0
Score
bryan09278
47
Asked
How do I get the screen to sit perfectly flush?
When installing a new touch screen on an iPod touch 4g, what is the best way to go back on with the new screen? I have done several of these and while the finished product is passable, it is not 100% like from the factory. Is there a trick to getting it completely flush?
1
Score
asle
1.5k
Answered
Accepted Answer
The screen should by itself fit perfectly flush if there is no dent in the frame. I used to move over the small metal bracket at the top of the screen near the camera but after someone suggested to leave it I have more success. There are a couple of things you must check:
- Did you fold the digitizer cable correctly under the top of the screen? If not it will sit on the edge under the top and bulge the screen up
- Did you use adhesive all around the top, bottom and edges where the glass is in contact?
- Did you check that the speaker (bottom left corner) is tucked down into the bezel? Sometimes the speaker is raised when you open the metal mid plane. Make sure it is tucked down so it does not bulge the glass on the bottom.
When I follow these steps I get a perfect fit every time. Should not have to wait for the adhesive to cure. It should look perfect straight away. Of course the adhesive will sit even better after some hours. Just use your hands and press down all along the contact parts and the heat from your hands should make sure the fit "cures"
Helpful reading here where we discussed this:
Thanks for the feedback. I found your link to the discussion helpful. The mid plane on these things are flimsy too and I have found that when separating it from the adhesive it may warp a bit. This sometimes causes a problem as well. I will try without the bracket and strong adhesive next repair. Thanks
Yes, the mid plane can bend on disassembly and I thought that could be the problem sometimes. But my experience is that the screws on the sides and down towards the home button usually push the mid plane down. Could be the edge over the speaker can be bent since it is where you use most pressure to loosen the mid plane first. I tried to inspect the mid plane before putting it back to assure it is straight. Still I found that it usually is the speaker is not tucked back in place. As for the adhesive I have tested with some black stips of adhesive which I bought as 300SLE but I ended up cutting strips myself from the clear 300LSE which sticks better. If you buy adhesive for the Touch like this http://www.ifixit.com/iPod-Parts/iPod-To...
asle,
(not only the top and bottom like for iPhone) or the ones they sell with the complete coverage, there is always some left for cutting. I have not been able to find a custom adhesive elsewhere like the one from iFixit. Important to cover as much contact areas as possible. And after leaving off the bracket really helped. Good luck. It is so fun when it works :-)
asle,
I usually get a 0.5-1mm lifting at the top left hand edge, even thought i make sure the metal bracket is stuck back onto the top of the digi really well with strips of 300lse and clamped whilst i'm cleaningnthe old adhesive off the frame. Its really frustrating as i am careful to clean it all properly. I actually think the side strips dont do much as the clearance at the top & bottom results in poor contact along the sides. Notnsure how to fix this, as leaving the clear plastic strip from the old adhesive in order to raise the new strips doesnt help either. Frustrating!
Steve, I would leave the metal bracket off the glass. I know there are different opinions on this and mostly about not enough support on the top right area for the glass. But after I stopped moving the metal bracket over I always get flush perfect fit. And never experienced problems on the upper right corner of the screen. I would also check the left top antenna support (white plastic). Loosen the screw and make sure it is back where it should be. Else it could lift a small mm like you experience. I often had the same problem like you. The 300LSE does not build height, just make sure there are not any left over adhesive that have "crumbled" and made small lumps. That could raise the glass. I buy the large adhesive (for iPod Touch) so I have a lot of left over adhesive from the middle. I would think adhesive on the sides are important. I cut and fill every area of contact with the glass. I found it important and like I wrote the 300LSE does not build height if it is correctly applied. Good luck and keep us posted!
asle,
try putting it face down on flat surface and then placing something heavy (not enormous!!) to put a little pressure on the screen and keep it in contact with the adhesive tape? It takes about 24hours to "cure" a good bond.
pollytintop,