Powerbook150 hinges extremely stiff

[Alex]

After taking apart my 150, due to the display's bottom bezel detaching on the lower right, I found the hinges to be extremely stiff. I applied some grease but they remain incredibly stiff. After repairing the plastic and reassembling the machine the display bezel came apart again.

I can't find information on how to loosen the hinges grip which at the moment is so strong that it doesn't allow the display to be tilted without immediately breaking the bond that I applied. It should be noted that I was using JB-Weld Plastic Weld.

 

[Challenger 1983]

It sounds like the shaft within the hinge is bent and is seized against the hinge itself, try some electric motor oil, and if that doesn’t work I would consider replacing them altogether 

 

[Alex]

I inspected the hinge very carefully when I had it removed from the computer and the shaft showed no signs of damage or bending but that was a very good consideration indeed. Do you recommend a particular brand of electric motor oil? Thank you for the reply.

 

[Challenger 1983]

3in1 is good, if you have some around you can use ATF (Automatic trans fluid) But anything will work

 

[Alex]

Thanks. I will update the thread as I make progress.

 

[Challenger 1983]

Awesome, hope you get it working again 

 

[Challenger 1983]

Curious, did you end up fixing the hinges?

 

[Alex]

Not yet but I did ordered SuperLube 51010. Because I have so many other things on the go the package of Superlube remains unopened. I think about the project a few times a week so I know I have to get to it. I am privy to this post and once I get back to it I will absolutely update the progress here. It won't be soon but it will happen.

 

[Papichulo]

I had a powerbook 145b and you know what I lost ky patience with the hinges and just snapped them off. I was able to find replacment screen for it and adjusted the hinges so they are looser

 

[Alex]

How did you end up adjusting the hinges to loosen the grip. This is what I understand you did.

 

[Papichulo]

i took the hinges apart used a drill to make the hinge hole wider used some vaseline to loosen it and made the other hinge completely loose so its only using one hinge.  is hard to explain 

 

[Challenger 1983]

i took the hinges apart used a drill to make the hinge hole wider used some vaseline to loosen it and made the other hinge completely loose so its only using one hinge.  is hard to explain 

Basically you bored the hole out so there would be less friction on the hinge axle ?

 

[Papichulo]

Basically you bored the hole out so there would be less friction on the hinge axle ?

yes. i just made the one hinge looser basically it worked on my powerbook 170 and 145b and thinkpad. if you make the hole to big it will be to much loose. 

 

[Challenger 1983]

yes. i just made the one hinge looser basically it worked on my powerbook 170 and 145b and thinkpad. if you make the hole to big it will be to much loose. 

Did you use a file or a drill bit?

 

[Papichulo]

used a drill bit 

 

[Juror22]

used a drill bit 

Nice idea, I am going to try this with one of my spare books.