I dont think I can fix this. What would you do here?

[16k_zx81]

I got a HP Pavilion dv7-5003tx in from a very good customer, who wants the DC jack done on it.

HP appear to have put a long piece of metal reinforcing along the side of the machine, and it runs over the dc jack cowling. In other words, its structural. The metal reinforcement is plastic-riveted against the chassis, so that all of the rivets must be snapped off in order to remove it. I cannot see a way to displace the DC jack without removing the metal reinforcement. If I remove the metal reinforcement, and snap the rivets, this will weaken the chassis, as it will no longer be reinforced.

I had a look at the service manual for this model at the HP site, but it just gives a generic dv7-5000 pdf which has a standard small metal cover with a single phillips screw. In other words, it sheds no light on this actual setup.

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Anyone else encountered this model before?

Is there a way to fix the DC jack on it?

I'm stumped. Dont know what to do.

Help?!

Jim

 

[PBComputer]

Thats some revision they have done to the case. I'm guessing it due to those harness jacks kept going 'breaking' going inside the case.

As for how to remove it the only options I can see would be to use a dremel or drill into the rivits then revit them. But i'm sure someone else will have a far better solution.

 

[wavey]

Wow, have never seen that before on an HP.

You could melt the plastic rivets off with an old soldering iron. Once the DC jack is replaced you could plastic weld the bracket back into position.

I've used zip ties as plastic welding rods in an emergency in the past.

But it would be better if you can match the plastic type of course.

 

[coffee]

I would use a hot air gun or similar like a workstation and melt the plastic rivots. Then use something similar to a paint scraper and scrape off the top. Then remove metal cover and replace jack. To refasten the metal bracket you could actually just put it back in place and drill a small hole and use tappered screws. My first thought was using a poxy but if you need to get it off again its gonna be harder. Just tap a hole and use screws.

coffee

 

[jft135]

One thing's for sure, I'd be charging at least double for this job. Anything that's going to involve trips to the hardware store needs to be well compensated.

 

['putertutor]

WTF, HP?!? It looks like the jack itself is riveted in place as well? If not, is it possible to bring the whole jack assemble forward - pull it outwards from the body rather inwards toward the center of the laptop? Looks like slim odds there, but worth a try. I can't imagine how that design got approved. Without being able to do that, looks like you may be down to melting and cutting new screw holes. I've tried the plastic weld thing with pretty bad results in the past, but that is probably more a statement of my lack of skill than the viability of that option.

 

[NYJimbo]

Never seen anything like that. I've done Dv7-5000's so either this is some kind of cost cutting redesign or they got parts that were not drilled out or threaded or something and decided to "rivet" them together instead.

Just another reason to hate HP.

If possible see if you can find a build date on that machine, maybe this is how they will ALL be made in the future.

 

[River Valley Computer]

We had one of these exact units in several months ago. What we did was to remove the plastic rivet to the left of the power connector and then CAREFULLY fold the thin metal cover over to the right enough to get the blasted power connector out. After replacing it, bent the metal back down and put JB Weld KwikWeld where the rivet was. Held the metal down with a plastic clamp for 10 minutes and voila - done. $105 plus parts. Rather barbaric but worked.

We use KwikWeld for repairing where the brass threaded bushing have broken off from the base of laptops that hold the screws for the screen hinges. Works great. Just make sure to keep Kwikweld out of the threads.

GOOD LUCK

 

[16k_zx81]

Ok. Thanks guys. I appreciate the input here as I was really at a loss.

So the consensus is that we remove rivets, fix, then re-attach.

Thats what I will do.

Much appreciated.

Jim

 

[NYJimbo]

So the consensus is that we remove rivets, fix, then re-attach.

Yep, use an assortment of melted plastics, hot glues, crazy glues and epoxies. Just make sure you let them know how hard you worked so you get some extra beer money for it.

 

['putertutor]

Don't forget the bubble gum and duck tape. Top it off with a little spit and it'll be rock solid.

 

[Rocco]

Ok. Thanks guys. I appreciate the input here as I was really at a loss.

So the consensus is that we remove rivets, fix, then re-attach.

Thats what I will do.

Much appreciated.

Jim

Any chance you can take a few pics of the process? I am still trying to picture this metal frame. Plus it could be useful and you are awesome like that.

 

[Eagle21]

Don't forget the bubble gum and duck tape. Top it off with a little spit and it'll be rock solid.

Very good.

Chuck it in the bin and tell the customer to buy a new one. I'm sure that is what HP wants you to do.

It seems that laptop manufacturers are set on making laptops harder and harder to repair, with Apple leading the way.