R40 usb port issues

[pcengine92]

I just purchased a used R40 from ebay. I purchased it "as is", so I knew what troubles could lay ahead. I cleaned it up and cloned the HDD from another r40 that I have. It runs fine, no complaints. Except one - the usb port in the back of the unit is loose and works only when you pull up on the connection. The usb port on the side works fine. Should I try to replace it, or just live with it. I looked at the lenovo manual, but it didn't point out if the port could be replaced. All help will be appreciated.

[ajkula66]

Live with it...

[pcengine92]

Live with it...

There's no other way?! Looking at the lenovo manual, it seems that it just sort of clips in place.

[virge]

If the USB port is just loose, reflowing the solder with a soldering iron might do it. On the other hand if the legs are broken, then the solder would just be temporary solution. I'm pretty sure that the USB port can be soldered/desoldered if you've got the skills/tools. All the motherboards I've seen the legs on the USB port go all the way through the board so it doesn't seem too difficult. Of course, there's always a risk that you could kill the machine with a short.

[pcengine92]

Thanks for that. I have another r40 unit with no issues, so I think I'll sell this one on ebay.

If the USB port is just loose, reflowing the solder with a soldering iron might do it. On the other hand if the legs are broken, then the solder would just be temporary solution. I'm pretty sure that the USB port can be soldered/desoldered if you've got the skills/tools. All the motherboards I've seen the legs on the USB port go all the way through the board so it doesn't seem too difficult. Of course, there's always a risk that you could kill the machine with a short.

[RealBlackStuff]

I think you give up too easily!
Take the motherboard out, and resolder that sucker. Or buy a defective R40 motherboard and transplant the USB connector.
If you then still want to sell it, you get more money for it, if the resoldering works.