How to Remove the base of the T440s &T440p/T440

I wanted to make a thread for the users who have successfully removed the base of the T440s and I guess T440p and T440 to install RAM and/or SSDs. I know there is a Lenovo service video but this removal is harder than other Thinkpads in the past with people reporting difficulty.
I have read so many threads that I can't recall if more base removals were occurring in the T440s or T440p threads so I figured the successful people could re-post the Lenovo service video, and extra tips they have for removing the base with minimal to no damage.

 

Creating a thread for this is a good idea. I'm sure you saw my posts but I'll reiterate here:

Lenovo has a page about this:
Base cover removal and installation instructions - ThinkPad T440s

However, it just shows that there are latches (2) and fails to instruct how to unlatch them. The only good thing is this picture:


You need a pry tool to do this properly. I anticipated this and bought some while waiting for the laptop. After removing the screws (1), I started working my way around the laptop starting at the back and proceeding to the side where the power connector is (front right on the picture).

I took some photos along the way:
https://plus.google.com/photos/117436154327433424940/albums/5958446209463702609

The base cover has "teeth", the laptop has holes that the teeth go into. You can see the holes on picture 6. This means you have to pry the base outwards. So for example in picture 1 I was pushing the pry tool in and to the left. In picture 3 in and up.

Generally it's not too hard if you have the right tool. I wouldn't attempt this without one but I suggest getting some quality pry tools. Mine were cheap and were quickly wearing out during the procedure. You can even see some green chips of plastic in pictures 4 and 7 -- there was more but I wiped it off before taking the shot.

Picture 12 shows what seems to be a crack in the base cover that has been filled using some brown thing to fix it.

 

The T440p does not have the same cover as the T440s. It has no teeth, just two screws and you can easily slide the cover off.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

Thanks. Good to know. This thread was made with the T440s in mind. Been reading so many posts couldnt' tell if the T440p and I assume T440s were different.

 

QUOTE=y.a.k;9501716]
However, it just shows that there are latches (2) and fails to instruct how to unlatch them. The only good thing is this picture:

[/QUOTE]

Nevermind. I got it open. It felt like I was going to break something. it is really tough.

 

Where can I find/buy proper pry tools to open t440s base ? Thanks.

 

Go to Amazon and search on "spudger"

 

I used this. for $4
Amazon.com: Group Vertical - Metal Pry Opening Tool for iPad iPhone iPod - This tool Opens iPad Mini, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4 Gen: Computers & Accessories

 

thank you for posting this.

 

will using a metal spudger chip the plastic of the thinkpad base cover?

 

It will chip the paint on the metal base cover.

 

Use the black one from these:
Set of Metal & Nylon Professional Laptop iPad iPod Pry Open Repair Spudger Tools - Amazon.com

 

My T440p was stupidly simple to open. Just 2 screws then it slides right off.

The T440s doesn't look hard by any means, but definitely more work.

 

Here is a nice video, that shows how to open it up

(i wouldnt dare to personally.....)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5knRRHbBbk

 

Yeah, T440p cover is really simple to remove in comparison to the T440s. It's our only reward for having to carry around the flexy-lidded brick of a machine

 

Hello! I am looking to replace the HDD on an incoming T440S (I had a new SSD in hand and didn't want to pay the ridiculous price to have one come in the laptop). I notice a white plastic clip-looking thing pop out of the case at around 2:25 in this video, right as he fully takes off the bottom. Does anyone have any idea what that is?

Thanks!

 

Not quite sure, but it looks like he also lost a black plastic tab or two along with that when popping the bottom off... I would not recommend using a metal screwdriver or sharp object to pry the base off, as that can easily damage the plastic or motherboard components. I'd suggest buying a cheap set of plastic pry tools ( this is the one I bought a while ago for $5), as that will make your life a lot easier. The blue and black pry tools from that kit worked wonderfully.

I've removed the base of the T440s on 5+ occasions now, and have had no damage whatsoever to the case.

 

Thanks for the tip, I did order a black plastic pry tool in preparation for opening the laptop up. I am curious what that white plastic piece is, especially if you've opened up yours and haven't noticed it! I guess we'll see...

 

Just use a plastic guitar pick, works perfectly.