devl.cz/ hardware/ thinkpad-r60

ThinkPad R60

Disassembly: Replacing broken hinge (February 2024)

The left hinge was broken, could not close the lid.

Broken hinge

I’ve decided to fix this old laptop, as it’s otherwise in functional state. A Polish e-shop was offering an aftermarket replacement hinges.

Replacement hinges

First, remove the keyboard/touchpad assembly.

Removed keyboard

Unscrew Wi-Fi antennas and display cable.

Unscrew Wi-Fi antennas and display cable

Unscrew hinges and remove the display frame.

Remove display frame

Under the frame, unscrew the other side of the hinges. Note that the Wi-Fi antenna cable leads through the hinge.

Display without frame

The hinge support continues up behind the display, so the back cover needs to be removed too.

Removed backcover (front)
Removed backcover (back)

After replacing the hinges, reinstall display covers, antenna leads and display cable.

Display covers reinstalled
Keyboard frame reinstalled

All good and running.

Repaired, booting Linux