Method for assembling a magnetic head assembly and magnetic disk drive using bonding balls connecting magnetic head terminals to wiring terminals

A method for assembling a recording/reproducing head assembly which comprises a slider and a slider supporting member, the slider having a head element and a head terminal connected to the head element, said method comprising the steps of:

• forming on the slider supporting member a terminal to be connected to the head terminal;
• fixing the head slider on the slider supporting member so that the head terminal faces the terminal of the slider supporting member;
• contacting a conductive ball member to both of the head terminal and the terminal of the slider supporting member;
• and
• pressing the ball member to bond the head terminal and the terminal of the slider supporting member, whereby the ball member electrically and mechanically connects both terminals.