Hello Chris,
I have safely removed Q507 in two different rigs. ?Even though it’s a large device in close quarters, it can be removed. ?First careful remove L502. ? ?It’s best done by clipping the 2 legs then heating up the big pad with lots of flux while using teeezers to lift it out while hot. ?Don’t force it or you will rip the pads. ?Then you can heat and lift the remains of each leg after the main body is out. ?Clean up with solder wick and you can put in a new one.
Now as to why it failed. ?I doubt it was esd. ?Almost never is. ?I also doubt it was an initial failed component. ?It’s important to find out why. ?It will happen again. ?There are many possible faults in the finals section that can also take out Q507. ?That’s where I would look first.
