Looks like a lot of people have been getting dust under the screens of their units, and getting them replaced/fixed/whatever is such a hassle (most especially for those outside countries where N1 is sold).
Let's discuss here how to protect our Nexus Ones from dust and maybe other issues like preventing clicking noise. What hardware workarounds can we do to solve those issues? Can we use adhesives, certain skins, certain screen protectors, etc?
I haven't received my unit yet so I can't share my experience. Can you post pictures of where the dust probably enter and what portions click or whatever problem so we can visualize?
For those who don't have dust in their units yet, we can use the recommendations here so we can prevent the problem and not need to go through the replacement/repair/whatever.
Edit:
Just an early reminder. Let's keep this on topic. This thread is for prevention of the problem. If you want to talk about the cure of it or customer service of Google/HTC/whoever, there's a thread for that forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=613115
well to use any adhesives you need to open up the phone. This obviously voids your warranty and considering the photos from ifixit, it seems it is pretty hard to disassemble and reassemble correctly.
Skins probably would not work because they would have to cover the small gap around the screen, which would mean the skin would have to cover part of the screen, and that would look stupid.
generally people are reccomending when you get your phone to press down on all four corners of the screen with moderate pressure and listen carefully for any clicking noise. If you hear it you should take a hair dryer and heat up the corners of the screen from ~5 inches away for about 30 seconds and then press down on them to help the adhesive bond and close the gaps around the screen.
melterx12 said:
well to use any adhesives you need to open up the phone. This obviously voids your warranty and considering the photos from ifixit, it seems it is pretty hard to disassemble and reassemble correctly.
Skins probably would not work because they would have to cover the small gap around the screen, which would mean the skin would have to cover part of the screen, and that would look stupid.
generally people are reccomending when you get your phone to press down on all four corners of the screen with moderate pressure and listen carefully for any clicking noise. If you hear it you should take a hair dryer and heat up the corners of the screen from ~5 inches away for about 30 seconds and then press down on them to help the adhesive bond and close the gaps around the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Rereading the thread now. I found forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5362535&postcount=52
dills84 said:
My second attempt to re-seal it seems to be working so far...
I took the battery out, put my desk lamp close to the screen corner. let it heat for a little bit. then used a plastic wood clamp wrapped in a towel (so the screen isnt damaged) to compress the screen down onto the heated adhesive.
So far I'm not seeing any new dust and the screen has stopped clicking.
Sounds risky, I don't recommend it. But I was just getting too annoyed. Hopefully it says!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use the invisible shield, my phone stays in my pocket and its dust/lint free
Z51 said:
use the invisible shield, my phone stays in my pocket and its dust/lint free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't cover the cracks though, right?
Yes it doesn't cover the crack, and Dust, lint and "Water" could get in.
I keep my phone completely uncased and haven't had a hint of dust. If your phone suffers from this issue, I suggest negotiating a resolution with HTC (be it replacement, repair, or what-have-you).
kozm0naut said:
I keep my phone completely uncased and haven't had a hint of dust. If your phone suffers from this issue, I suggest negotiating a resolution with HTC (be it replacement, repair, or what-have-you).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, it's similair to fixing a dodgy electric window in a new car....... er no, the manufacturer can do it, and more importantly where are their quality department??
melterx12 said:
well to use any adhesives you need to open up the phone. This obviously voids your warranty and considering the photos from ifixit, it seems it is pretty hard to disassemble and reassemble correctly.
Skins probably would not work because they would have to cover the small gap around the screen, which would mean the skin would have to cover part of the screen, and that would look stupid.
generally people are reccomending when you get your phone to press down on all four corners of the screen with moderate pressure and listen carefully for any clicking noise. If you hear it you should take a hair dryer and heat up the corners of the screen from ~5 inches away for about 30 seconds and then press down on them to help the adhesive bond and close the gaps around the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
followed the steps indicated with the hairdryer. unfortunately, during the blow another dust piece got inside...
anyway, i had them both bottom corners clicking. after the hairdryer procedure, both are "fixed" - no more clicking.
i hope that i won't get any more dust pieces under the screen - have 2 of them atm...anyway, it's not that bad.
returning to HTC would not work here, since I am far away from where it is possible, and of course it's all rooted and stuff...
thanx for the ideea!
how abt wrapping with aluminium foil on the areas to be heated with hairdryer?
