Display hinges
Display hinges connect two halves of a laptop – the display panel and base assembly. All regular laptops have two hinges located on the left and right sides of the display panel. Tablet PCs have one hinge-swivel located in the middle of the display.
The LCD screen mounts to the the screen mounting brackets which are permanently attached to the display hinges. There are two or more screws securing the LCD screen to each mounting bracket.
The display hinges are not repairable. If the hinge is broken or too loose to keep the display in an open position, you have to replace it with a new one.
On the picture below you see a laptop with removed LCD screen.
In order to remove and replace hinges, you’ll have to disassemble both, the display panel and laptop base.
HINGE RELATED PROBLEMS
1. The laptop display feels loose. It will stay in the up position, but when you move the display it feels floppy.
First of all, try tightening screws securing both hinges to the laptop base and display cover. If tightening screws doesn’t help, apparently your hinges are worn out and will have to be replaced soon.
2. The display will not stat in the up position. When you open the display and leave it in the up position, it falls back.
Most likely one or both hinges are broken and have to be replaced. Even if only one hinge is broken, I would recomment replacing both hinges because the second one is worn out and could break too in the near future.
Need spare parts for your laptop?
If you are looking for spare parts for your laptop you can find brand new and used parts here. Just search by the part name and laptop model.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Andy,
Go to eBay and search for satellite L20 hinge.
Is it what you are looking for?
October 28th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Hi – does anyone know the part name / number for the hinge that is under the battery at the back on the LHS of the tosh satelite pro L20
August 30th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Hi again.
Just wanted to drop by and thank your for your help! I found my screen’s part number, it was exactly where you described. Also found a good seller on eBay from your link, thanks so much for that.
The repair went swimmingly. I have a Laptop once again rather than a very small desktop. =D
While I agree it’s not a beginner’s job, it’s not that difficult, it’s just time-consuming. If you’re prepared, with the correct screwdrivers, and are careful in taking note of what goes where, it’s rewarding and worthwhile.
I’m not a beginner, but this is my first time working on a laptop. I was very apprehensive for a long time, but I shouldn’t have been. Your site here gave me the guides and assurance I needed to give it my first try. I can’t thank you enough, I think I may work on more notebooks in the future now.
Repair took 4.5 hours, including occasional stops for breaks and for lunch. Awesome! =D
I’m one happy camper – thank you again!
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Nora,
Nope, I don’t sell anything on eBay. I’m just linking to eBay stores you can buy laptop stuff.