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How To: Make Your Universal Feel Like New |
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Wednesday, 19 April 2006 |
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After spending a fair amount of time trying in vain to get Linux running on my Exec (yes I'm a 'nix virgin), the "wobbly hinge" syndrome that plagues HTC Universal devices really started to get to me. Recently it had got a lot worse than just being loose. Every time I opened/closed the lid it would make a loud crack/click noise. Things that like really get to me so I decided to do something about it...
Now, be warned, taking apart a device like this is time consuming and frustrating but if you remain calm, be methodical and keep track of what goes where, then it should be smooth sailing.
Luckily though, the magical world of the Windows Mobile community comes to the rescue with a handy little .pdf called the
\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
/Universal/UNniversalL_Service_Manual_CONFIDENTIAL.pdf'>HTC Universal Service Manual ;) It has very detailed information on disassembly and reassembly of the device with lots of nice pictures and information on what tools you'll need.
Now, there are to types of "wobbly hinge". There's the type that has a bit of play in it when you open/close the device and there's the type that has a bit of play when you swivel the screen. The easiest way to fix the swivel wobble is to tighten the screw on the bottom part of the hinge. You'll know which part I'm talking about when you look at it as there is only one screw. If it's still loose after tightening, you need a new part. You can find part numbers listed in the service manual with pictures so you know which one you need.
The open/close wobble, however, is a bit more tricky. You need to follow the directions in the manual and strip down the device until you get to the LCD screen. You won't need to take that apart unless you are replacing the swivel hinge. The open/close hinge has end-caps which come off easily once unscrewed from the base unit. Unfortunately, there in lies the problem. Within the left end-cap lives a sealed mechanism under very high tension. The amount of force needed to overcome that tension generates wear within the end-cap and within the cover where the call/end call buttons live. Thankfully, as the mechanism is sealed, the problem is quite easy to fix. Remove the mechanism (cylindrical sliver thing), line the end-cap and call/end call button covers with super glue and allow to dry for a couple of mins until it's tacky. Do the button cover first and allow it to fully dry for about 10 mins before moving on to the end-cap Also, after doing each bit, give the mechanism a bit of a turn to make sure it hasn't seized up from the glue. If that happens, you're screwed...so be careful!
That's it! Screw it all back together and marvel at your handy work. Your Universal should now feel as tight as a drum :)\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
/Universal/UNniversalL_Service_Manual_CONFIDENTIAL.pdf'>HTC Universal Service Manual ;) It has very detailed information on disassembly and reassembly of the device with lots of nice pictures and information on what tools you'll need.
Now, there are to types of "wobbly hinge". There's the type that has a bit of play in it when you open/close the device and there's the type that has a bit of play when you swivel the screen. The easiest way to fix the swivel wobble is to tighten the screw on the bottom part of the hinge. You'll know which part I'm talking about when you look at it as there is only one screw. If it's still loose after tightening, you need a new part. You can find part numbers listed in the service manual with pictures so you know which one you need.
The open/close wobble, however, is a bit more tricky. You need to follow the directions in the manual and strip down the device until you get to the LCD screen. You won't need to take that apart unless you are replacing the swivel hinge. The open/close hinge has end-caps which come off easily once unscrewed from the base unit. Unfortunately, there in lies the problem. Within the left end-cap lives a sealed mechanism under very high tension. The amount of force needed to overcome that tension generates wear within the end-cap and within the cover where the call/end call buttons live. Thankfully, as the mechanism is sealed, the problem is quite easy to fix. Remove the mechanism (cylindrical sliver thing), line the end-cap and call/end call button covers with super glue and allow to dry for a couple of mins until it's tacky. Do the button cover first and allow it to fully dry for about 10 mins before moving on to the end-cap Also, after doing each bit, give the mechanism a bit of a turn to make sure it hasn't seized up from the glue. If that happens, you're screwed...so be careful!
That's it! Screw it all back together and marvel at your handy work. Your Universal should now feel as tight as a drum :)--> |
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