Warped chassis: easily fixable, or don't bother at all?

[valiar]

It looks like I have had really bad luck with my X60s's...
Not only my Ultrabase is one of the defective lot - the machine's chassis are also warped!
When the screen is closed, the computer sits on the desk with all of its four rubber feet. However, when the screen is opened, the front left rubber foot gets lifted about 0.5-1mm from the desk. While it is not exactly visible (unless one looks under the laptop), it is a source of major annoyance, since the machine wobbles when I type!
There is a temporary fix - brute force can be applied to warp the machine in the other direction, or the screen can be tilted a little bit to the front.
However, I would like to fix it somehow. I am wondering if anybody reading this has had a similar problem, and if so, what could be done to fix it?
By the way, I don't want to send it into service because
a. I need it for work
b. I have had enough calling Lenovo support line that is "in Atlanta, Georgia", and have I loved the experience so much, that I don't want to call them ever again - I would rather have a root canal done
c. I don't trust them to be able to fix it

[archer6]

It looks like I have had really bad luck with my X60s's...
Not only my Ultrabase is one of the defective lot - the machine's chassis are also warped!

If your machine is within the 30 day return period, simply call for an RMA and send it back.

If not, then call tech support and ask to have your case escalated to a supervisor. They are very good at making sure you get taken care of.

Archer6

[Ponch]

I don't think your chassis is warped. There are some X60s where a wrong rubber is installed in the left front. Take a look and see if the left rubber is smaller than the right one(by 1mm or something like that). If so call Lenovo/IBM and ask for a rubber kit.

[valiar]

It looks like I have had really bad luck with my X60s's...
Not only my Ultrabase is one of the defective lot - the machine's chassis are also warped!

If your machine is within the 30 day return period, simply call for an RMA and send it back.

If not, then call tech support and ask to have your case escalated to a supervisor. They are very good at making sure you get taken care of.

Archer6

Well, it is not that easy
I have bought the machine through a dealer.
As most dealers, they have an "agreement" with Lenovo where they do not accept returns, but redirect all their customers directly to Lenovo. Lenovo, in turn, does not want to exchange the machine, because, you see, it got shipped to the dealer's distribution center more than 30 days ago. Of course, it is a blatant violation of my rights as a consumer, but I cannot do much about it short of suing the dealer and Lenovo (for which I simply don't have time, even though it is tempting).
I also did escalate the case twice... The supervisors were as thick as the level 1 underlings. At least that was my experience - everyone else's mileage may vary...

[valiar]

I don't think your chassis is warped. There are some X60s where a wrong rubber is installed in the left front. Take a look and see if the left rubber is smaller than the right one(by 1mm or something like that). If so call Lenovo/IBM and ask for a rubber kit.

I will check it today.
The reason why I think it is the chassis is that this front left rubber stays on the desk when the screen is closed. If it were really of the wrong size, would not it always be in the air?

[Ponch]

It will stay on the desk because the weight of the screen will bend the edge a little bit down. The left front is a bit softer than because of the pcmcia slot I think.
Just look at the rubber. I bet your left one is a bit smaller/shorter.

[valiar]

It will stay on the desk because the weight of the screen will bend the edge a little bit down. The left front is a bit softer than because of the pcmcia slot I think.
Just look at the rubber. I bet your left one is a bit smaller/shorter.

Well, I'll be [censored]! It is indeed a fraction of a millimeter smaller!
I have called them once again and asked for a rubber kit...
Can't wait till it arrives!

[Ponch]

Nice to hear that.

[Ponch]

I have a little update for you.
The left rubber is the right one but under the right rubber there is another rubber(clear). Take this out and put the black rubber feet back. Now your X60s will stand on both feets solid as a rock

[valiar]

I have a little update for you.
The left rubber is the right one but under the right rubber there is another rubber(clear). Take this out and put the black rubber feet back. Now your X60s will stand on both feets solid as a rock

You are right on the money again (how do you know these things?)!
I have extracted that clear piece of plastic, and the X60s is perfectly level now! That clear piece, by the way, looks like the original backing the rubber feet ship with
One other unexpected benefit is that my X6 Ultrabase now works as it should and latches reliably. I have had big problems having it to latch before this fix.
Thank you SO MUCH for your insight!

[Ponch]

No problem
Nice that your Ultrabase is working now. I dind't know the uneven rubbers were the reason fot that. Maybe someone can make this thread sticky.

[intelbrain]

i have the same problem, but mine is on the right side. When i first got the laptop i thought i was the table. It lifts up on the right side. How do i remove the rubber feet

Thanks

[Ponch]

Remove the rubber by hand or with a little flat screwdriver. Than you can remove the peace of clear rubber with a needle or screwdriver(or something else like that).

[intelbrain]

hmm, well since the right hand side lift up. I remove the left front rubber but there is no white plastic underneath at all. Maybe mine is warp.

UPDATE: well, after looking at it for a while, mine does warp. I decided to give it a gentle bend and now it's rock solid. It feels so much better