Database Users

Loose hinge. Fixable?

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I've only owned my exec a couple weeks and already I notice the pivot hinge loosening.
Has anyone tightened theirs? If so, any tips?

Get in touch with HTC and see if its warrantied.
Likely just needs something tightening.
Altho I work in a customer service department for a laptop repair workshop and they would likely accuse you of having bent it the wrong way and class it as "Accidental Damage".
In which case you'd be getting a bill for a hinge (£12) and labour (£130).
You may find HTC are a little nicer than my lot tho. Hehe.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to be able to unscrew the hinge myself, but I wanted to know if anyone's tried it themselves yet.
My other stupid question is; How do I get in touch with HTC? Anyone have a link? Can't google it.
I bought my unlocked O2 Exec new, but not from O2. I'm in the U.S. and I'm afraid they might not help me because I'm not a customer.
Nowhere I can just drive to for repairs either, because this unit isn't sold here.
Thanks again.

I don't have a loose hinge yet, but I'm sure we will all be at that point eventually. I noticed two small screws on the inside of the hinge (underneath the screen part) when you twist the screen half way around. I wonder if they do anything useful

I've noticed those screws as well. There's also a single screw on the base side. The base metal piece is the wiggly part on the non-screw side (right).
I'll wait another day or so to see if anyone has tried this yet. If I don't get a response, I'll hold my breath and give it a go.
If it works and I end up tightening my unit - great.
If not, then I've just made a very expensive mistake.
Either way, I'll update my post here with the results..
I can't be the only person with an exec/universal that has a loose lid. Pls excuse the pun.

hazer said:
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to be able to unscrew the hinge myself, but I wanted to know if anyone's tried it themselves yet.
My other stupid question is; How do I get in touch with HTC? Anyone have a link? Can't google it.
I bought my unlocked O2 Exec new, but not from O2. I'm in the U.S. and I'm afraid they might not help me because I'm not a customer.
Nowhere I can just drive to for repairs either, because this unit isn't sold here.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC warranty the product unless a third party warranty provider is nominated - which is very unusual in the first year tbh.
Normally you return to the point of sale and they will either repair it or replace it themselves and bill HTC or send it back to the manufacturer.
In this case the product is less than 28 days old? So in the UK you would be covered by the Sales of Goods Act 1979 and entitled to a repair or if you so choose an exchange. This would probably also be the case in some form or other in the USA, but I suspect since this was a product originally intended for the UK market (and if the seller was British) you would be bound by this law.
Since you're in the US you will likely have no warranty with the retailer ie. o2 since large companies often operate warranty services within the borders of the nation it was originally purchased in and never beyond.
So you're best bet is to contact HTC - whom are an international company - and they will assess the claim and arrange shipping to and from either a) an authorized local repair agent or b) back to the main repair and warranty facility in whichever country that is.
As far as I am aware you should definately either contact the point of sale if a large company and enquire as to the repair service route or just skip them compeletely and go for the manuafcturer.
For the European Union the warranty provider is: http://www.htceurope.com/
There doesn't appear to be one for the USA.
I'm sure there is but its likely going to be a case of shipping it back to Dubai or wherever anwyay so ping them some mail and see what they say.
Either way you must act quickly and keep a record of all correspondence.
In the UK we call consumer rights 'statutary rights' and the electronics world often goes far far beyond these in terms of warranty repair/s.
The only caveats are often companies assume that since you arent asking for or invoking your rights on a certain issue that they don't need to inform you of them.

YES, I have opened mine up & can give some insight. firstly it's all very robust and safe to open the hinge on the base side (have not opened screen side). it'a ALL metal - screw, plate u can see, & chassis screw goes into - so little/no danger of loosening things by unscrewing.
u will 1st find that the single screw on the base side may be half a turn loose. tightening it with a jewelers screwdriver will make a hug defferenc4e. possibly same benefit screen side but there r more screws there so I doubt it.
if u undo screw, base pops out as it hooked at one end, and thus only held by this 1 screw. u will find a nice, strong, ropey cable linking 2 halves - NOT a ribbon that breaks the moment u open this up - so safe again.
next, u can bend the plate slightly so that it sits lower in the middle. this makes a huge difference to screen looseness or play when in position. it's like tensioning a bow.
so, all very easy and safe FOR BASE SIDE. screen side looks way more delicate & hopefully someone will update this thread with similar info.
I found that when I dropped mine a few times, the screw came loose. a bit worrying cos it means a thread miust have skipped. but now I know that if the screw ever strips I can get it re-tapped by a jeweler and a new screw put in. there's enough chassis 4 this I think. please let us know how it goes.

