left-click problem with trackpoint

[schmaud]

Hi,

I have a t41 here where the left "mouse-key" belonging to the trackpoint misses more often than it hits. The touchpad key works ok, so I guess it is not software.

Is this a known issue? is there an easy fix? The only idea I had sofar woudl be changing keyboards, i hope ther is an easier/cheaper option.

cheer

r.

[Harryc]

Replacing the keyboard assembly is easiest, but it is possible to just replace the Ultranav assembly, if you can find one that is.

[sjthinkpader]

If the key feels "mushy", the rubber dome actuator underneath had fractured. Must of these mouse click buttons are hinged at the top and clipped on the bottom. Just lift up by the front edge while pushing towards the back. Replace the dome from a donor KB.

[poshgeordie]

Moving down to the touchpad mouse buttons, I've had a lot of faulty / broken left mouse buttons. Stripping down is straightforward (I've got a diagram which is available via the list in my sig).
However the dirt under the buttons will be horrendous and the left hand dome may be broken too so dirt may have got into the switch pads where it's next to impossible to remove.

To remove the dirt dry clean (ie no liquid) leaving the domes in place. Wipe / brush the dirt away from the switch hole so no more can drop in.

Finally don't use any liquid cleaner on the assembled mouse buttons. I was just about to deliver a laptop to someone, having cleaned the dirt out a few days before, and gave it all a quick wipe over.
A quick test and found to my horrow that a drop of liquid had got into the switch mech and the left button wouldn't work! Fortunately natural evaporation took place over the next few minutes but I think it highlights how vulnerable the buttons are.

There's a number of people selling replacement button assemblies (without the trackpad) quite cheaply on eBay so all isn't lost if a button fails.

[schmaud]

This was extremely helpfull.

Removing the keys required a bit more force than I woudl have confidently applied without your remark.

The rubber below was fine, there was just a lotmore cussioning material than helpfull accumulated

great forum. Thanks a lot.


ralf