screen wobbles back and forward on the hinges

[browno]

Hi,
I have a Sony Vaio VGN A215Z laptop.
My screen has developed a wobble on the hinges. The lid closes no problem but there is excessive backlash on the screen when it is in the raised position. It feels as though the
hinges are becoming slack, although still strong enough to hold up the screen.Has anyone ever repaired one of these. Do I have to buy new hinges, if so, where from. I've searched the Net but can't find any advertised for this model.
Any comments!!!

[rich912]

Hi browno,

Unfortunately I think that new hinges are required - in my experience it is not possible to re-tension any of the Vaio range of screen hinges but would be more than happy to be corrected on this.

Until recently Nexttronics provided schematic diagrams that helped to identify parts for any particular model but unfortunately no longer!

However, have a look at this link and navigate to the LCD section. There are various sub sections - which is confusing - but possibly one listed as hinge (L & R) will be what you are looking for.

A phone call or better still email to Nexttronics prior to purchase would be advisable.

[browno]

Hi Rich,
Thanks for info. I have been on the site and I think I have identified the hinges. I think I will wait until after New Year to contact Nexttronics.
Thanks,
Ian

[rich912]

Good luck with that Ian. Please let us know how things progress...

EDIT

Hi Ian,

I have just re-read your post and am a little confused about the expression “excessive backlash on the screen when it is in the raised position”.

Do you mean by this that when you open the screen to a set position that it then moves forward slightly when released? This may indicate the opposite hinge problem, i.e. too tight.

I have experienced this on two Vaio notebooks and on both occasions it was a tight right hand hinge causing the plastic casing to bend slightly during the opening process so that when released the hinge pulls forward to its actual position.

I have not explained this very well but you may be able to check it out by moving the screen back and forth while looking for any distortion in the plastic casing adjacent to the right hand hinge.

[browno]

Hi Rich,
Thanks for your reply,
The problem with the screen is as you first read it. It is as though the hinge is working loose and there is play in the hinge, therefore the screen can wobble back and forwards, but is still tight enough to hold up the screen. There is definately no indication that the hinges are too tight.
I have found an American site to download the laptop manual which apparently shows exploded views of the machine and part numbers, so its a matter of having the courage to start stripping down the screen. Im a bit frightened of causing damage to the ribbon cable etc..
Thanks for your advise,
Ian

[rich912]

Best of luck with that Ian.

I did have some links for the A series that would have been of practical help to you but they are all now broken Maybe Mr Sony has jumped on them