Shame no pics ...!
:lol:

yeah, exec battled 2 take pics of its own arse when dissembled

First let me say THANKS to Gubbs and Craigie!
Unfortunately it's now past closing time at HTCEUROPE, so I'll have to try and call them tomorrow.
I tried to take the pda apart and concur with Craigie regarding its simplicity. The wiggle in my Exec comes from the pivot and not the base plate with the single screw. I tried to remove the lid side plate by unscrewing the 4 screws that hold it, but it cannot be removed w/o spreading the plastic housing which holds the LCD. Scary.
There are 2 additional screws which bind the plastic housing (can be seen w/o taking anything apart). There are also 2 rubber inserts at the tip (tried, but can't pull out). So, my theory is that by removing the 6 lid screws and these rubber inserts, I'll be able to separate the plastic halves and remove the metal plate. Again...SCARY.
I'm hoping there's a screw which tightens the pivot. From what's visible it is made up from a press fit washer and a bent spring washer around a metal shaft. If there is a screw, it's on the side I can't get to. If there isn't a screw, then it's got to be another press fit washer used to hold the assembly together. I can use pliers to squeeze the opposite washers toghether if I can get to them.
If I have to, I'll send it to HTC. But I'd rather try and fix it myself to save the time lost and expense. Granted I should stay away from coffee or any other caffinated products before I do.

Just seen this posting by "stot" selling a replacement screen for the Universal, he gives a link showing instructions for stripping down the Universal, any help with tightening the hinge?
Thanks Stot!
http://www.artworkfiles.com/XDA/
Regards

When I did open up the screen there is no inherant way of adjusting the tension of the spring. It is basically a rivet with a curved washer that gets squashed and provides the tension.
Only thing I could suggest would be to squash the rivet section on 2 sides with a pair of pliars, or vice grips may be better so that you can set the pressure, i.e. close the vice crips and adjust them so that they are snug on the edge of the rivet, open them, adjust them closed evvver so slightly and then close them on the rivet. This will basically put more tension on the washers.
Its from the school of smack it til it works but its all I can think of.
Ill put some more pictures up of what I mean on that link shortly.
BTW. wanna buy a screen?! :wink:
Thanks
Stot

I think it was the swivel action some were interested in any suggestions to tightening that mechanism? Photo's would be good too, or is that one a case of squash it with pliers too?
I dont need a screen myself sorry my friend
Hope you find a buyer!

Hi,
Yeah Its the swivel I mean, not the opening mechanism. Pics are up you'll see what I mean.
Just noticed this is the idea Hazer had and ill agree thats the only way to do it.
Cheers
Stot.

Brilliant Stot! Great work my friend, the pictures are perfect. Thanks
Regards

These pics are fantastic gooroo.
All of you who have contributed to this tread - THANK YOU.
As soon as the kids are asleep tonite and the wife is watching tv - I'll get started. I'll need the peace and quiet required when handling such a delicate operation.
Think I'll wear a mask and gloves, just to make it official. I guess I won't be needing my tablesaw or reciprocating saw. Too bad.
I've gotten as far as spliting the lid from the main section, but I was afraid to split the lid in half in order to get at the metal plate. No more.
I'll report soon.
Thanks guys.

Pictures unavailable?
It seems http://www.artworkfiles.com/XDA/ is no more available!
Has anybody downloaded the pictures and instructions?
Can you please sent them to me?
I have the same loose hinge problem...
Thanks in advance
Anton
anton.ruzicATijs.si

Hey,
It's easy tightening the hinge! Mine was lose, and when I say lose I mean basically spinning 360 degrees! So what did I have to lose... nothing. I took my Exec apart.
When you rotate your screen.. to the right of the light sensor and 'Xda Exec' text there is a grey metal panel, with a small standard 'phillips' screw in there. Undo this one screw, and the metal plate will lift of. In there you will find a thick cable that connects the screen and the hardware keyboard. Simply twist the wire up a bit (you'll understand what I mean) and then put the panel back on, screw it up, and the screen will be tight as it was new..
I have started to notice that the hinge is starting to get lose again - wait there and I shall do the above proceedure again (undo the metal plate, unwrap the cable, wrap it back up and screw up) - oh look it's tight as brand new.
Don't worry about loosing anything whilst un-screwing you exec, NOTHING pops out!
Good luck - you won't need it!
I'll keep an eye on the thread incase there is any questions.
Pete

