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Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove and replace the Expansion Bay Shell Cover in your Framework Laptop 16.

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

    Edit

  2. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingernail to pull out the two Input Module latches and unlock them.

    • The latch will show red if it's unlocked.

    Edit

  3. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Spacers: step 3, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Spacers: step 3, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Spacers: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the Touchpad Spacer toward the bottom edge of the laptop and unclip it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the corresponding Input Module latch is properly unlocked.

    • Lift the Touchpad Spacer off the laptop and remove it.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other touchpad spacer.

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Module: step 5, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Module: step 5, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Module: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the Touchpad Module toward the bottom edge of the laptop and disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the Input Module latches are properly unlocked.

    • Lift the Touchpad Module and remove it.

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • The keyboard is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the keyboard violently eject.

    • Grip the two pull tabs along the bottom of the keyboard and lift until its magnets release.

    • Remove the keyboard.

    Edit

  7. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Modules: step 7, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Modules: step 7, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Modules: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Your Input Module(s) might be different, but the procedure to remove them is the same.

    • Grip the pull tab at the bottom of the Input Module and lift until its magnets release.

    • Remove the Input Module.

    • Repeat for any remaining Input Modules.

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the interposer door by its black pull tab and let it rest upright.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the three captive T5 Torx screws securing the interposer.

    Edit

  10. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the interposer by its pull tab and remove it.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the Expansion Bay Module screws: step 11, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the Expansion Bay Module screws: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the two captive T5 Torx screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell.

    • Close the interposer door before continuing.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell: step 12, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell: step 12, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Close your laptop and flip it over.

    • Slide the Expansion Bay Shell out of the laptop and remove it.

    • The shell should slide out easily. If you feel any resistance, check that the screws holding it in place are fully loosened.

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the right fan: step 13, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the right fan: step 13, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the right fan: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to lift up and release the locking tab on the right fan ZIF connector.

    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the right fan cable straight out of its socket.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the right fan screws: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the right fan screws: step 14, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the right fan: step 15, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the right fan: step 15, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the right fan: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Use one hand to press the right fan cable flat to the module.

    • Use your other hand to pull the fan out of its housing, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the left fan: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the left fan: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the left fan: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to lift up and release the locking tab on the left fan ZIF connector.

    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the left fan cable straight out of its socket.

    Edit

  18. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the left fan screws: step 17, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the left fan screws: step 17, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  19. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the left fan: step 18, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the left fan: step 18, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the left fan: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Use one hand to press the left fan cable flat to the module.

    • Use your other hand to pull the fan out of its housing, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

    Edit

  20. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 19, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 19, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the two 3.6 mm‑long screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board.

    Edit

  21. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 20, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 20, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to lift the board straight off the Expansion Bay Shell and remove it.

    Edit

  22. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 21, image 1 of 1

    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

    Edit

  23. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 22, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 22, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • Place the board straight on its alignment pegs on the Expansion Bay Shell.

    Edit

  24. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 23, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 23, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the two 3.6 mm‑long screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board.

    Edit

  25. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the left fan: step 24, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the left fan: step 24, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the left fan: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • Place the left fan onto the Expansion Bay Shell, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

    Edit

  26. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the left fan screws: step 25, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the left fan screws: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the four captive Torx T5 screws securing the left fan.

    Edit

  27. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the left fan: step 26, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the left fan: step 26, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the left fan: step 26, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the left fan cable straight into its socket.

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to press down the locking tab on the left fan ZIF connector.

    Edit

  28. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the right fan: step 27, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the right fan: step 27, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the right fan: step 27, image 3 of 3

    • Place the right fan onto the Expansion Bay Shell, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

    Edit

  29. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the right fan screws: step 28, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the right fan screws: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the four captive Torx T5 screws securing the right fan.

    Edit

  30. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the right fan: step 29, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the right fan: step 29, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the right fan: step 29, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the right fan cable straight into its socket.

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to press down the locking tab on the right fan ZIF connector.

    Edit

  31. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Insert the Expansion Bay Shell: step 30, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Insert the Expansion Bay Shell: step 30, image 2 of 2
    Edit

  32. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • When installing the shell, keep it level to the laptop so it doesn't buckle on the rails.

    • There should be no gaps between the laptop and the shell when it's installed correctly.

    Edit

  33. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3

    • While keeping the shell level with the laptop, slide it into its slot.

    • The shell should slide in easily. If you feel any resistance, pull the module out and realign it.

    • You should hear an audible "click" when the shell's clips snap into place.

    Edit

  34. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 33, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 33, image 2 of 2

    • Flip over the laptop and open it.

    • Lift the interposer door by its black pull tab and let it rest upright.

    Edit

  35. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the Expansion Bay Shell screws: step 34, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the Expansion Bay Shell screws: step 34, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the two captive T5 Torx screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell.

    Edit

  36. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the interposer: step 35, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the interposer: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Place the interposer over its spot between the Mainboard and the Expansion Bay.

    Edit

  37. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the interposer screws: step 36, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the interposer screws: step 36, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the three captive T5 Torx screws securing the interposer.

    • Close the interposer door.

    Edit

  38. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Input Modules: step 37, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Input Modules: step 37, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Input Modules: step 37, image 3 of 3

    • Your Input Module(s) might be different, but the procedure to remove them is the same.

    • Align the top edge of the Input Module with the top edge of the laptop.

    • Lay the Input Module on the laptop and let the magnets pull the keyboard into place

    • Make sure the Input Module is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

    • Repeat for any remaining Input Modules.

    Edit

  39. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the keyboard: step 38, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the keyboard: step 38, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the keyboard: step 38, image 3 of 3

    • Align the top edge of the keyboard with the top edge of the laptop.

    • Lay the keyboard on the laptop and let the magnets pull the keyboard into place

    • Make sure the keyboard is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

    Edit

  40. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Module: step 39, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Module: step 39, image 2 of 2

    • Place the Touchpad Module flat on its cutout so its clips are properly aligned.

    • Press the Touchpad Module down and slide it into place so it lines up evenly with the bottom edge of the laptop.

    Edit

  41. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Spacers: step 40, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Spacers: step 40, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Spacers: step 40, image 3 of 3

    • Place the Touchpad Spacer over its spot on the laptop with the bottom edge overhanging slightly.

    • Slide the Touchpad Spacer towards the top of the laptop to secure it.

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other Touchpad Spacer.

    Edit
Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Laptop!

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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