Thinkpads Forum

Hi all, I picked up a T420s and a T430s yesterday for $20 each from my local Lenovo Partner both in good condition, however the T430s has some damage on a corner and the previous owner managed to strip the hard drive door screw (along with breaking one of the trackpad buttons), so I figure the best solution is to buy a bottom case and palmrest and replace them. According to the HMM the only way to replace the bottom case is to remove every component and put it in a new case, am I correct by thinking this?

yes.

As RealBlackStuff said, that is the only way. They are however pretty easy to work on. For some other brands, this would be a PITA of a job but the 430i could be done in 30mins with experience.

Just take your time and knoll everything out and you'll be fine.

Yes, you'd have to replace the bottom case for that stripped screw.
Another idea would put a dab of silicon at the tip of the screw and hope it binds to part of the frame.
Though removing it may be a different story.

Ok so I was reading the HMM correctly

Saucey wrote:Yes, you'd have to replace the bottom case for that stripped screw.
Another idea would put a dab of silicon at the tip of the screw and hope it binds to part of the frame.
Though removing it may be a different story.

Haven't heard of the silicon (usually I hear glue or some type of adhesive between the screw and the screwdriver) but I will try something like that later today, thanks for the suggestion!

Saucey wrote:Another idea would put a dab of silicon at the tip of the screw and hope it binds to part of the frame.

Yep that worked! Used Hot Glue instead of Silicon but after finding the correct screwdriver that had some grip the screw came right out! I will try and attach some pics here

The final touch would be to transfer the label with the MTM and S/N from the battery bay to the new one.
If there's a W7 COA in the 'old' bottom, preserve that.