T40 lid latch replacement

[CactusCapt]

The left latch has broken on my T40. Is it necessary to remove the entire LCD assembly to replace it or can I simply remove the bezel to access the assembly? Thanks!

[underclocker]

The left latch has broken on my T40. Is it necessary to remove the entire LCD assembly to replace it or can I simply remove the bezel to access the assembly? Thanks!

Something that simple and easy is not possible (I haven't been able to do it - there isn't enough room to remove or reinsert the latches). However, I've saved a little work, see below.

It is possible to just separate the LCD cover from the LCD and replace either broken latch. However, it is not easy and you could damage the LCD, LCD cable or worse.

I have successfully done it a few times and it goes like this;

-remove the three screw covers and screws on the front bottom of the LCD bezel
-remove the two screw covers and screws on the top LCD bezel (hard to find near top antenna)
-remove the three screw covers and screws on the left and right of the LCD cover (six covers and screws total)
-remove the LCD bezel (it helps to separate the double sided tape in three to four locations with a sharp blade - be careful not to scratch the LCD or cut yourself)
-remove the one tiny screw in the upper right hand corner of the LCD that holds the LCD cover to the right hinge
-remove the one tiny inverter screw

Now, with the LCD perpendicular to the base, you should be able to slip the LCD cover off of the LCD panel and hinge assembly - just slightly. It is still connected due to the top antenna and the ThinkLight. It is now POSSIBLE to swap a latch, but very difficult. If you can't do it then you can remove the antenna (it slides out) and the ThinkLight (it slides out, too) and the cover will be completely free. Then you can change the latch unencumbered.

Right after removing the LCD bezel, you should take a picture or at least note how everything fit together since there is little room for reassembly error. Especially note the antenna routing, inverter cable routing and the LCD cable plastic roller piece.

While the cover is loose or off, you should tighten the four screws that secure the LCD panel to the hinges (2 per side), these become loose over time.

Good luck. Opening a T4x display assembly is one of my least joyful ThinkPad operations.

[CactusCapt]

Wow, I sure appreciate that great reply! Goes to show, though, it's never easy, is it? To add insult to injury, I just recently rebuilt this machine with a new motherboard, 1.7 Dothan and a 160gb Seagate HD. It's really a T40/1/2. Our work is never done...

[richk]

I've done lots of screens and I can replace the latch with the right hinge still attached to the lid, the inverter in place and the panel still sitting in the lid. I remove the bezel as described above (3 screws on each side, 3 on the bottom and 2 on the top) Disconnect the piece that connects the left and right latches, by lifting the metal piece from the right latch with something sharp. The right latch can be reloved by prying the part to the right and tipping the latch back. (It's easier the second time) Remove the left latch by slightly compressing the spring with something sharp. Then remove the spring by slightly bending the part where the screw sits. Remove the latch, similar to right side. Installation is the reverse.

[underclocker]

There really should be a game show for fixing computers (I'm in if it's ThinkPads). Best time wins with varying time penalties for machine damage based on severity - and bonuses for creativity, like richk's solution.