R31 fan replacement problem

[saintjames]

The fan on my R31 has started to make a distracting buzzing/whirring noise. I am using the maintenance manual to take a look at it and probably replace it.

I have got to the point where I need to remove the screen and the manual does not make any sense to me. How do I do it? I have attached two pictures to help. Seems that I need to detatch the wires in the black sleeve between the screen and computer but I cant figure out how!

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m78/ ... C00758.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m78/ ... C00760.jpg

MOD EDIT: Overlimit pictures changed to links.

[Thane_Bitter]

Nice photos, so far looks like you’re making out ok, though I would appear that your TP is still plugged into the wall (Green LED lit!!) – You definitely want the AC adapter disconnected, and remove the Battery as well when you do this. Remember any electronic device is sensitive to ESD (electrostatic discharge) so take the necessary precautions to protect your equipment.

Start by removing the LCD connector screw (2nd photo - located to the right of the heat pipes, left of the LCD cable – silver screw). Check out page 117 of the HMM (page 123 of the PDF file). This silver screw holds the LCD screen connector to the mainboard, and should be removed (to free the LCD connector) before the hinge screws are removed. This way, minimal strain is placed on the connector.

I took the liberty of highlighting the areas on your photo as a visual aid. Good luck (See http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii12 ... emoval.jpg
)
RED – the LCD screw, DARK BLUE – the LCD connector (as connected to the mainboard), LIGHT BLUE – LCD cable to inverter / LED card, GREEN – left side LCD hinge screws (looks similar to those on right hand side).

<=Edit=>
Found one of my own pics that shows the same area (See http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii12 ... emoved.jpg). Because of my outstanding (poor) imaging skills, you can clearly how the LCD connector (which is a combination of a PCB, metal shield and wire) mounts to the mainboard (the socket is under that mess). Again, the screw as shown must be removed; the small black and grey wires are antenna leads.

[saintjames]

Thank you that was a great help - screen is now removed but Im trouble removing the yeyboard bezel!

Seems to me that I have to remove the CMOS battery before the bezel will come off. Is it connected to anywthing apart from the black and red wire coming out of it? I am having great trouble getting it out of its holder!

[ajkula66]

Be extremely careful when removing the CMOS battery, one of the known problem on your machine type is damaging the mainboard connection while removing the backup battery.

[saintjames]

Finally have the fan assembly in my hand! Found the replacement heatsink and fan here:

http://www.laptopfans.co.uk/ibm/26P9723.htm

Would be cheaper to replace just the fan, but not sure which one to get? Would ideally like a "no noise" fan, again not sure if one is available/which model to buy.