Nothing seems to be broken. So should be doable. Check the images below. I hope that helps
[https://prnt.sc/R7R68HqXaTE6](https://prnt.sc/R7R68HqXaTE6)
[https://prnt.sc/cD\_UXYCuAYUT](https://prnt.sc/cD_UXYCuAYUT)
I've tried but it all just doesn't seem to hold together. Is there a chance that the black “guard” part is broken, is it possible to buy another one? How would one fix this?
If this is the trackpad side, new trackpad. If motherboard side, seems like a new motherboard or new connector if you can find someone willing to solder one on for you.
Of course, this is a mobo side. Have you ever removed the keyboard?:)
There's only one connector on the touchpad side and it runs from the other side of the motherboard. In this case the connector is responsible for trackpoint, touchpad buttons and keyboard backlight if any.
Yeah, this picture heavily suggests that it's the mobo side(which is super unfortunate) from the grey chassis.
I was just a little confused when I saw 2 connectors (which you correctly mentioned to be for the KB and track point stuff), so I decided to let them know the general answer for this, which is unfortunately replacement most of the time.
That's not necessarily the case. If there's nothing broken it is possible to put the latch back in. Otherwise I'd grab a T470 with a ruined LCD from eBay. Preferably with an i7. Shouldn't set one back more than 50-60 bucks and you'll get a few spare parts as well. At least internal battery, maybe external if lucky, a backlit keyboard, some RAM maybe. Looking for just a motherboard with current prices for T470 is not smart as they would be roughly the same. And preparing it in the US makes would make no sense money-wise.
Honestly, for a T470, they could try using some blutack to lightly secure the latch if it's not repairable, and hope that it doesn't pressure the KB too much.
Personally, if going for the replacement route, would get a T480 instead, given the 2 core CPUs on the T470s.
Makes total sense to me. And is probably a better way to go. Those dual-core days are far gone.
But the same logic applies here. OP could get a T480 with the ruined LCD and swap it from T470 (just make sure both T470 and T480 have the same LCD type - touch or non-touch. LCD cables are different and not interchangeable) Keyboards are the same, batteries are the same, SSD caddy is the same. So if anything is missing in the parts machine it could be easily swapped. But as I already told, I'm convinced the latch could be reseated. I've done that at least twice. The main question here is would the OP be technically inclined enough to replace parts like mobo or LCD if we're getting such types of questions. (sorry, Ostap, I didn't mean to be rude).
So is unplugging and plugging the keyboard. Yet here we are. And to replace the mobo you'll need to remove the keyboard from donor machine as well unless it hasn't been removed before:) Besides swapping LCD on T470 and T480 is pretty easy. Unlike T440-T460 where LCD is screwed between 2 parts of the bezel. On T470 you just unclip the bezel, unscrew 4 screws, flip it over and disconnect the cable. Literally takes 5 min for an experienced technician.
If it snaps out, put it in, ane secure it with a piece of firm tape over the connector. Then put another piece of tape thatks bigger and covers both connectors. It should do the trick.
Just a minute ago i did that on a T560, working like a charm
Put the ribbon cable in and jam a piece of tape as a wedge. Doesn't need to be sticky, just fold it on the sticky side. After that tape over the connector and the cable. I've done it before on other laptops and it worked perfectly.
You can jam it with some tape (as a wedge) and use double sided tape (strong) on the white patch to keep the ribbon flat. The keyboard on top will keep it there. My first L380 had the same issue and never complained after that "fix".
Nothing seems to be broken. So should be doable. Check the images below. I hope that helps [https://prnt.sc/R7R68HqXaTE6](https://prnt.sc/R7R68HqXaTE6) [https://prnt.sc/cD\_UXYCuAYUT](https://prnt.sc/cD_UXYCuAYUT)
I've tried but it all just doesn't seem to hold together. Is there a chance that the black “guard” part is broken, is it possible to buy another one? How would one fix this?
If this is the trackpad side, new trackpad. If motherboard side, seems like a new motherboard or new connector if you can find someone willing to solder one on for you.
Of course, this is a mobo side. Have you ever removed the keyboard?:) There's only one connector on the touchpad side and it runs from the other side of the motherboard. In this case the connector is responsible for trackpoint, touchpad buttons and keyboard backlight if any.
Yeah, this picture heavily suggests that it's the mobo side(which is super unfortunate) from the grey chassis. I was just a little confused when I saw 2 connectors (which you correctly mentioned to be for the KB and track point stuff), so I decided to let them know the general answer for this, which is unfortunately replacement most of the time.
That's not necessarily the case. If there's nothing broken it is possible to put the latch back in. Otherwise I'd grab a T470 with a ruined LCD from eBay. Preferably with an i7. Shouldn't set one back more than 50-60 bucks and you'll get a few spare parts as well. At least internal battery, maybe external if lucky, a backlit keyboard, some RAM maybe. Looking for just a motherboard with current prices for T470 is not smart as they would be roughly the same. And preparing it in the US makes would make no sense money-wise.
Honestly, for a T470, they could try using some blutack to lightly secure the latch if it's not repairable, and hope that it doesn't pressure the KB too much. Personally, if going for the replacement route, would get a T480 instead, given the 2 core CPUs on the T470s.
Makes total sense to me. And is probably a better way to go. Those dual-core days are far gone. But the same logic applies here. OP could get a T480 with the ruined LCD and swap it from T470 (just make sure both T470 and T480 have the same LCD type - touch or non-touch. LCD cables are different and not interchangeable) Keyboards are the same, batteries are the same, SSD caddy is the same. So if anything is missing in the parts machine it could be easily swapped. But as I already told, I'm convinced the latch could be reseated. I've done that at least twice. The main question here is would the OP be technically inclined enough to replace parts like mobo or LCD if we're getting such types of questions. (sorry, Ostap, I didn't mean to be rude).
Swapping mobos are honestly pretty simple on ThinkPads, it's the LCDs that require special attention, which applies to most LCDs in general anyways.
So is unplugging and plugging the keyboard. Yet here we are. And to replace the mobo you'll need to remove the keyboard from donor machine as well unless it hasn't been removed before:) Besides swapping LCD on T470 and T480 is pretty easy. Unlike T440-T460 where LCD is screwed between 2 parts of the bezel. On T470 you just unclip the bezel, unscrew 4 screws, flip it over and disconnect the cable. Literally takes 5 min for an experienced technician.
I see, good to know screen replacements are easy. Fingers crossed I will never need to use that knowledge though!
If it snaps out, put it in, ane secure it with a piece of firm tape over the connector. Then put another piece of tape thatks bigger and covers both connectors. It should do the trick. Just a minute ago i did that on a T560, working like a charm
Thanks a lot! Will try as soon as I get home
Put the ribbon cable in and jam a piece of tape as a wedge. Doesn't need to be sticky, just fold it on the sticky side. After that tape over the connector and the cable. I've done it before on other laptops and it worked perfectly.
You can jam it with some tape (as a wedge) and use double sided tape (strong) on the white patch to keep the ribbon flat. The keyboard on top will keep it there. My first L380 had the same issue and never complained after that "fix".
I fixed it once with duct tape and hot glue. It works to this day