T61P - Loose Screen

Apologies in advance if this has already been asked (I did a search on the forum and couldn't see anything relevant).

My 2 month old T61P has started to show noticeable play on the screen (i.e. the screen seems to be loose). When I have the laptop on my lap the screen actually rocks forward and backward if I move.

I'm quite concerned by this, has anyone experienced anything similar and if so how did you rectify it? I have had a look for any visible screws to tighten but cannot see any in the vicinity of the two metal hinges.

Thanks in advance!

 

Yeah mine does that too. I just really haven't noticed it until you mentioned it. It probably has something to do with the springs so I doubt you can tighten it. As long as it isn't too bad I wouldn't be concerned.
Tim

 

Thanks Tim,

It is strange as I hadn't noticed it when I first got the laptop but have been noticing it increasingly over the last few weeks. I definitely wouldn't want it to get any looser.

It was one of the things that most impressed me about the Lenovos, the build quality. My old T43 definitely didn't have such play on the screen.

Thanks again for the reply!

 

Mine does it too, opening and closing the lid gradually loosens the screws underneath which hold the hinge tight.
Beneath the hinges there are some screws - 2 on left, 1 on right - which need tightening up.
Keep meaning to put some thread-lock on mine but never get around to it, just tighten every few months.

 

I must be losing it as I cannot see any screws anywhere!! Where exactly are they located?!

Thanks

 

On the bottom of the laptop, at the back..

 

Keep the lappy on a flat surface. Use a book. You are effectively moving the lid constantly w/o resting it on a flat surface. No wonder it's loose.

 

I've noticed that too with my laptops they are not T61P but they rock if I was to them on my lap while typing. It shouldn't be a problem at all I think this is a common thing (at least for me that is or its moving terribly :s)

 

That is exactly what I did

I created a thread about this a while ago...check it out

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=174018&highlight=loose+screws!!!!

 

eyecon, do ever you get the feeling that 80% of new threads started have been covered before somewhere in this forum? Kinda like Groundhog Day on the forums eh?

 

yep..lol

it's almost like a new generation of thinkpad users come here to NBR every 1-2 mo...and they come in batches..and ask the same questions...

it's ok..one day we will get sick of typing here..and these newbies will be more experienced and take over our spots...

the circle of life..lol

 

na eyecon you're a lifer

 

I will be here for the next year and a half...at least while I am on clinical rotations...there is a lot of downtime..and i need to fill that void somehow.

this way, I can look busy while goofing off

 

I am experiencing the same problem.
Here is quick video so you can see exactly what I am talking about.

 

Hi Guys,

I have a T61p and recently noticed this 5-10 degree play aswell. I have checked the tolerances of several other Thinkpads in my possession, including the R-series and there is little to no play at all. I don't know how long it has been there. But I have since found a number of links that confirm we are not alone regarding this problem.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=8SgOQH...eature=related (demonstration of loose hinges - close up of hinges)

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=AnRXhZMiAaU&NR=1 (demonstration of loose hinges - side view)

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=PROGpx...eature=related (demonstrates tolerances recorded for such hinge conditions)

I have read that we should adjust chassis screws situated directly underneath the screen and all will be resolved... Or using adhesives to hold screws at desired tensions, etc...Poppy !!!

The solution is and this is not without considerable research:

Make a service call to your Lenovo Support (especially if you have paid for the extended warranty... like most sane people would) and have a certified technician assess the problem. Usually, it requires them taking two small caps off the face of the screen (bezel) and accessing the hinge mechanisms from there. Re-tensioning via mechanism screws may be an option depending on wear? If so, it can be done there and then. Otherwise it may require replacement of hinge mechanism... Not ideal!

If you do have a technician assess the problem, be sure to have data backed up and have carried out a system recovery backup using Thinkvantage Rescue and Recovery. That way, if the technician damages your unit, which can happen, it's not all grief in recovering information at a later date.

The play is considered within design tolerances and you will see that in the link to YouTube above. But if you can't stand the tolerance, which I guess is why you're all here, you can have the technician retension, accordingly. But it will probably loosen again over time. (Well, that's what the technician suggested to me over the phone the other day... sighs.)

I've since heard of guys overtensioning the wrong screws on their chassis and cracking them in the process. I've heard of guys using Locktite on the wrong screws to hold them at the 'desired' tension only to fuse with the chassis material... and require the entire chassis casing to be replaced. I've also heard of guys jambing teflon tape into their hinge mechanisms?... I've heard of just about every side-ways solution under the sun.

Solution: Put in a service call. Otherwise, download the service manual:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-67980

(Refer to page 117)

Otherwise, live with it... back up regularly (in case things turn pear-shaped) and keep a close eye on it with careful handling and use. The T-series are the far superior chassis and Lenovo's flagship units (T61p's). But they are not indestructible!!!

Aequi.