That's a brilliant post Pete. When my hinge comes loose I will not have any fear about following your instructions. Luckily, the missus is an optometrist, so she has plenty of tiny screwdrivers, etc. Maybe I can get her to do it, that way if she breaks it, it's not my fault... :wink:

replacement Screen Help
I read the post and I thought someone said they have a link on where to buy a replacement screen for the HTC Universal. Can someone help me... I drop the device and the screen cracked Lcd.

I took it apart!!!!!!!!

hey everyone!
I just took my universal apart today.......literally!!!!!
I managed to fix my hinge successfully as well, now it no longer squeaks and rattles!!! Am I happy or what.....you bet I am! ;-)
believe me guys, its fairly easy to open it up and fix things! Just feel confident and don't frce anything, and you should be able to make your way thru!
Will post some pictures later on!
Whack!
San

cool i look forward to seeing hows its done

ratcom: haven't you seen the service manual?
V

I suppose to fix the screen wobbling problem you neet to fasten the 6 screws on the bottom part of the screen? It's been wobbling a bit, not anything serious but I'd rather fix it it I am able to.

dreamtheater39 said:
I managed to fix my hinge successfully as well, now it no longer squeaks and rattles!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you have to do for that? I suppose more than just tightening those screws visible near the hinge, because you had to take it apart... :?:

emmerman said:
dreamtheater39 said:
I managed to fix my hinge successfully as well, now it no longer squeaks and rattles!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you have to do for that? I suppose more than just tightening those screws visible near the hinge, because you had to take it apart... :?:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the screen shake mainly comes from the two metal "tubes" which protrude from the top display. To make things lucid, its the tubes "onto" which the two small plastic covers with the LED indicators ride into and get screwed into the bottom base.
The problem arises when the metal tubes tend to get compressed (deformed?) due to constant opening of the lid. So all you need to do is, use a set of pliers or something to bulge it back outwards, and it should be nice and stiff once again!
The second contribution for screen shake is, the two small plastic pieces (with the led indicators) which are screwed to the base (keyboard blah!). The screws get loose, and you sometimes just need to tighten those...
For either of the two, you need to remove the mother board, display connectors, antenna, keyboard module to get to the part where you can dislodge the top unit...but believe me, its fairly simple and theres nothing to worry!
@Vijay
Do you have the service manual with you?????
I'd love to get a copy of that!!!
cheers!
San

Read though this thread. I've provided a compressed version, 5mb, but get the 20mb full version if your bandwith is fine and it's available.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/vie...&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=bandwidth
V

You can get the service manual off the xda ftp site

vijay555 said:
Read though this thread. I've provided a compressed version, 5mb, but get the 20mb full version if your bandwith is fine and it's available.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/vie...&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=bandwidth
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thnx vj!
I still haven't found the appropriate moment to download it though :-(
I'm either on gprs or I forget when I have broadband! hmph! I'll do it tomm when I'm back at office!
Cheerio!
San

Wizard loosing stylus - total solution ;-)

Sorry, only in czech language yet, because I have no time to translate it yet. Maybe pictures will helps you understandt it little bit.
http://www.ce4you.cz/articles/detail.asp?a=263

I couldn't understand what's the point. Can you explain shortly what's the idea?

The Proble;
You have a loose fittign stylus that over time has gotten to the point of falling out on its own.
The goal:
Stop loosing styli.
Hope that helps; Lew

The reason the stylus falls out is that the plastic retainer cracks.
The pictures show how using a slice of an eraser jammed into the gap will help retention.
OK, that much I get, but where does the little metal spring part come from and what does it do (or is it a bit that's already there)?
John

jko said:
The reason the stylus falls out is that the plastic retainer cracks.
The pictures show how using a slice of an eraser jammed into the gap will help retention.
OK, that much I get, but where does the little metal spring part come from and what does it do (or is it a bit that's already there)?
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It lookes like the metal piece is part of the housing. He may be trying to point out how it goes back in place. Things like that have a tendancy to "spring" out of position as you open up a housing w/out giving you a chance to see where they go back to. That is if you can even find them once they hit the floor. Lots of little pieces that if lost can really ruin your day.
I'm a little worried about the VOID warranty sticker covering one of the internal screws. Also, looks like the guy dinged up his housing trying to pry it open.
It is the best fix I've seen so far for the problem. If you can get that VOID sticker pealed back and replaced w/out somebody being able to notice, you should be able to keep your warranty intact should you ever need it.
Ingenuis solution.

