Broken Laptop Hinges

[Scola]

I have a 4 year old HP laptop (DV5210US), a few months ago the Left hinge broke... it still worked because the Right hinge provided the necessary support. Today the right hinge finally gave out :|

The laptop works fine but the lid won't stay fixed in an upright position, which makes it very hard to use. I tried using some duct-tape but the lid is too heavy. For now I've put it on a coffee table, and the lid rests on some books.

I'm not sure how much the hinges cost but I've heard they can be expensive. A quick google search had hem for $79...
I checked ebay and found them there for $13 + free shipping. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-15-4-LCD-HINGE-HP-Pavilion-DV5000-DV5100-5200-/280498540486?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414f040fc6

Would it be hard to install these things?
In the meantime I'm thinking about using a brace to hold it upright until the new hinges arrive by mail..
http://www.instructables.com/id/Quick-fix-for-broken-laptop-hinges/

[jacobdrj]

What do you mean by broke? Do you mean the hinge came loose from the screws, or the hinge metal itself, snapped?

If it is the former, you can go online and look for the user service assembly manual from HP's website, and usually find out how to disassemble your particular laptop to reassemble the screws.

I have done this at least 3 times on various notebooks/netbooks. It is a pain, but cheaper than trying to do a replacement.

[Scola]

I think the metal snapped...

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7895/lefthinge300px.jpghttp://img32.imageshack.us/img32/6962/righthinge300px.jpg

I think I need new hinges at this point, I'm gonna order the ones I found on Ebay ($13), and see if I can install them.

[Scola]

I took the monitor cover off and they're def broken.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4432/hinge001.jpghttp://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4255/hinge002.jpg

[PM5K]

It's a little bit of work, but if you're comfortable taking off the frame of the LCD, which you've done, it shouldn't be a problem. You can also get an idea of what's involved, which is removing the LCD from the top casing and taking off all of the screws that secure the hinge to the LCD.

[Scola]

I'm still not sure how to access the bottom part of the hinges. They seem to be inside the case. I tried removing a few screws but couldn't get the bottom part of the laptop to come off.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2859/hinges.png

[Scola]

Hmmm, I think I might of figured it out.
Instead of going through the bottom, I think I simply have to remove the "keyboard bezel".

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:eR2ijDrX4DkAfM:http://www.laptopparts101.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/remove-keyboard-bezel.jpghttp://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:6Q0O_w8YvulXAM:http://www.heathersblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/09-remove-keyboard-bezel.jpg

[PM5K]

Yup, a lot of the time they just pop off. Sometimes you have to push the screen all the way back to open the top. I know on a Dell I had you pried it off from the back, and on another from the top on the side.

[Scola]

Yup, a lot of the time they just pop off.

Mine had screws....which I found out too late.... :(
Needless to say, I now have an extra screw which I won't be using anymore :lol

Otherwise everything else went fine. I took out the faulty parts and now I'll just wait for the new ones to arrive.

[mouse]

You just a got a class on basic hinged replacement do a few more and you will get better and faster.

There is good money in laptop repair if you decide to do it on the side.


Sometimes its easier to just buy the shell with screen for 40 dollars and place your guts inside it. It depends on the brands. like the Dell 1150 and the 5100 taking off the screens or replacing the hinges is like changing a flat tire.


But if you have a Mac or Toshiba it gets difficult sometimes well with me. To me the DELL is like a Chevy camaro engine.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1970-chevrolet-camaro-z28-3.jpg


I like laptops that you can see what you need and can get to it.

http://hem.passagen.se/nubbis4/engines/440.jpg




those other laptops...........................



http://l.yimg.com/dv/izp/chrysler_pt_cruiser_base_2009_other_engine.jpg