Has anyone else encountered the screen starting to lift by the ear piece?
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
uborame posted about this problem in a thread about a week back (I'd link it, but for some reason I'm not allowed to), and I've had the same problem, bringing us to a count of 3 reports that I've seen. It seems as though this is a somewhat rare issue, but isn't isolated to just one device...
Do you use a case? I don't, but could see how a case might hold things together such that it would prevent this issue.
I'm actually planning on returning my Aria and moving up to the Captivate since I'm in the 30 day window and can get the Captivate for the same price I paid for the Aria. The screen separation issue and chatter about what upgrades this phone may or may not get have me concerned about its longevity.
The Aria uses a two piece screen/digitizer assembly; as in the digitizer glass sitting over the screen. What you are experiencing is the digitizer seperating from the display beneath it; it's simply held in place with the usual double-sided foamy tape.
RepairsUniverse has a video on how to disassemble/replace the screen -- That's the info you need to get at it... but you'll only have to go about half way, enough to get the digitizer seperated.. then replace the tape, reseat, reassemble.
The Aria is *not* a durable phone; IMHO one of the more breakage prone units... Kind of regret going with it for this reason, but figure I'll just learn it inside out and keep fixing it until it's FUBAR.
Honestly the screen issue doesn't bug me much. The digitizer is a 50 dollar part I can replace in <1 hr if I screw up and kill it again -- My main concern is water damage -- The way the case mates with the screen/digitizer looks like a real invitation for capillary action to destroy the phone with just a little bit of fluid... We'll see how that works out...
My phone also seems to have this issue. The left side of the screen has lifted itself ~.5mm higher than the wall of the backplate. I noticed this a couple of days after I bought the phone, but I brushed it off assuming I was just being critical.
Very unfortunate...
Ok folks, there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but I haven't found it yet, and frankly I've got plenty to do as it is, so forgive me for not making a thorough search.
Anyhow, I've managed to crack the screen just above the home and app buttons, which is a pain, but **** happens. I've noticed that on eBay the screen + LCD combo is around A$140 while the front glass alone is only A$27. Now, since the Lcd isn't damaged, that kinda looks awesome, right? Except, I haven't found any instructions on how to replace the front glass alone with out ****ing with the LCD too. Anyone know?
Plenty of vids on YouTube on how to change the combo, which is a bit of a pain in the arse compared to other phones. All I want to change is the glass. Any help would be much appreciated.
WestAussie said:
Ok folks, there's probably a thread on this somewhere, but I haven't found it yet, and frankly I've got plenty to do as it is, so forgive me for not making a thorough search.
Anyhow, I've managed to crack the screen just above the home and app buttons, which is a pain, but **** happens. I've noticed that on eBay the screen + LCD combo is around A$140 while the front glass alone is only A$27. Now, since the Lcd isn't damaged, that kinda looks awesome, right? Except, I haven't found any instructions on how to replace the front glass alone with out ****ing with the LCD too. Anyone know?
Plenty of vids on YouTube on how to change the combo, which is a bit of a pain in the arse compared to other phones. All I want to change is the glass. Any help would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use a hairdryer for loosening the adhesive to separate glass and digitizer , being patient is the key but there is a good chance of messing it up
It was my understanding that the screen assembly was next to impossible to disassemble without damaging the other layers of the screen. It seems hard enough to separate from its housing I can't imagine the difficulty in de-laminating the glass from the digitizer/LCD.
I just replaced my front with the combo part from etradesupply it was pretty expensive but 0 hassle. A couple of screws later and I moved to the old main board to the new front part... No heating no heavy prying.
Good luck with your fix.
P
pietro_spina said:
It was my understanding that the screen assembly was next to impossible to disassemble without damaging the other layers of the screen. It seems hard enough to separate from its housing I can't imagine the difficulty in de-laminating the glass from the digitizer/LCD.
