Thinkpads Forum

Is there a diagram available to show which screws need to be removed to get to the fan and air vents for cleaning?

Thanks, John

Indeed there is.

Consult the T500/W500 Hardware Maintenance Manual
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 70068.html

Thanks for the link.
One question though? If I just want to clean the fan (not remove it) w/compressed air, should I get access from the top (keyboard) or from the bottom?
The link also stated that the screws are for a one time use. Should I order new screws before the cleaning, or just reuse the existing ones?
If I need to order the screws, what the best source. Are these only available from Lenovo/IBM?

salin wrote:If I just want to clean the fan (not remove it) w/compressed air, should I get access from the top (keyboard) or from the bottom?

Top (remove the keyboard).

salin wrote:The link also stated that the screws are for a one time use. Should I order new screws before the cleaning, or just reuse the existing ones?

Always used existing screws, including some that I probably screwed and unscrewed a dozen times or more. Have not had a problem yet. Just be careful not to strip them.

salin wrote:The link also stated that the screws are for a one time use. Should I order new screws before the cleaning, or just reuse the existing ones?

Most of the time I reuse the original screws. During assembly I use a very small drop of Loctite Threadlocker Blue, applied with a wooden toothpick so as not to use too much. This will insure they will not come loose.

It is designed specifically for this type of application, where you may wish to remove the screws later. By using this product, you can remove the screws with normal had tools, no problems. Here is the link:

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/products ... 8&plid=153

Cheers...