Replace or repair black rubber gasket around front panel assembly?

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iPhone 3GS

Revamped version of the iPhone 3G with faster processing speeds. Repair of this device is similar to the 3G, and requires simple screwdrivers and prying tools. Model A1303 / 8, 16 or 32 GB capacity / black or white plastic back.

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Sven @sven99268

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Posted: Jun 21, 2010

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Replace or repair black rubber gasket around front panel assembly?

I just successfully replaced my shattered front panel glass using a kit I purchased from iFixit--thanks!--but in the process of separating the glass from the plastic front panel assembly I did some damage to the black rubber gasket that surrounds these two parts and provides a seal around the rim of the screen when they are fitted into the metal back panel. There are two gaps in this material and at each of these spots there is a bit of rubber protruding above the upper surface of the phone. I am concerned about dust or other unwelcome material getting in around the gasket. Is there a way to replace this part, or can you suggest a repair or an alternate material which can be used to seal this region?

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2 Answers

Wallnutz @wallnutz Rep: 1 · Answer 1 · 2010-06-26T18:31:17-07:00

I'm having the same problem with the rubber gasket aroun the screen. I've found a oem mid-bezzel w/ gasket(that's what the seller called it) replacment part on eBay. It's 16$ w/ shipping. A little much for me as only about a 1/4 of a inch is sticking out. The rest of the gasket is tight just that one piece is loose around the screen so it pushes out when reassembled. I was thinking of glueing that one piece down w/ a real small drop of elmers glue than spread over area with my finger and letting it dry 100%. I think it should work aslong as you don't use a lot of glue and let it dry 100%. As for taking the screen out get your self a good suction cup ( the ones that have a hook that folds down and pulls it tight to what ever it's on) put it on the bottom of the screen near the home button and pull up. Don't pull to hard as you could damage the ribbon cables. But if done right a lot easier and no damage to the screen. I've read that their are kits that have suction cup and other tools to remove the screen but I thought of this before I heard of the kit and it's worked for me. I've also read that some one cut that excess rubber with a wire cutter. Must of been really bad cause I can't grad the piece on mine w/ wire cutters it's way to small. And that solution sound kinda dumb and half as s anyway.

I was also thinking about buying a cheap version of that assembly and trying to use its gasket, though I'm a little concerned about getting the gasket off in one piece and making a good seal with it in my own phone. I'd be glad to hear if anyone has had any experience doing this. — Sven
I was also thinking about the suggestion offered here to use black RTV to form a new seal. I haven't worked with RTV before but it sounds promising. I can imagine two ways of using it. The simpler way would be to very carefully apply it in the crevice between glass and metal around the front panel assembly, but I'm pretty sure that would make it difficult if not impossible to ever remove the panel in the future. The second approach would be to lift the front panel assembly, carefully "paint" a new gasket around the perimeter, and let the RTV cure part or all of the way before reassembling. But like I said, I haven't worked with the stuff before. Any advice is welcome! — Sven

lonestar245 @lonestar245 Rep: 1 · Answer 2 · 2011-08-14T09:03:22-07:00

I just replaced my digitizer for the 2nd time. My gasket was bad when I got the phone (second hand with a busted screen) and it tore up pretty badly on the that 1st replacement. I ended up with a lot of dust under the screen after about 6 months of use.

Today, when I did the 2nd replacement, I removed as much of that gasket as possible, and re-assembled everything. After confirming the install was good and everything worked as desired, I started applying silicone RTV to the gap between the digitizer and the chrome bezel, working it in with a flat bladed screwdriver, and removing the excess with a paper towel.

I am waiting for it to dry,but so far, its all good- phone works as it should.

I used what was handy: "Ultra-Black High Temp Permatex 82180 Max Oil Resistant". Having worked with a lot of different RTVs, I notice this particular RTV seems a tiny bit grainy, unlike the typical super slick and gooey looking stuff, and maybe less "sticky". It might be easier to wipe off the excess due to its nature. I would say any RTV should work, and you might even want to use a different color (red?) to add a bit of customization to your phone!

I figure if I ever need to remove the digitizer again, I will cut the RTV with an exacto knife first, and renew it upon re-assembly.

you can put sticker flex in the gaps for a rubber put tape around the area and put a bit in there and shape it with your finger spit on your finger so it dont stick to your finger. — ashley williams body fitter