I just replaced my front with the combo part from etradesupply it was pretty expensive but 0 hassle. A couple of screws later and I moved to the old main board to the new front part... No heating no heavy prying.
Good luck with your fix.
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't you have to heat the battery to move it when you did the swap? My fear is ill damage one of those wafer thin ribbon cables in the process too. Just looks like a mission of a job from the vid I watched on YouTube. Would hate know how much a tech guy would charge though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
WestAussie said:
Didn't you have to heat the battery to move it when you did the swap? My fear is ill damage one of those wafer thin ribbon cables in the process too. Just looks like a mission of a job from the vid I watched on YouTube. Would hate know how much a tech guy would charge though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine had a battery.
This is the part I bought.
OEM LG Nexus 4 E960 LCD Screen and Digitizer Assembly with Front Housing and Battery
from this page (they ship out of Hong Kong)
http://www.etradesupply.com/lg/android-models/lg-nexus-4-e960-parts.html but it appears to be out of stock now. (Maybe I got the last one)
Like I said, it was pricey, but i couldn't risk me screwing it up further since I run my architecture firm with this phone. I was looking for a minimal down time solution because the alternative for me was just buy a new phone in a retail store the next day. Not having access to the lower parts of my screen was seriously limiting. I slogged away for a week using all sorts of work-arounds to activate the dial pad, use parts of the keyboard etc while I waited for the replacement part.
This guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZDAIgwbXk4 does not show the heating stage but he is so freaking calm, it can't be that bad... Do remove the main board before prying on the battery if you go that route...
-p
I just want to add, for anyone finding this thread, that the part I got from etradesupply.com has some pretty obvious yellowing of the screen. This screen was either removed from someone else's n4 because of this defect or taken from the reject bin at the factory.
In the future if I have any breaks, I will sent it to an LG facility.
Does anyone know of another place to buy the front screen with housing? It is OOS at etradesupply....
Just saw this one posted. I have not used them.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/LG-Nexus-4-s/20969.htm
pietro_spina said:
Just saw this one posted. I have not used them.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/LG-Nexus-4-s/20969.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... looks like mixed reviews about this company, though.
My Ex droped her Phone and it had Spider Webs all accross. Her Provider send it in to see what it would cost to fix. The Phone also would stop working correctly in the middle of calls.
It turns out buying a new one would have come cheaper atleast thats what came back as a answear.
So I decided to bite the apple and try replacing the Screen myself. My Ex was not happy because she thought with the second Problem it is not worth the effort to fix the Screen and maybe loose everything. My reasoning was that when the Spider Web Screen touches the Digitizer it will react strangely. So I went ahead and searched the web on how to do it. I ordered a Screen for $9 on ebay (free shipping) which came with a couple of Tools. More on those later.
One of the first Problems I found was that all instructions that I found showed the beginning and the end. But in the middle how the phone will look like when the glass is finaly taken off, I was unable to find much Information about it. Also doing it Redneck style without Special liquids and or a heat guns was no where to be found.
I decided to just try it. Disasembly is well documented and easy enough to do on this device. Atleast to the Point where most electronics are removed so that you can apply heat without too much problems. I decided on using a blow dryer to heat up the Display. I layed the Blow Dryer on the Counter turned it on and Held the phone up to it. Thinking if my fingers get too hot chances are it is too hot for the Display too.. Might be a little incaccurate to read the temperature like that but hey it worked. But soon after I started to remove the first pieces of broken glass I ran into Problems.
As per instructions I found, I put a Piece of tape accros the Screen so that the individuall pieces stayed ogether. That did not work at all for me. It just made the individual pieces push against the valuable digitizer below it. My next Problem was that the Tools that came with the replacement glass, especially the Little plastic Tools did not hold up to the Job und the tip was soon useless. I had to Switch to a Raizor blade. A couple of times I sliped and hit the Digitizer. Thinking oh well I guess I Need to get a new one. Luckely on the end it all worked out much better then I would have hoped. The left over glue I rubbed mostly off with my finger which worked out nicely. To clean it completely from ist glue took some time. The black rubber allong the side of the phone allso suffered. You might want to look out that that does not get riped out completely. I had enough left over so that the glass would sit on it good enough luckely.
