Reconditioning W510

W500/510/520 and W700/710 series specific matters only
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bit_twiddler
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Reconditioning W510

#1 Post by bit_twiddler » Sun Jun 07, 2015 2:26 pm

I took my W510 apart this morning because Linux was issuing thermal alarms and
throttling back the CPU (i7-720QM). I'm glad I did because it has the infamous left-speaker
wire melting problem.

But, I've run into another problem: there are a bunch of small screws in the heat sink area,
including a few holding some small metal braces, and I can't get them out with the screwdrivers
that I have available to me. In fact, I've succeeded in damaging a few of the screwheads.

What kind of screws are these, and what is the best tool that I can use to get them out?
Daily Drivers: W520 i7-2860QM | T420 FHD IPS i7-2640m | W701
Others: W510 | T400 | W500 WUXGA | 701C (on its shrine) | R61 14W (in the boneyard)
Non-TP: Dell T7500 (workstation), Dell m7510
Currently Experimenting With: T420s

precip9
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Location: Dresher, PA

Re: Reconditioning W510

#2 Post by precip9 » Sun Jun 07, 2015 4:12 pm

I've bought the Radio Shack branded versions of these and used them for years:

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-66-039-Je ... rewdrivers

They are "good enough" for working on laptops. However, if you want the best, with better points, stronger alloy, and better handles, use Wiha:

http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26194-Screwd ... rewdrivers

I use Wiha slot screwdrivers working on microscopes, where they seemingly accomplish impossible removal jobs. Thanks to Wiha, I've never had to drill a screw.
W500x3 with T9900, , T400 highnit 1280x800 with P9600, X61sx3, X61Tx3.

bit_twiddler
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Posts: 422
Joined: Wed May 16, 2012 3:36 pm
Location: Salinas, CA

Re: Reconditioning W510

#3 Post by bit_twiddler » Sun Jun 07, 2015 4:24 pm

Wiha has a sale going on, and I have a set on the way.

But, I suspect that the screws are being held tight by thermal effects
betwen them and the frame. A lot of heat is being generated in that
area. Would penetrating oil be effective is loosening them?
Daily Drivers: W520 i7-2860QM | T420 FHD IPS i7-2640m | W701
Others: W510 | T400 | W500 WUXGA | 701C (on its shrine) | R61 14W (in the boneyard)
Non-TP: Dell T7500 (workstation), Dell m7510
Currently Experimenting With: T420s

xyz
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Location: UK

Re: Reconditioning W510

#4 Post by xyz » Sun Jun 07, 2015 4:50 pm

get the right screwdriver

ph1

sharp tap with hammer and turn very slowly generating alot of torque
It should open up.

Or you may need a left hand drill bit and drill them, and they should come undone.

bit_twiddler
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Posts: 422
Joined: Wed May 16, 2012 3:36 pm
Location: Salinas, CA

Re: Reconditioning W510

#5 Post by bit_twiddler » Sun Jun 07, 2015 10:55 pm

Thanks, all.

Some Liquid Wrench and a little tapping did the trick!
Guess I don't need to use anti-seize when putting them back in.
Daily Drivers: W520 i7-2860QM | T420 FHD IPS i7-2640m | W701
Others: W510 | T400 | W500 WUXGA | 701C (on its shrine) | R61 14W (in the boneyard)
Non-TP: Dell T7500 (workstation), Dell m7510
Currently Experimenting With: T420s

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