Cracked T42 case

[0885]

The bottom right corner of my T42 [under the rear VGA connector screw] is starting to crack in a couple of different directions. The broken part [the 'corner'] still feels firmly attached, but if the cracks spread much more it will fall off. All of the damage is confined to the lighter plastic on the bottom on the case. Does anyone have experience repairing something like this? can the bottom of the computer be removed/replaced/epoxied back together with a reasonable amount of effort? Do you guys think it would be possible to swap out the entire bottom on the computer if a replacement could be found?

[kyrotech]

why not send to service? should be covered by the warranty...

you can buy the Base Cover Assembly for about US$29.00 online

[0885]

I'll have to read over the warranty terms. It would be great if it was covered, but I wouldn't want to send it away and have the claim denied. Where would you suggest buying the parts? I'm looking for my copy of the service manual pdf right now, but I don't imagine it's very hard to change out the cover. Thanks for your help.

[GomJabbar]

A couple of links for your T42.

Hardware Maintenance Manual (July 2005) - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p

System service parts - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p

[0885]

As far as I can tell, the FRU for the part that I need is 13R2927. My specific machine type isn't on the sysem service parts page, but there doesn't seem to be another part that fits the description [2378-REU, 15"]. What do you guys really think about a warranty claim? The machine is only a couple of months old and is in otherwise excellent condition, but this seems like the kind of damage that would be easily written off as abuse.

[GomJabbar]

As far as I can tell, the FRU for the part that I need is 13R2927. My specific machine type isn't on the sysem service parts page, but there doesn't seem to be another part that fits the description [2378-REU, 15"].

I tried entering every part number listed for the 15" models (from the System Parts list page) in the Maintenance parts order page, and even one listed for a 14" model, and none of the part numbers could be found. If you order the part, you will have to Call IBM parts help at 1-800-765-5944.

Regarding a warranty claim, that's a tough call. I see your point about claiming user abuse. You could try calling the warranty department and feel them out on what the likely response would be.

[sevenw]

mine T40 had fallen down on a beton foodstep. The corner near the VGA connector cracked and breakaway. But the rest of TP seems to work fine:). I just used a special glue to stick the detached corner and it looks like it holds tight....

I used "Chemopren Extrem" glue (I'm from Slovakia....)

[ichi the killer]

I'll have to read over the warranty terms. It would be great if it was covered, but I wouldn't want to send it away and have the claim denied. Where would you suggest buying the parts? I'm looking for my copy of the service manual pdf right now, but I don't imagine it's very hard to change out the cover. Thanks for your help.

all plastics damage would be covered by the ez-serv warranty. don't worry about it being denied as abuse.