Stubborn PB180 Hinge

[CosmicArchivist]

As is often the case with these machines, I've had to repair the standoffs connecting the back panel of my Powerbook's screen to the hinges. However, nothing I've tried so far has been able to help the fact that, when I close it, it still seems to be trying to prise itself apart at the seams, as though still broken. I've reinforced the standoffs with a strong two-part epoxy, and I've checked over and over that the threaded inserts are holding in place (which they still are), I've chipped away excess epoxy that might have been preventing part of the hinge from sitting flush and carved out any that might have welled up in the screw holes themselves (checking the depth against one I knew was clear), but I still have this really scary-looking gap at the back of the case, making the plastics look as though they're under a lot of stress.
The main thing I want to ask is, is there anything I might have missed? If anyone could give me any advice as to what the problem might still be, I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you!

 

[GRudolf94]

The gap on mine (still original plastics) is very uneven from the top corners of the lid to the bottom, and really thin where halves meet at the round part under the hinge. The mechanical design of these hinges is poor as load is not spread vertically, so it's normal that they flex a bit and look like they're gonna part off. Is it stiff to open?

 

[CosmicArchivist]

Yeah, it doesn't feel loose at all when I open it, the hinges themselves are extremely stiff- It also takes a lot of force to press the halves together at the back.

 

[GRudolf94]

The hinge clutches use braking grease that turns stickier with time. Mmmaybe it is a wise decision to remove the hinges and wash them in solvent, and apply new braking grease.
The halves, absent any obstructions or changes in clearance due to breaking/regluing/melting plastics, should close fine, but are only held together by those two screws thru the bezel and some plastic clips, so I guess some shoddiness can be expected on a machine that has been tinkered with. Any chance the display isn't sitting right where it should? Backlight cable routed weird?

 

[CosmicArchivist]

Yes, I did check the cables and the screen itself- that's all as it should be, though, I even did some blu-tack cable management re: the backlight, so that shouldn't be going anywhere it's not supposed to. And thanks for the tip, I'll try cleaning and re-lubricating the hinges

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

Definitely lube the hinges. On the gap in the back - I think it’s ok to have one even if it isn’t ideal. My PowerBook 145 has a sizable one as I goofed up the fitment of my 3D printer replacement. It’s been going strong for a year now regardless with no issues or cracks. Just doesn’t look great from the back.

 

[CosmicArchivist]

Is there any particular type of lubricant you'd recommend, or would any metal-on-metal grease (like white lithium) do the trick? I did look up braking grease like the last user mentioned but that seems to mostly refer to high-performance watchmaking greases that are well outside of my price range.

 

[GRudolf94]

Look for something NLGI grade 2 or 3 (3 being firmer). Regular grease works, the issue is people using grade 1 or softer which results in floppy hinges.