Take a look at these Pictures and remember it works perfectly again for $9. While it is not for everyone to seperate a Glass from a Digitizer it is acctualy less fragile as you might think. The third Picture Shows you how it looked with all the scuff marks from taking off the glass. You can still see a few little marks on the end but hard to notice and much better then before. I am sure next time I will be more carefull and use the blade from the beginning on.
I got more Pictures and will improve this Thread for others that have to go through it. Feel free to PM me if you have any Questions. A list of other resources will also be included. This is only to explain and Show the bare state.
Reserved for links
Additional Screen Replacement Links:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
supreethms said:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find a new Frame for a resonable Price. Now to remove the digitizer from the Frame that is another Story. Not sure if it was the Glue or what Held it in place but I could not figure out how to get that out. luckely the two Buttons at the bottom survived the Screen removal and so I did not hat to take the Digitizer out.
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
boomboomer said:
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definetly cheaper then the original but if you have done it once. Chances are You will be able to do it again much easier. So if the $9 Glass only holds for example a Year. You can just replace it again. Or spend a little more for a original replacement glass.
Now I should Point out if the rubber seal around it gets damaged in the process and if the 3M Tape that should come with the Screen is placed wrong it will Impact the sensitivity of the sreen touches. I guess I did it right because my Ex is happy how it performs and that is saying allot.
madmackem said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get down to removing the digitizer from the Frame take a couple of Pictures and post them here.
Hi All
Picked up a Nexus 4 a few days ago and only just noticed (as result of a call) that the proximity sensor is reporting that its "blocked" at all times, so the phone things its against my head. I can workaround this by using the "Power button to hang Up" option but at present cannot access any in call features.
When I look under good light the sensor, there are 2 areas so not sure which is the sensor, I can see what looks like a bubble under both. if you imagine what an air pocket looks like under a screen protector thats what it looks like but its behind the glass, perfectly centred. I guess its possible that something has broken here as a result of the drop, the top left corner was the point of impact, does that seem likely?
I got the phone cheap as it had a broke screen so have a new one coming. Its the full screen, glass and digitizer. Does anyone know of the sensor is part of the screen or does it sit behind and then I could be really screwed!
Ta
bert682 said:
Hi All
Picked up a Nexus 4 a few days ago and only just noticed (as result of a call) that the proximity sensor is reporting that its "blocked" at all times, so the phone things its against my head. I can workaround this by using the "Power button to hang Up" option but at present cannot access any in call features.
When I look under good light the sensor, there are 2 areas so not sure which is the sensor, I can see what looks like a bubble under both. if you imagine what an air pocket looks like under a screen protector thats what it looks like but its behind the glass, perfectly centred. I guess its possible that something has broken here as a result of the drop, the top left corner was the point of impact, does that seem likely?
I got the phone cheap as it had a broke screen so have a new one coming. Its the full screen, glass and digitizer. Does anyone know of the sensor is part of the screen or does it sit behind and then I could be really screwed!
Ta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I did a little more reading and it seems that a gorilla has changed the screen on this phone in the past and he / she has used compound to stick the screen down and some of it has gone around the sensor and the resulting press down on the screen has created a few air pockets.
Looking less forward to changing the screen now as no doubt with my luck the "technician" will have used some crazy heat resistant glue!
Also....missing the speaker grille....funny how you only notice things after you have bought them!
Search for proximity sensor fix after screen replacement here on xda. I've found out that if you switch sides of the little rubber /plastic cover that covers the proximity sensor, your problem will be solved. And the light sensor will work with no problems as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Sp_Ark said:
Search for proximity sensor fix after screen replacement here on xda. I've found out that if you switch sides of the little rubber /plastic cover that covers the proximity sensor, your problem will be solved. And the light sensor will work with no problems as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
From reading the thing to do is either make the height of the bushing a little larger, height wise. Or, to increase the diameter of the holes.
I like your fix the best though....no messing about, just rotate.