Although I dont have this problem (yet) I am going to add this little link to here. It is where you can get the PDF manual (disassembly and reassembly), I think it is way easier to follow then the web tutorial, you can just look back and forth to fix the styli thing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=43836
Later; Lew

loose XDA Exec screen?

Hi, I’ve just changed my mobile to an XDA Exec, had it for about a week and just noticed today the screen seems a little lose where the twisting joint is. I’ll try and explain this: With the XDA sitting on the desk and the screen open (at 90deg to the keyboard), if you put your fingers on the top of the screen assembly, it will rock noticeable from side to side (left/right), which is then more noticeable when it’s closed up. It almost feels like there is enough play in it to cause some damage if not careful.
What I’m interested to find out is, is this normal? Is it normal ware (given it’s a week or so old) or is this something that isn’t right and needs some attention?
Also is it possible to tighten something up to stop this and are there any disassembly guides available for the screen assembly?
Cheers
Matt

same here!
same problem with my xda exec, it has a slight wiggle but then it really bothers me. is there a way to tighten the joint or a service center that can do the tightening? im from toronto. thanks!

Hi, At least I'm not the only one, driving me mad too every time I pick it up....
Do you remember if it did this when you got it or has it started over time? I'm wondering if I can get it repaired under the warrantee or if this is just a "Feature" of the hardware.......
Alternatively I'm interested in finding out how to take the screen section apart. Has anyone got any pictures of the innards? And if that is actually worth doing, e.g. is there a nut that's come loose and needs tighten?
Cheers
Matt

The common problem I have found is that the screw on the hinge by the screen pivot comes loose. Look at it with the screen 90 degrees out, It's obvious. It has happened on my last 3 Execs. The screens seem to be easy to damage.
Try removing the screw, adding a little super glue or whatever your local glue is and tightening it quickly. Works for me

i little wobble is normal considering you have a relatively huge screen on that end of a lttle metal base plate with one screw holding it on.
if your screw is tight, but you can wiggle the screen back and forth your base plate may be bent.
this happened on my UNI after a dropped it. the plate was noticabley bent convex. when this happens the base plate isn't supported by the plastic of the case. i removed the single metel screw (described above) and detached the screen from the rest of the case. while it was out i bent the base plate into a concave shape. once it was tighted back down the screen was back to it's slightly wobbly self again!
download the service manual and study the pictures.

Dust under the touch screen - solution!!!

Hi to all who have dust between the touch screen digitizer and LCD.
I send my device 3 times to the authorised HTC service center because of this problem, they cleaned it (not perfectly) and the dust was back again after few days of use. This was really ennoying for me...
After several disassemblies, cleaning, research where dust comes in, then assembles I found the flaw.
The dust doesn’t come in via sealing foam between the touch screen digitizer and LCD.
There is a bump defect of phone housing around the volume keys. Inside of the plastic housing is a metal frame, where the touch screen digitizer is stacked on - that frame is a little bended and the touch screen doesn’t stick properly on it (around the volume keys only). When you look close on the phone you can see also a little wider gap between the touch screen top glass and silver plastic housing edge. (See picture)
WARNING
The following directions WILL VOID
your warranty - you are performing
this repair at your own risk.
So, now, what you have to do:
For those, who have already dust in, just simply disassembly your device (if you are brave enough, have all tools and precise hands - maybe some experience ) and remove PROPERLY all dirt with brush, compressed air and antistatic cloth, then assemble it back or send the device to the service center to clean it (wont void the warranty). Before sealing your TD2 (keep it in plastic bag away from dust) prepare a sharp wooden toothpick, neutral transparent or black silicone (you can purchase it from any building material shop) and cotton cloth.
Now you have to clean the gap between whole plastic silver housing frame and touch screen top glass with soft brush. Then use sharp wooden toothpick to impress the silicone into the gap (all gaps you can see, just in case) (silicone does not damage phone housing and TSCR surface and it’s easy to clean), then just gently and properly wipe off all the rest of silicone from phone surface. (be careful not to get silicone to the keys or phone receiver slot)
Leave the phone for several hours to get silicone dry.
Then you can use your TD2 in dusty environment and your display stays absolutely clean and dusty free. (TESTED on mine, for me perfect phone now and I am very happy with it...)
For those who have a little dust in and want to stop come more in and those who are planning to buy TD2 (dont wanna play the lottery faulty or not ), do the same procedure (silicone impress only) after unwrapping your device from plastic package.
GOOD LUCK!!! ENJOY YOUR ABSOLUTELY DUSTY FREE DEVICE!!!
Sorry for my English

