Replace X41 Sliding Latch? $300 Per IBM.

[jyl]

I broke the sliding male latch piece on my X41. It snapped in half and fell out.

I called IBM (Lenovo), but they advise the damage is not covered under warranty (despite my 3 year on-site warranty).

OK, I said, can you sell me that little plastic piece? No, says they, the repair requires a technician to disassemble the LCD screen case and the estimate is $300. Furthermore, we will not sell you just that part, since we don't consider it a customer replaceable unit.

Can anyone suggest a place to get that part, or a more affordable place to do the repair?

As a practical matter, a couple strips of velcro will do the same thing, so I am not prepared to spend much on the fix - and I'm surprised it will cost so much.

[boon]

have you check in ebay and search internet? maybe it is my english but I don't have a clue what is a sliding male latch piece. In ibm website hardware maintenance manual should show every part # of your thinkpad. Use that number to search for parts.

[zone]

Horrible story indeed.

When I need parts which are unlikely to show up at ebay I using Replacement parts (FRU) purchase page, there you'll find evrery single part, of course you have to know FRU number, so HMM is your friend. Also have to say prices of parts there are rather reasonable.
Note that this is European link but there should be US one.
And, never talk with helpdesk, otherwise you'll freakout and waste your time and money on bunch of incompetent morons, (thisi is not IBM/Lenovo related but in general). In other words purpose of helpdesk is to deal with idiots and their questions, so if/when you calling you'll have proper treatment .

good luck

[dmar]

jyl,

I'm not certain, but I think you can replace the entire LCD bezel, or the rear cover assembly. In either case, purchasing these parts new from Lenovo/IBM is still cheaper than $300.

Doule check with an IBM rep before you buy, but I think these are your parts:

LCD BEZEL ASSEMBLY FRU
Product: 13N5310 $14.50
Availability: In Stock**

LCD REAR COVER ASSEMBLY FRU
Product: 13N5308 $90.85
Availability: In Stock**