[pete]

Just got my superdrive tibook. The most refined of all tibooks! Wonderful! But the hinges are a tad stiff for my comfort. What kind of lubricant should I use to make things smoother? I don't want to buy tiglide because i think it's a bit of a ripoff given the product. Will lubricant do it alone, or do I need to work on some screws too?

Thanks

[DigitalEl]

Past consensus has been you need to do nothing.

Give it time and it will loosen to a more favorable point. If you lubricate or loosen something now, it may end up being too loose once this natural progression runs its course.

Otherwise, try Astroglide!

[euphras]

First you have to remove the hinge cover in order to see the real (mechanical sense) hinges. To remove the hinge cover (painted aluminum pressure mold, be careful not to scratch the paint) you have to use a TORX screwdriver (IIRC a Torx 8). After removing the screws gently pry of the cover, use only your fingers, NOT tools! Then you´ll have insight into the hinge mechanics.

Use high quality bicycle chain lubricant (silicone or mineral oil based) and dip a small drop into small pits, that are located on the stator of the hinge (the rotor is the axle). Then move the screen gently back and fourth. Remove rests of lubricant with a kleenex wipe and reassemble the hinge covers. If you have any additional questions feel free to PM or email me.

Did that with mine and worked well from day 1 ´til now. It still holds in EVERY ANGLE and i´m able to open the machine without holding back the base unit with one hand. In one word: perfectly!
If you hope that it gets better by simply using it ("grinding" the hinge to working condition) than you´ll put a lot of stress onto your hinges and maybe they´ll crack in the nearer future.

Pat

[Thinine]

WD-40! And make sure you spray some through the vents into the machine. Need to lube the inside too!

[mrmister]

i agree that simply using the machine should allow it to break in properly--and if there is excessive stiffness you should be talking to Apple. Ask yourself if this procedure is *really* worth opening up the TiBook's hinges for...and good luck, regardless of your decision.

[pete]

I've used countless tibooks. Some of them had really stiff hinges, other were smooth. Sending it in to Apple I don't want to do since I wouldn't be able to use the machinee in thee meantime. Besides, my experience is that sending it in could result in other, more serious problems caused by uncareful repair people so....

I opened the hinge covers, cleaned off some of the old oild and added a few drops of silicon based bike chain oil. Move the LCD back and forth 20-30 times and voila! Smooth as silk. No longer any need to hold down the bottom when opening the laptop = the way it should be from the factory! No stress on the hinges, no stiffness, just pure, enjoyable smoothness...

Thanks Pat!

[euphras]

...glad to hear it worked for you!