Thinkpads Forum

Hey guys, I've just purchased a used thinkpad t60 off of craigslist (15in ips SXGA+). However, I've encountered a few problems. If any of you thinkpad gurus could help me increase the longevity of my thinkpad, I would be very grateful. These are the problems I've encountered:

1. When the display goes past a 90°, the hinges have approximately half a centimeter of play.

• Can this be fixed without replacing the hinges?
  Is this normal?

2. Also, when extending the screen past 90°, the screen clicks. Here is a video of it: (it's very soft and happens in the beginning).

• Is this normal/could this cause problems in the future?

3. In the upper left corner of the base (when opened), the keyboard and the plastic that holds the volume and thinkvantage buttons has a LOT of flex. This could be due to a crack in the edge.

• Is this fixable by replacing the plastic assembly that surrounds the keyboard?

4. The latch works, but if I push the left latch to the right, I can move the right latch independently of the left latch.

• Is this normal?
  Can the latch be replaced independently of the entire display assembly?

Thank you guys.

ManlnBlack wrote:Hey guys, I've just purchased a used thinkpad t60 off of craigslist (15in ips SXGA+).

Hello and congrats on a nice machine. I've had one for about 5 years now and I am very pleased with it.

ManlnBlack wrote:1. When the display goes past a 90°, the hinges have approximately half a centimeter of play.
Can this be fixed without replacing the hinges?

No. And even that may fix it only temporarily.

ManlnBlack wrote:Is this normal?

Yes, and nothing worth worrying about.

ManlnBlack wrote:2. Also, when extending the screen past 90°, the screen clicks. Here is a video of it: (it's very soft and happens in the beginning).

• Is this normal/could this cause problems in the future?

Although I cannot be 100% sure, because the recording does introduce distortions, based on the sound, the description and the position, I believe I have the same phenomenon on my 15" T60. I think (although cannot be 100% sure) that it is caused by the LCD ribbon cable flexing/touching something. Judging from the fact that I've had this machine for years, and haven't encountered an issue, I don't think it is something to worry about.

ManlnBlack wrote:3. In the upper left corner of the base (when opened), the keyboard and the plastic that holds the volume and thinkvantage buttons has a LOT of flex. This could be due to a crack in the edge.

• Is this fixable by replacing the plastic assembly that surrounds the keyboard?

It's hard to judge what "a LOT" means. Some flex there is completely normal. I have it as well. Noticeably more than on the right hand side. It is because on the right hand side the keyboard and bezel are supported by the Ultrabay housing, whereas nothing really supports them on the left except the chassis. It will not be fixed by replacing components, because it is by design.

Excessive flex may be a symptom of some structural damage, but as I said, it's impossible to assess base on a verbal description.

ManlnBlack wrote:4. The latch works, but if I push the left latch to the right, I can move the right latch independently of the left latch.

And that is also normal. There is minimal play in the described situation on a 14" T60, but on a 15" T60, the hinge can move all the way back to the initial position.

Overall, barring additional evidence, it looks like your machine is just fine. Enjoy it! And welcome to the forum!