How to fix Loose Hinge on Chromebook CB5-312T-K1TR, are screw holes for the hinge part of the lid?

beachmatt

I'm helping someone with this Chromebook where the hinge on one side is loose, and the front and back covers of the lid are coming apart next to it. From a quick inspection, it looks like it's not the hinge that's broken, but the plastic holes that it screws into which look very flimsy. Am I right in thinking that they are part of the lid rear cover? If so, presumably one could replace that to get it back to normal working order? If so, does anyone know how much of a job that is? I can't find any service manuals anywhere.

Pic below is not the actual laptop I'm talking about but looks like the same problem.

Thanks

[Edited the thread to add issue detail to the title]

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/715745/how-to-fix-loose-hinge-on-chromebook-cb5-312t-k1tr-is-the-rear-cover-the-problem

The hinge broke loose from the lid and pushed out the bezel and frame, this is a serious situation as continuing moving the lid exerts uneven stress on the panel flexing the screen that will eventually crack, adding to the repair costs estimated at $200 if done by Acer Services. Gluing the hinge won't work (polycarbonate and metal don't join) and replacing the tiny screws will last one day.

beachmatt

Right, thanks. But my question is, are the screw holes for the hinge part of the lid rear cover? I don't currently have access to the laptop, but it looked that way when I inspected it.

billsey

You can rebuild the screw holes with the appropriate epoxy. Don't go with the quick setting type, it won't get hard enough when fully set. I've had good luck with JB Weld metal. The design of those case halves was predicated by the need for "thin and light", so they made them too thin with too little support structure. I use a bit of plumber's tape (Teflon) on the surface of the built up area on the last one I did, so it didn't fully stick to the hinge, but still sits flush. Drill a very small pilot hole in the epoxy after it's full set (24-48 hours or longer) then the screws will hold it. The fix seems to hold up better than the original design, but there are no guarantees…

beachmatt

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1308268#Comment_1308268

Thanks. So if I'm understanding correctly, clear away the broken plastic, and put some epoxy directly on the lid case to take the screws?

billsey

Yes, or even reuse the broken bits of plastic, positioned where they were originally, with epoxy holding them in and building up more around them. It's all how fiddly you want to get. :)