damage device components.

  • The shelf life of polyurethane filter varies from two years to five years depending on the storage conditions. Store in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Wrap the media in plastic and store in an environment with relative humidity between 40%- 80% and temperature between 40°F (4°C) to 90°F (32° C). Note that if the material flakes, or becomes brittle when rubbed or deformed, it is no longer usable.

Replace the MX304 Air Filter Unit

The air filter unit has three parts. The air filter sits right inside the outer filter cover and the inner cage. The air filter unit is installed into the cable management brackets, and is held tightly by captive screws.

Remove the MX304 Air Filter Unit

Note:

The air filter unit is designed to prevent dust from being drawn into the chassis.

To remove the air filter unit from the front of the router:

  1. Attach an electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap to your bare wrist, and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
  2. Loosen the captive screws on both sides of the air filter unit.
    Note:

    You don't need to remove the cables from the cable manager to access the air filter.
  3. Grasp the air filter unit and gently pull it out of the cable management brackets. See Figure 1.
    Figure 1: Remove the Air Filter from the Chassis Remove the Air Filter from the Chassis

Install the MX304 Air Filter Unit

Note:

The air filter unit is installed on the cable management brackets. Before installing the air filter unit, ensure that the cable management brackets are already installed on the front of the router.

To install the air filter unit:

  1. Attach an electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap to your bare wrist, and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
  2. With the air filter unit right side up, slide it into the rails on the cable management brackets until it stops (see Figure 2). The air filter unit fits snugly on the cable management brackets.
    Figure 2: Install the Air Filter Install the Air Filter
  3. Tighten the captive screws to secure the air filter unit to the cable management brackets.

Replace the MX304 Air Filter

The air filter unit has three parts. The air filter sits right inside the outer filter cover and the inner cage. The air filter unit is installed into the cable management brackets, and is held tightly by captive screws.

Note:

Regularly inspect the air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow in the unit, producing a negative effect on the ventilation of the chassis.

Remove the MX304 Air Filter

CAUTION:

Always keep the air filter unit in place while the router is operating, except during replacement. Because the fans are very powerful, they could pull small bits of wire or other materials into the router through the unfiltered air intake. This could damage the router components.

To remove the air filter:

  1. Attach an electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap to your bare wrist, and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
  2. On the front of the router, loosen the captive screws on each side of the air filter unit.
    Note:

    You don't need to remove the cables from the cable manager to access the air filter.
  3. Remove the outer air filter cover by grasping the head of the loosened screws, and pulling it out..

    The air filter is located at the center of the air filter unit, and just behind the outer filter cover. See Figure 3.

  4. Pull the air filter straight out from the air filter unit.
    Figure 3: Remove the Air Filter from the Air Filter Unit Remove the Air Filter from the Air Filter Unit
      1
    —
    Outer filter cover
      3
    —
    Inner filter cage
      2
    —
    Air filter
    		 

Install the MX304 Air Filter

Note:

The air filter unit is installed on the cable management brackets. Before installing the air filter unit, ensure that the cable management brackets are already installed on the front of the router.

To install the air filter:

  1. Attach an electrostatic discharge (ESD) grounding strap to your bare wrist, and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
  2. On the front of the router, loosen the captive screws on each side of the air filter unit .
    Note:

    You don't need to remove the cables from the cable manager to access the air filter.
    CAUTION:

    Do not run the router for more than two minutes without the air filter unit in place.
  3. Grasp the head of the loosened screws, and pull out the outer air filter cover.

    The air filter is at the center of the air filter unit, just behind the outer filter cover. See Figure 4.

  4. Slide the air filter straight onto inner filter cage.
    Figure 4: Install the Air Filter from the Air Filter Unit Install the Air Filter from the Air Filter Unit
      1
    —
    Outer filter cover
      3
    —
    Inner filter cage
      2
    —
    Air filter
    		 
  5. Place the outer air filter cover back into it’s place, and tighten the captive screws to secure the air filter unit.

Maintain the MX304 Fan Module

Purpose

For optimum cooling, verify the condition of the fans.

Action

  • Monitor the status of the fans. A fan module contains multiple fans that work in unison to cool the router components. If one fan fails, the router adjusts the speed of the remaining fans to maintain proper cooling. A red alarm is triggered when a fan fails, and when a fan module is removed.

  • To display the status of the cooling system, issue the show chassis environment command. The output is similar to the following:

Replace an MX304 Fan Module

Remove an MX304 Fan Module

Note:

To prevent overheating, install the replacement fan module immediately after removing the existing fan module.

To remove the fan module (see Figure 5):

  1. Attach an ESD grounding strap to your bare wrist and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
  2. Loosen the captive screw on the fan module faceplate (use a number-2 Phillips screwdriver).
  3. Hold and press the latches located on the sides of the fan module (see Figure 5) to release it from the chassis.
    Warning:

    To prevent injury, keep tools and your fingers away from the fans as you slide the fan module out of the device. The fans might still be spinning.
  4. Place one hand under the fan module to support it, and then pull the fan module completely out of the chassis.
Figure 5: Remove the Fan Module Remove the Fan Module

Install an MX304 Fan Module

To install the fan module (see Figure 6):

  1. Attach an ESD grounding strap to your bare wrist and connect the strap to one of the ESD points on the chassis.
  2. Grasp the fan module by the handle, and place one hand under the fan module for support.
  3. Place the fan module on the respective slot, and carefully push the fan module into the chassis until the socket lock snaps into place and holds it.
  4. Using a number-2 Phillips screwdriver, turn the locking screw on the fan module faceplate until it is tight and secured.
Figure 6: Install the Fan Module Install the Fan Module