Will give it a go, thanks!
It will work for sure, I posted this fix on a YouTube screen replacement guide of octopus glues I think and its confirmed to work from a lot of people. Then if you use a custom rom go to brightness settings while having auto brightness enabled and try changing light sources from dark to very bright places to see the instant lux values you get. If you are not satisfied with the result try custom auto brightness values.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
bert682 said:
Really?
From reading the thing to do is either make the height of the bushing a little larger, height wise. Or, to increase the diameter of the holes.
I like your fix the best though....no messing about, just rotate.
Will give it a go, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I discovered this "fix" in a random youtube comment (was that you @Sp_Ark?) just a few days ago, and it worked for me. Then I found a thread here that confirmed that this could be a solution (which could have saved me a week of frustration).
If there's actually something on the proximity sensor, then you might be screwed. Well, not really, or $10 from China. The module is a snap-in piece with connector ribbon that also has the headphone jack. The prox sensor is the smaller one on the right side (when looking at the screen).
Disassembly of the Nexus 4 is pretty simple compared to many other smartphones. You'll need a T5 TORX wrench/bit for the screws at the bottom, and a very small Phillips driver for all the screws in the inside. You'll also need a tool to split the 2 halves apart (your screen replacement might have come with tools). You can find a couple videos on youtube, as well as a detailed teardown (pics) at ifixit.com. If you have a hairdryer (or an actual heat gun) you can make the process easier by softening the glue with heat, but it's not absolutely necessary. Just go slowly and be careful when prying the halves apart so you don't flex it too much and break the glass back.
Which screen assembly did you get? You can get it where it's just the LCD and the digitizer, and you can also get it that has the bezel and speaker with it. When I replaced the screen on my N4, I got the whole deal with the bezel and speaker, since it meant less work and fewer things to screw up.
Planterz said:
Yep, I discovered this "fix" in a random youtube comment (was that you @Sp_Ark?) just a few days ago, and it worked for me. Then I found a thread here that confirmed that this could be a solution (which could have saved me a week of frustration).
If there's actually something on the proximity sensor, then you might be screwed. Well, not really, or $10 from China. The module is a snap-in piece with connector ribbon that also has the headphone jack. The prox sensor is the smaller one on the right side (when looking at the screen).
Disassembly of the Nexus 4 is pretty simple compared to many other smartphones. You'll need a T5 TORX wrench/bit for the screws at the bottom, and a very small Phillips driver for all the screws in the inside. You'll also need a tool to split the 2 halves apart (your screen replacement might have come with tools). You can find a couple videos on youtube, as well as a detailed teardown (pics) at ifixit.com. If you have a hairdryer (or an actual heat gun) you can make the process easier by softening the glue with heat, but it's not absolutely necessary. Just go slowly and be careful when prying the halves apart so you don't flex it too much and break the glass back.
Which screen assembly did you get? You can get it where it's just the LCD and the digitizer, and you can also get it that has the bezel and speaker with it. When I replaced the screen on my N4, I got the whole deal with the bezel and speaker, since it meant less work and fewer things to screw up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a "kit" off eBay, [URL="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT so it appears to be the complete screen. Ive watched a few videos but from the pictures it looks like the screen comes with the metal backing so I suspect I dont need to remove the old screen from the casing, thoughts?
Im expecting this to be the screen, bezel, and metal backing so I need to do is connect in my motherboard and all the other components.
Am I off in thinking this?
That's the full part. The one you've posted is the type I usually go for, they're good quality so far.
bert682 said:
I got a "kit" off eBay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181144377215?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT so it appears to be the complete screen. Ive watched a few videos but from the pictures it looks like the screen comes with the metal backing so I suspect I dont need to remove the old screen from the casing, thoughts?
Im expecting this to be the screen, bezel, and metal backing so I need to do is connect in my motherboard and all the other components.
Am I off in thinking this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You made a wise choice, young padawan.
