The Dell X300 is a nice laptop. One glitch it is prone to is the screen hinge; they can become loose to the point the screen can not stay in an upright position. Let's fix it.
What's Needed- micro screw driver (like one you would use to fix the screws on a pair of reading glasses).
- the strongest epoxy you can find at the hardware store. I suggest one that requires mixing to achieve the strongest bond.
- Rubbing Alcohol
- A toothpick
- A hammer
- A little knowledge
Problem IdentificationThe problem is likely not what you would suspect, a worn out hinge. In fact, it is likely due to the hinge being too tight. Let me explain. The hinge is actually afixed to a stationary rod on either side of the screen panel. If the hinge is too tight, it places a great deal of stress on the joint where the rod inserts into the screen panel (again, this is supposed to be stationary). If the stress is too great, that joint can break. Usually, one side breaks (the lid stays open, but, barely) and then the second side shortly thereafter gives away due to the stress.
Steps to Fix It- Remove the battery. Then, remove the hinge covers by using a small micro screw driver. Start with the hinge cover that surrounds the power button on the left side of the unit as you face the unit. Open the lid completely 180 degrees and then gently pry the hinge off. You will need to pry the back of the hinge as well since there is a slotted catch.
- Using a magic marker to mark the small wires located on the right side of the unit under the right hinge cover. Now, disconnect the wires by pulling the gold connectors apart.
- Move the wire under the left side hinge to reveal the silver screw that hold hinge in place. Remove that screw with the same micro screwdriver mentioned above. Study how the hinge is situated so you know how to reinstall it.
- Remove the left hinge by pulling the hinge up and then slide it out from the lid recepticle.
- Remove the right hinge by performing the same operation.
- You will notice that this pins are fluted. These flutes are solid steel, however, their recepticles are plastic. The problem is that the recepticles are likely stripped.
- Using a cordless drill, fix the drill onto the fluted side of the left hinge pin. Holding the hinge with a pair of pliers, remove the hinge pin by rotating the pin using the drill.
- Once the left hinge pin is removed, dip it into motor oil and reinsert the pin into the hinge using the same drill technique.
- Now, we want to loosen the left hinge a bit to avoid a repeat occurence. Therefore, we are going to "work the hinge". Do this by rotating the pin within the hinge using the drill (essentially the same procedure as #7 above, except we are not removing the pin). Rotate the hinge for about 60 seconds or until you feel it has loosened up a but. Remember, metal expands when it gets hot, so don't let it rotate to a point that friction causes the opposite effect.
- Repeat steps 7-9 for the right hinge. Note, the fluted side of the hinge pin should be extrude from the hinge for the length of the flutes themselves.
- Clean the fluted side of the each hinge pin using rubbing alcohol or similar.
- Mix a small batch of epoxy. You should have about 10 minutes of working time to perform the operation of reinstalling the hinge, so be efficient. This includes orienting your hinges before the epoxy is mixed so you know exactly which way they go in; you don't want to waste valueable time trying to figure this out. Also have your silver hinge screws ready to reinsert and fasten.
- Using a toothpick, apply the mixed expoxy to the inside of both hinge recepticles. You don't need much since this should be a tight fit and most will come out once the pin is inserted. Also apply the expoxy to the fluted side of the hinge pins.
- Without wasting time, insert the pins back into the lid recepticles. Using a hammer, tap the pins into the recepticles as far as they will go. Be careful not drive them in so far as to break the lid.
- Again, without wasting time, reinsert the silver hinges screws and tighted hinges onto the base unit. Be sure not to damage the wires near the hinges by safely moving them out of the way.
- Place the unit somewhere warm (70 to 80 degree range; warmer is better) and where no one can tamper with the unit while curing. Allow expoxy to cure for at least 24 hours (use manufacturers recommended curing times).
- After the expoxy has cured, reinstall the hinge covers and the battery.
- Test it out, the lid should work as good as new. Just be gentle with it; it's only going to be as strong as the weakest link which is the plastic recepticle or the expoxy.
