ASUS TUF A15 Laptop - Faulty Cover/Case Screws

[pauljs2003]

Hi everyone,

I have an ASUS TUF A15 FA507RM laptop and I've noticed 2 screws have fallen out of the underside cover in the top corners, near to the screen hinge.

It seems others have had a similar issue, on investigating mine I noticed 2 brass threaded posts had come away from the mounting and there was remnants of black plastic in the same area, possible bits that have melted due to the heat in the laptop and made the brass threaded posts come away, meaning the 2 corner screws have no threaded insert to secure to.

As a result of this whenever I open the lid of my laptop the bottom case cover also starts to twist away from the remainder of the case, and the only way I can prevent this is by holding the case shut as I open the laptop lid/screen.

I have heard of a possible solution involving epoxy resin however I'm not prepared to do that, however I have also heard that a replacement lower case is a better long term solution, and these are readily available and not badly priced.

I'm happy installing SSDs/memory etc however I have never needed to strip a laptop down. Is it relatively straight forward as long as I follow a video or guide somewhere?

Anyone had a similar problem with this laptop, and if so what was your fix?

Many thanks

Paul

 

[Firewatcher]

I have come across several similar cases where the brass insert sockets have broken off. I have usually found them somewhere inside the case and used Teroson UP160 to bond them back into place and reinforce them a bit. That has been 100% successful, but needs a steady hand and good eyesight. Acers seem to be particularly prone, but many of the cases are of similar plastic. Certainly there is more stress on those at the hinge points, which also tend to have longer screws, so maybe a replacement case is the best solution. Haven't done your model, but completely stripped quite a few different Laptops for clean and rebuild. They vary quite a bit as to the ease of it, but if you take your time and take copious photos as you dismantle it you should be fine. - Go easy tightening the hinge screws when you reassemble it, or reinforce the new mountings before fitting, otherwise you will be back to square one. Pete

 

[pauljs2003]

Hi Pete,

Many thanks for your reply, I have bought a new case and it arrived yesterday, I can see the brass threaded inserts sat inside some plastic holders. As this is what has failed, and therefore not allowing screws to tighten would you recommend I strengthen the plastic parts that have the brass threaded insert in, and if so what would you recommend to use?

I'd rather get any remedial work done now on the new case to prevent any need to do another repair in the future should they fail again.

Thanks

 

[Firewatcher]

Hi, Checking, it is actually Teroson UP130, that I use. It is a two part polyester based resin which bonds well to many plastics. Applying a small fillet of it around the insert housing will reinforce it or bond it back in place if it has broken away. Best to use a tiny screwdriver to apply it and gently stipple it to ensure it adheres to the housing and the base.
It hardens within a few minutes after mixing, so do one at a time. You can trim it with a sharp blade for a limited period after it first sets, but then it becomes rock hard.
If you put a screw in the insert, it will stop any getting into the thread. Have a practice on something similar, to get used to it's characteristics. Try repairing the old case. Pete