CPU Fan Assembly Installation Problem. Please help!

[amm229]

I was another victim of the GPU solder cracking with the T41p laptop.

I just got my motherboard back from GPU medics and everything appears to be working!

I am now running into a problem with reinstallation of the CPU fan assembly. I am using 3 M2x10mm screws to attach the fan assembly to the motherboard/CPU as indicated by the ThinkPad Computer Hardware Maintenance Manual. However, these screws fail to grip the motherboard at all. In fact, although there are 3 holes in the motherboard in the appropriate locations to accept the fan assembly, they are much too large in caliber to grip any screw that would fit into the fan assembly sockets.

Then I noticed that the screw sockets on the fan assembly press down (like a piston) when pressure is applied. It almost seemed as if the piston should be forced through the holes in the motherboard to attach the fan assembly. However, with moderate pressure this was not working and I hesitated to put too much pressure in the vicinity of the CPU.

Any ideas on what am I am doing wrong (probably something idiotic)?


FYI, the fan assembly is the FRU Fan Short 91P8393

Thanks in advance for any help,
Andrew

[Harryc]

Either the FAN assembly is not down all the way or the screws are too short. Measure the screw length with a precision metric ruler. Are they 10mm long?

[poshgeordie]

Welcome to the forums.

+1 for HarryC's suggestion.

Also there should be a triangular metal piece with a threaded hole in each corner which fits into the corresponding holes around the CPU / fan Assembly on the underside of the motherboard (I don't think there's even a part number for it & can't find a picture either).

If this is missing the fan screws have nothing to secure into.

If you do have it and forgotten to fit it to the board, make sure you have the side with the white plastic against the motherboard or else the metal will short out the board.

If you're missing the piece, I'm sure someone here has one they can give you or if necessary get back to me and I'll send you one from the UK free of charge.

Also you could put in a "want to buy" in the marketplace section in the forums.

[scr71822]

It was probably left on the motherboard when you shipped it in, and it has to be removed when heat is applied or it will pull components off the motherboard. I'd check with GPU medics, they probably removed it and should be able to mail it out to you.

[amm229]

Poshgeordie and scr71822,

That is exactly what happened. I must have left those triangular pieces on when I shipped in my motherboard. Thanks for your help. I will try contacting GPU medics to get those pieces back. Unfortunately they arent exactly known for great customer service....we will see what happens.

Thanks again,
Andrew

**Problem resolved. Triangle piece for under the motherboard was included in the return shipment from GPU medics. Computer up and working well as of 12/1/09. I will repost here when/if my GPU problem recurrs for future reference. If no re-post, assume GPU medic's repair is still working.

-Andrew

[amm229]

GPU medic's repair failed after 3 weeks of use.....

I do NOT recommend their services to anyone considering it. They jerked me around taking 3+ weeks to complete the repair only to provide 3.5 weeks of up time.

-Andrew