Which part do I have to repair/replace?

[ijoju]

I just noticed a crack in my T23. It's above the CD/DVD bay and beside the right arrow key. It's part of the plastic area that makes up the palmrest. I can lift it up easily and raise my keyboard.

My question is how much of it do I have to replace if I choose to do so? Is it the entire top of the chassis including the keyboard or is it just the palm rest and plastic that surrounds the keyboard?

[Harryc]

It's just the palm rest/keyboard bezel. It is all one piece. The keyboard is a separate part.

[Sleepless]

I just noticed a crack in my T23. It's above the CD/DVD bay and beside the right arrow key. It's part of the plastic area that makes up the palmrest. I can lift it up easily and raise my keyboard.

My question is how much of it do I have to replace if I choose to do so? Is it the entire top of the chassis including the keyboard or is it just the palm rest and plastic that surrounds the keyboard?

I took apart my T20 yesterday for exactly the same reason. This crack is often caused by a broken Ultrabay cage (see this for more info). There's a good chance your T23 has exactly the same problem. So you'll need to put in a new cage, or the keyboard bezel will break again.

[RealBlackStuff]

If you buy part(s), be aware that the palmrest/bezel from a T20/T21/T22 does NOT fit on a T23.
You need the specific T23 palmrest with either P/N 46P2611, 46P2607 or 08K7307.

[ijoju]

Wow. Thanks for all the great advice. I'll be sure to check the cage first. This is a relatively minor break, but I may add more features if the cage is borken. I'll have an excuse to try and add integrated wireless and upgrade the hard drive.

[Harryc]

Well, you have some heavy duty T23 expertise on this forum between rkawakami, RBS, and others...so come on back for more advice.

[jronald]

Keep in mind, the T2? break in the described area all the time. Use the HMM and make sure 100% of the screws go back in. I dont have a T2? in front of me, but best I recall there are several within 1/2 inch of the right side that can be over looked. The right hand screen screws on the back are critical to stopping the front of the palmrest from flexing. It makes no sense so disassemble slowly and carefully lift it from the front, you will see the issue.

Ron

[Sleepless]

Keep in mind, the T2? break in the described area all the time. Use the HMM and make sure 100% of the screws go back in. I dont have a T2? in front of me, but best I recall there are several within 1/2 inch of the right side that can be over looked. The right hand screen screws on the back are critical to stopping the front of the palmrest from flexing. It makes no sense so disassemble slowly and carefully lift it from the front, you will see the issue.

Ron

I'm in the process of fixing my T20. I super-glued the keyboard bezel crack (let's see how that holds), and I've put an order for a new Ultrabay cage (there's a dealer that sells new ones for US$6.95 + S&H).
The only issue is the hinge. Both are very tight, but especially the one above the cage. I applied a droplet of 3-in-1 oil, and tried to work it a little, but to no avail.
Any thoughts?

[jronald]

Use the right screw driver. It is very tempting to use just anything that fits. I use Kobalt from Lowes Home Improvement, but that means nothing. On the very stubborn ones, I have this old worn out one that ALWAYS works, no name, ugly as sin and has a bent shaft to boot.

Ron

[Harryc]

I understand the bad Ultrabay cage bracket causing flex on the right hand side, but what causes the bezel to crack on the left side above the PCMCIA slot? I've seen that just as many times, particularly on T23's.

[rkawakami]

Removing the hard drive too many times? Too much pressure of the left hand on the palmrest? What still confuses me is "the crack" that I've seen on plenty of T2x systems at the front left corner: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=42006