R51e Cracked Bottom Base

[denisky]

I have an R51e with some cracks in the bottom base cover, especially in the left hinge area, and also in the area between microphone jack and exhaust fan grill. It causes annoying creakings whenever I tilt the LCD to adjust the angle. I really love my old R51e, and will use it as long as possible.

Does anybody have the same problem? Is it normal in R5x series to develop some crack in left side area of the bottom base cover? If I replace it with the new one, what should I do to prevent it from cracking?

Any helpful answer will be very much appreciated.

[Bub McZombieFace]

I'm not very familiar with them, but I have one that has a bad logic board, but good base. If you want to replace it PM me.

[RealBlackStuff]

It's quite possible that the left hing is broken, which would cause such creaking.
Remove KB and KB bezel to check that out.

[denisky]

@Bub McZombieFace
Thank you for the offer. I will consider it in the future.

@RealBlackStuff
Both left and right hinges are in good condition. Neither are broken. I am pretty sure that the extreme tightness of the hinges makes the base cover to develop some crack, thus causing the creaking. I did a quick fix by applying a little amount of super glue to the cracked area, and finished by applying a thin layer of epoxy coating to make it even stronger. I even put a small drop of LPS-1 Lubricant into the hinges, as I thought it would loosen up the tightness a bit, but there were no difference at all. The creakings disappeared, but the hinges are still tight, so that I can say the problem is partially solved.

In conclusion, the main problem here is the hinges. Since they are too tight, the plastic base cover can't stand the pressure. If the base cover cracks again, I will remove both hinges, and dip them into the LPS-1 lubricant to loosen up the hinges.

[Bub McZombieFace]

I was just wondering how it turned out.

[richk]

This problem is usually caused by a broken magnesium frame. (around the motherboard)