Yeah, that looks to be the entire front assembly, including the screen+digitizer, already installed in the bezel. Also includes the earpiece plus the speaker grill that you're missing. You'll have to swap over the guts, and that's about it. It's easiest to swap the power and volume rocker buttons first since it's a bit harder to get them where they go if you've got the logic board in the way. Just remember that the contact points need to make a ^ rather than a v when you're assembling it with the screen facing down. Tweezers are good to have, especially if they're very long and even better if they're curved. I also recommend doing this over a clean towel to avoid scratching the screen (there'll probably be a film over it too), and the fluffier the towel the better, to catch the tiny screws from flying and disappearing.
Honestly, getting the 2 halves apart is probably the hardest part. They make specialized tools for this, and often the sellers will include them, but it doesn't look like your purchase includes them (mine didn't either). Something plastic is the best choice, since you're less likely to cause cosmetic damage to the plastic (especially the bezel) if you slip (and you will slip). As I said before, GO SLOWLY. Work it apart a little bit at a time, alternate side to side, starting from the bottom. Eventually you'll be able to pull the 2 halves apart.
The battery will be stuck in pretty good and will need to be pried out. If I were you (and a week or so ago, I was you), I'd pop a new battery in while you're at it. At this point in the phone's life, it's probably had at least a few hundred cycles on the battery and has lost 10-20% of its original capacity. The other components shouldn't be nearly as hard to get out. Just pry in various points until the piece pops out. Do not force anything. Just work it out slowly. After you pop off the piece that covers the USB port, there's the board that has the port, and that can be slightly tricky to get out. Best way I found is to slip something small and flat (screwdriver?) into the port and push up and out, and the board should come out easily.
Thankfully, there's only 3 different screws used, and they're all easily differentiated from each other. There's the 2 T5 TORX that hold the halves together, the 2 very short screws with wide heads that hold the battery in place, and the rest that hold everything else are all identical to each other.
It looks like on your assembly, it comes with its own adhesives. Everywhere there's a blue film, pull it off and there'll be adhesive underneath. I'd recommend leaving the film on over the part where the sensor/headphone jack module goes until you're sure you can stick it in place with the proximity sensor not acting wonky. Download an app (I used Phone Tester) that can read the prox sensor. FYI, as long as everything is in place, and you've attached the battery, you can boot the phone without replacing the back cover, and test the sensor (just depress the center bit of the power button board). You don't need to screw everything in, but you should at least screw and tighten down the few that surround the sensor area. Once you've got it reading properly (best of luck), it's time to put all back together.
You should familiarize yourself with the teardown/reassembly guides out there. Go to ifixit.com and have everything ready to look at. This is the video that I used to guide me, and I watched it through a few times before I attempted it myself. You should be just fine with your phone after familiarizing yourself, but if you have any specific problems or questions, feel free to ask, and I'm all too happy to help.
Planterz said:
You made a wise choice, young padawan.
Yeah, that looks to be the entire front assembly, including the screen+digitizer, already installed in the bezel. Also includes the earpiece plus the speaker grill that you're missing. You'll have to swap over the guts, and that's about it. It's easiest to swap the power and volume rocker buttons first since it's a bit harder to get them where they go if you've got the logic board in the way. Just remember that the contact points need to make a ^ rather than a v when you're assembling it with the screen facing down. Tweezers are good to have, especially if they're very long and even better if they're curved. I also recommend doing this over a clean towel to avoid scratching the screen (there'll probably be a film over it too), and the fluffier the towel the better, to catch the tiny screws from flying and disappearing.
Honestly, getting the 2 halves apart is probably the hardest part. They make specialized tools for this, and often the sellers will include them, but it doesn't look like your purchase includes them (mine didn't either). Something plastic is the best choice, since you're less likely to cause cosmetic damage to the plastic (especially the bezel) if you slip (and you will slip). As I said before, GO SLOWLY. Work it apart a little bit at a time, alternate side to side, starting from the bottom. Eventually you'll be able to pull the 2 halves apart.