I don't know about you guys, but I'm not crazy enough to void the warranty of my phone because of a minor thing like that. When mine gets dirty, I send it back and that's it.
If it gets dirty again, I send it back again...
But, it's a good tutorial for the "brave ones" anyway Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
HastaSSSS

I sent mine back over a week ago due to this dust problem (in fact I delivered it in person to HTC repair center in Milton Keynes) hoping for a quick turnaround.
I'm still waiting for it to come back and missing it terribly. I'm back to using my old Nokia E71 which is a great phone but I like my new one and want it back so I may go down the route of the OP just so I don't have to repeat the return each time I get a dust issue.....

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=519463
i dont want to hijack this thread. if i am then i am sorry
but hopefully you can input your expertise into this thread or help form an opinion for a new thread

I just got a topaz and want to keep dust from getting in but I'm confused about the sillicon. Could you describe more clearly what it is and maybe post a picture so I have some idea what it should look like.

from the picture, for the second gap, apply the protective foil that comes with the phone. Should solve a bit the problem. Ber in mind that after apply, the touchscreen will not have the same sensitivity. You'll have to tap a little bit harder ...

i think you meant screen protector no?
anyway thx for the info,
if anyone knows how to disassemble this device pls help

yes, screen protector. Better not use the screwdriver ... remember warranty ...

I thought these dust under the screen issues had been fixed long ago, but now it seems the problem that affected my old c600 has come back to ruin my topaz after just 1 week.
Not impressed.

georgeono said:
from the picture, for the second gap, apply the protective foil that comes with the phone. Should solve a bit the problem. Ber in mind that after apply, the touchscreen will not have the same sensitivity. You'll have to tap a little bit harder ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already use a screen protector. I'm more concerned about the first gap. I really don't want dust to happen since I bought my phone second hand and it doesn't have a warrenty.

you can always use a can of pressurized air to get the dust out. (same you use with PCs)

Wouldn't you need two holes that are connected if your blowing air into the device? One for the air to go in and one for the dust to go out? I don't have any dust under my screen currently and would like it to remain that way. The silicon method doesn't seem to difficult or dangerous which is why I'm interested in what silicon to use.

from what I understood (from the pictures in the 1st post), it's not actually a hole, but a free space = gap.

I opened the D2 (only the two upper screws - for lifting the inner part a bit) and did have a look for "gaps" somewhere around the volume controls - i did not really see a gap
But for getting out the dust: dont blow air into the D2 but get the air out - i actually used a vacuum-cleaner. If you remove the two screws it is possible to lift the LCD below the volume sliders *A LITTLE BIT* (=about 0,5 mm only!!!!!) with a small screw driver to create a gap. It worked quite well. (be aware of high air flow and possible static electricity)
But i really would like to know, where exactly to apply some supplementary sealing to get rid of the dust-problem. Any detailed pic would be appreciated.

axantas said:
But i really would like to know, where exactly to apply some supplementary sealing to get rid of the dust-problem. Any detailed pic would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Me too!

OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...

pedroo said:
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly is neutral silicone? Do you have a picture of it so I know what to buy?

I'm about to buy the TD2,
is it so big problem this dust under the screen?
Does it happen often?

luca T said:
I'm about to buy the TD2,
is it so big problem this dust under the screen?
Does it happen often?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had it for about a week and the user I bought it from had it supposedly for about 3 weeks and so far no dust. I'm still terrified its going to happen though.

pedroo said:
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the pic, pedroo - so they simply should have glued the digitizer surface a bit more careful to the housing...
...thinking a bit about applying the radical solution - not sure yet