Introduction

Follow these instructions to remove and replace the fan and heatsink assembly in your Lenovo ThinkPad T480s laptop.

The heatsink (or heat sink) is a passive heat exchanger that transfers heat in a device. The heat sink transfers heat from the laptop’s CPU to the fan, which redirects the heat away from the laptop’s internal components. The fan and heat sink work together to prevent the laptop from overheating, which can cause damage to the device.

If you find that your laptop is experiencing the following symptoms, it may be time to replace the fan and heatsink assembly:

Easily overheats
Running at higher temperatures than normal
Loud whirring noises
Laptop is getting louder

Don’t forget to follow our thermal paste application guide after you have removed your heat sink and are ready to reassemble your device.

Make sure to disable the internal battery, power down your device, and disconnect from any external power sources before you begin. You should also let it cool for 20 minutes before proceeding with the guide if you’ve been using the laptop extensively.

What you need

Step 1 Bottom Cover

Lenovo ThinkPad T480s Fan Assembly Replacement, Bottom Cover: step 1, image 1 of 2

Lenovo ThinkPad T480s Fan Assembly Replacement, Bottom Cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

Disable the battery, power down the device, and unplug the power adapter from your device before proceeding/beginning the guide.
Loosen the six captive screws with a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

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Step 2

Lenovo ThinkPad T480s Fan Assembly Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Remove the bottom cover with an opening tool.
Start from the top edge near the hinge and work your way along the edge until all of the clips are unsnapped.

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Step 3

Lift the bottom cover off.

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Step 4 Fan Assembly

Lenovo ThinkPad T480s Fan Assembly Replacement, Fan Assembly: step 4, image 1 of 2

Lenovo ThinkPad T480s Fan Assembly Replacement, Fan Assembly: step 4, image 2 of 2

Use the spudger to disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.

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Step 5

Loosen the four captive screws attaching the fan assembly to the motherboard.
Do not attempt to remove the captive screws, as forcing them out may strip or damage them.

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Step 6

Lenovo ThinkPad T480s Fan Assembly Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Lift the fan assembly from the system and remove it.
Follow our thermal paste application guide before you replace the fan assembly and are ready to reassemble your device.