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Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal

Prerequisite Only
This is a prerequisite-only guide! This guide is part of another procedure and isn’t meant to be used alone.

Introduction

Left hinge removal prereq guide

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Before you begin repairs, unplug your laptop and shut it down from the operating system. This ensures that the laptop isn't in standby/suspend mode.

    • The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.

    • If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.

    • Make sure your Framework Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T-5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

    Edit

  2. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Set your laptop down: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

    Edit

  3. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Flip your laptop over: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Open your laptop: step 5, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Open your laptop: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.

    • Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.

    • Magnets hold the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels stuck, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Remove the Input Cover.

    Edit

  7. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the battery screws: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the six captive T5 Torx screws securing the battery.

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the battery: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the battery: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Grab the orange battery tab with your fingers and lift straight up to disconnect the battery.

    • The battery connector can be tight, requiring some force. If it feels like part of the battery won't come up, check that the battery screws are fully loosened.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the battery: step 9, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the battery: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Lift and remove the battery from the laptop.

    Edit

  10. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the Audio Board screw: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Audio Board along the left edge of the laptop.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Audio Board: step 11, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Audio Board: step 11, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Audio Board: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to lift the right edge of the Audio Board and pull it out of its recess.

    • Remove the Audio Board.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the Power Button Board screw: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Power Button Board (labeled "Power Board").

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Power Button Board: step 13, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Power Button Board: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to lift and remove the Power Button Board.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the Wi-Fi card screw: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Wi-Fi card bracket.

    • The Wi-Fi card will pop up slightly when you unfasten the bracket.

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Wi-Fi card bracket: step 15, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Wi-Fi card bracket: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Grab the Wi-Fi card bracket with your fingers and slide it off the top of the Wi-Fi card.

    • Remove the bracket and store it in a safe location for reassembly.

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • The Wi-Fi card has two delicate coaxial cable connectors. Follow this step carefully to avoid damaging them.

    • Press and hold the Wi-Fi card down with your finger.

    • Slide the flat edge of your Framework Screwdriver under the white antenna cable, as close to the metal head as possible.

    • If you have angled tweezers, slide one arm of a pair of tweezers under the antenna connector, as close to the metal head as possible.

    • Gently lift the connector straight up to disconnect the white antenna cable.

    • Repeat the procedure with the black antenna cable.

    Edit

  18. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 17, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Grab the Wi-Fi card by the edges and pull it out of its socket.

    • Remove the Wi-Fi card.

    Edit

  19. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the fan connector: step 18, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the fan connector: step 18, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the fan connector: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to gently push on one of the fan connector's protruding edges, then the other, to loosen the connector out of its socket.

    Edit

  20. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 19, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 19, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers and your Framework Screwdriver to slide the fan connector out of its socket.

    Edit

  21. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the fan screws: step 20, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the two captive T5 Torx screws securing the fan.

    Edit

  22. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the fan: step 21, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the fan: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Lift and remove the fan.

    Edit

  23. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the webcam cable: step 22, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the webcam cable: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to grab the orange tab on the webcam cable, located near the left hinge.

    • Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.

    Edit

  24. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the display cable: step 23, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the display cable: step 23, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to grab the orange tab on the display cable, located near the right hinge.

    • Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.

    Edit

  25. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Loosen the Mainboard screws: step 24, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the five captive T5 Torx screws securing the Mainboard.

    • These screws are also physically marked with an orange ring on the Mainboard.

    Edit

  26. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Mainboard: step 25, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Mainboard: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Make sure you've removed all Expansion Cards. Installed cards will hold the Mainboard in place.

    • Use your fingers to grab the Mainboard by its edges.

    • Lift and remove the Mainboard.

    Edit

  27. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Unthread the antenna cable: step 26, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Unthread the antenna cable: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to lift the black plastic loop securing the antenna cable, near the heat vents by the left hinge.

    Edit

  28. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 27, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 27, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to lift and guide the antenna cable out of the frame channel.

    Edit

  29. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Unthread the webcam cable: step 28, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Unthread the webcam cable: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to gently lift the webcam cable out of its plastic channel.

    Edit

  30. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the Top Cover: step 29, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Disconnect the Top Cover: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the six (three per hinge) 4.5 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the two hinges.

    • These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

    Edit

  31. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 30, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 30, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 30, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to lift the hinges over the Bottom Cover lip.

    • Separate the Top Cover from the Bottom Cover.

    Edit

  32. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Display Cover: step 31, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the Display Cover: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • The Display Cover is held in place with magnets along its top edge and clips along its remaining edges.

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to pry up the right edge of the Display Cover.

    Edit

  33. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 32, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 32, image 2 of 2

    • Slide your fingers under the top edge of the Display Cover to release it from the laptop.

    Edit

  34. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal: step 33, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the Display Cover

    Edit

  35. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the display screws: step 34, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the four 3.2 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the display to the Top Cover.

    • These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

    Edit

  36. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Slide the display down: step 35, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Slide the display down: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to hold the bottom edge of the Top Cover in place.

    • Insert the bit end of your Framework Screwdriver into the small hole on the display, below the Framework logo.

    • Slide the display down towards the hinge edge to release the tabs holding the top edge of the display in place.

    Edit

  37. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Lift the display: step 36, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Lift the display: step 36, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to lift the top edge of the display from the Top Cover.

    Edit

  38. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Swing the display out: step 37, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Swing the display out: step 37, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to grab the top edge of the display.

    • Carefully swing the display over so it lies face-down on your work surface.

    • Be careful not to strain the cables that are still attached to the display.

    Edit

  39. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the left hinge screws: step 38, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the two 2.4 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the left hinge to the Top Cover.

    • These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

    Edit

  40. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Swing the display back: step 39, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Swing the display back: step 39, image 2 of 2

    • Carefully swing the display back onto the Top Cover.

    Edit

  41. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Angle the hinge out: step 40, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Angle the hinge out: step 40, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Angle the hinge out: step 40, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to lift the hinge over the Top Cover lip and angle it out of the Top Cover.

    Edit

  42. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Pry out the cable clip: step 41, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Pry out the cable clip: step 41, image 2 of 2

    • Use the T5 Torx bit on your Framework Screwdriver or a spudger to pry out the black cable clip from within the left hinge.

    • Store the clip in a safe place for reassembly.

    Edit

  43. Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the hinge: step 42, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the hinge: step 42, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Hinge (Left) Removal, Remove the hinge: step 42, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the cables out of the hinge.

    • Remove the left hinge.

    Edit
Finish Line

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 01/03/18

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