Cracked shell ?

[rustyh3]

First. Thanks for a great forum. I have a T42p Love it.
Now my question.....Not sure that the proper term is shell but....
There is a crack in the wrist rest shell below the right click button part of the touchpad. The crack effectively separates the right wrist area from the left wrist area below the touchpad. It is just to the right of what I believe to be a screw securing the shell.
My problem is that I think this allows the MB to flex as the frame is not as secure. Recently I lifted the laptop up by the right side wrist rest area and it instantly shut off.
How hard is it to replace the shell / keyboard trim / cover?
Is this the correct way to approach this problem?
Any comments and help are appreciated.
Rusty

[ajkula66]

The palmrest (aka keyboard bezel) is easily replaceable on a T4x unit. Check the HMM:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-46464

BTW, you should always lift the machine with both hands, especially a T4x with ATi graphics...

Good luck.

[poshgeordie]

This is a very common problem Rusty.

What I usually do is to take the palmrest off, turn it upside down and place the two broken pieces accurately together. Then use epoxy adhesive to stick the two broken bits to each other again.

Saves a lot of expense too.

Also +1 on lifting /moving / carrying - this document is good as a reminder on how to /not to.

[Specter]

What I usually do is to take the palmrest off, turn it upside down and place the two broken pieces accurately together. Then use epoxy adhesive to stick the two broken bits to each other again.

Can you elaborate on this, please! I have this "problem" on at least two T4X:s. Do you mean "epoxy adhesive" like in some sort of glue? Will this really be strong enough?

Thanks!

[poshgeordie]

Do you mean "epoxy adhesive" like in some sort of glue? Will this really be strong enough?

Thanks!

Yes I mean glue - I use Araldite which is a two pack and in the UK looks typically like this.

Note that it takes around 20-30 minutes to harden, but needs 24 hours before the part can be handled.

What I do is to put a thin layer across the two broken parts inside the palmrest, making sure the parts are exactly aligned.

[Specter]

Very good, thanks! I should try this.

Both of my machines also have cracks in the lower "half" (the bottom) of the chassis, not only the palm rest. It is in the same place as that in the palm rest. Do you know if it is possible to put epoxy here too? But I guess I will know as soon as I remove the palm rest.

Anyway, thanks again!

[poshgeordie]

Both of my machines also have cracks in the lower "half" (the bottom) of the chassis, not only the palm rest. It is in the same place as that in the palm rest. Do you know if it is possible to put epoxy here too? But I guess I will know as soon as I remove the palm rest.

It will be possible to use epoxy there as well, but check first that there is a big enough space to put a thin layer of glue and any components in that area will still fit.

[rustyh3]

Nick,
Great idea. We have 6 of these at our office and I will repair my bezel after I replace it as a spare for the next one.
thanks,
rusty