The battery will be stuck in pretty good and will need to be pried out. If I were you (and a week or so ago, I was you, I'd pop a new battery in while you're at it. At this point in the phone's life, it's probably had at least a few hundred cycles on the battery and has lost 10-20% of its original capacity. The other comments shouldn't be nearly as hard to get out. Just pry in various points until the piece pops out. Do not force anything. Just work it out slowly. After you pop off the piece that covers the USB port, there's the board that has the port, and that can be slightly tricky to get out. Best way I found is to slip something small and flat (screwdriver?) into the port and push up and out, and the board should come out easily.
Thankfully, there's only 3 different screws used, and they're all easily differentiated from each other. There's the 2 T5 TORX that hold the halves together, the 2 very short screws with wide heads that hold the battery in place, and the rest that hold everything else are all identical to each other.
It looks like on your assembly, it comes with its own adhesives. Everywhere there's a blue film, pull it off and there'll be adhesive underneath. I'd recommend leaving the film on over the part where the sensor/headphone jack module goes until you're sure you can stick it in place with the proximity sensor not acting wonky. Download an app (I used Phone Tester) that can read the prox sensor. FYI, as long as everything is in place, and you've attached the battery, you can boot the phone without replacing the back cover, and test the sensor (just depress the center bit of the power button board). You don't need to screw everything in, but you should at least screw and tighten down the few that surround the sensor area. Once you've got it reading properly (best of luck), it's time to put all back together.
You should familiarize yourself with the teardown/reassembly guides out there. Go to ifixit.com and have everything ready to look at. This is the video[/i] that I used to guide me, and I watched it through a few times before I attempted it myself. You should be just fine with your phone after familiarizing yourself, but if you have any specific problems or questions, feel free to ask, and I'm all too happy to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, I saw some cheaper screens but that one notes that its LG compliant etc. I bought a set of tools separately so will have all the stuff needed. Didnt think about the battery, will order one as it does make sense!
Thanks for the info, will update as I go.
If you want to have a working battery like it used to be before removing it, you have to be very patient and extra careful while trying to remove it. Use some heat for the glue and try with something very thin like a nylon guitar pick. In anyway don't bent the battery and don't start from top. It will be easier to first remove the mother board. Iv already destroyed 4 5 batteries while trying to remove them. Sorry for my English, I hope you understand.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Sp_Ark said:
If you want to have a working battery like it used to be before removing it, you have to be very patient and extra careful while trying to remove it. Use some heat for the glue and try with something very thin like a nylon guitar pick. In anyway don't bent the battery and don't start from top. It will be easier to first remove the mother board. Iv already destroyed 4 5 batteries while trying to remove them. Sorry for my English, I hope you understand.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea was extra careful, used a little heat. Someone has definately replaced the screen on the phone before but seems to have been careful enough as no screws missing etc, except the lost the little speaker grille
New screen in and working well. The proximity sensor seems to be working but it reports all or nothing rather than varied. Is this correct?
bert682 said:
Yea was extra careful, used a little heat. Someone has definately replaced the screen on the phone before but seems to have been careful enough as no screws missing etc, except the lost the little speaker grille
New screen in and working well. The proximity sensor seems to be working but it reports all or nothing rather than varied. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this is normal.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
bert682 said:
New screen in and working well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! See, it wasn't too bad, was it? Ifixit gives the N4 a 7/10 for repairability, and that's pretty high for them. After replacing my N4 screen, friend/coworker asked if I could do the same for his HTC One M7 with a completely shattered, yet functional digitizer. I said "HEEEEEEEEEEELL NO!"
Planterz said:
Awesome! See, it wasn't too bad, was it? Ifixit gives the N4 a 7/10 for repairability, and that's pretty high for them. After replacing my N4 screen, friend/coworker asked if I could do the same for his HTC One M7 with a completely shattered, yet functional digitizer. I said "HEEEEEEEEEEELL NO!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not with the correct tools. I will admit had I not bought the plastic tools, tweezers etc I may have struggled.
The battery was my main concern, its really stuck down, even though this had been replaced before and likely a less tacky glue used it was still tough. Had to use some heat to soften it and the "battery cover" has seen better days. Next thing to replace is that, just for piece of mind.
All in all, pretty nice experience, the phone seems more modular that other phones I have taken apart which is nice.