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AL iMac Glass Panel "Pins"

E

Eddiestein

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 30, 2007
76
0
I just got an AL 20" iMac.

There was a piece of dust behind the glass panel, so I took the glass panel off (with a suction cup) and took the dust out. Put it back, and there was more dust. Then more dust. Then more dust. And it goes on.

Now it doesn't look like I have any more dust... but, while removing the glass panel 100 times, I accidentally broke one of the "pins" on the panel. The "pin" got stuck in the computer and I don't know where it is nor where I can get it out. I'm afraid that it is going to short something out in the machine. Using a flashlight I couldn't find it.

I'd pull the screen out to try and find it but I don't want to void my warranty. I'll call AppleCare tomorrow and ask if it voids my warranty to replace my hard drive (if it doesn't, that'll mean it doesn't void it to open it).

Also, is iKlear worth $25?

Thanks,

Eddiestein
 
It would only void your warranty if you broke something while replacing the hard drive, such as the missing pin
 
Yep, I just got off the phone with AppleCare and confirmed that. But is my warranty void because of the missing pin? (If I ever have to take it in I'll play dumb)
 
CIrawI3riCIge said:
Does Snakeoil cure tuberculosis? :D
Click to expand...

I think you can buy a spray bottle for $10. I've gotten over 1 years worth of use from that little bottle, so it isn't a bad deal. But on a glass screen, iklear isn't necessary at all, just water and a soft microfiber cloth should work well.
 
Okay, thanks. I'll use the cloth that came with the iMac.

Windex didn't seem to work well.

Anyway does anyone think it's necessary for me to look for that pin (to prevent it from shorting something out)? Is it possible for it to have fallen inside the system? (I'll have to try a small magnetic screwdriver.) If I don't find it, is there any place I can buy a bag of replacement pins so I can glue it on?

Thanks!

Eddiestein
 
Eddiestein said:
Is it possible for it to have fallen inside the system? (I'll have to try a small magnetic screwdriver.)

Eddiestein
Click to expand...

DON'T use a magnetic screwdriver!!!! Poking around with a magnetic screwdriver in your computer could ruin it completely! Wouldn't recommend poking around in it at all to be honest, if you're that worried get a professional repair firm to look at it.
 
djchristie said:
DON'T use a magnetic screwdriver!!!! Poking around with a magnetic screwdriver in your computer could ruin it completely! Wouldn't recommend poking around in it at all to be honest, if you're that worried get a professional repair firm to look at it.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:

I've used magnetic screwdrivers the entire time I've worked on PC's (over a decade) and never ever once ruined anything. These barely have enough magnetism to hold a screw on the tip of the bit let alone start zapping components.
 
Mindflux said:
:rolleyes:

I've used magnetic screwdrivers the entire time I've worked on PC's (over a decade) and never ever once ruined anything. These barely have enough magnetism to hold a screw on the tip of the bit let alone start zapping components.
Click to expand...

Fair enough!! :eek: I was just going on the Apple instructions for replacing RAM where they say not to - guess they have to cover their backs though!
 
In removing it 100,000 more times, to get more dust (is there any way to get it NOT to collect dust?), I've broken one more pin. Luckily I've got this pin. I glued it back on (with some pretty good glue) and it came off again. Damn.

Does anyone know where I can buy a new glass panel?

I know, I'm a tinkerer...

Eddie
 
What pins are you refering to? I've looked at pictures of disassembled Al iMacs and I can't figure out what you're talking about.
 
I'm not sure if "pins" is the appropriate term.

What I mean is those holes near the magnets.

If you take off the glass panel, the top will look like this:

Code: 
torx magnet magnet torx pin pin isight isightlight pin isightcables pin torx magnet magnet torx

Maybe you'll be able to tell.

Thanks,

Eddie
 
The holes in the immediate left to the iSight and immediate right to the iSight LED are what I'm referring to.

Two of those little things that are supposed to go in there have broken off of the glass.

Thanks,

Eddie
 
Next question:

The pins are glass and are part of the glass panel? (seems odd)
Or, the pins are metal and they were originally glued to the glass plate?

I'm trying to figure out what the purpose of the pins are.
 
The pins are metal and are glued to the glass panel.

Hold on for a few minutes and I'll snap some pics.

Eddie
 
Before you post your pics I'll take a stab at what the pins are for:

1) They bear the weight of the glass panel and the magnets are just to prevent the panel from falling outward. (not likely)

2) The pins are alignment pins and only serve to align the non-mask (clear) portion of the glass panel so that it lines up precisely with the isight. (a better guess).
 
I did notice that, when the panel is on, it isn't on as "tight" as it was with all of the pins. It seems like it helps hold the panel on.

Anyway, a pic is attached. Let me know if you need more. (Sorry about the quality - it was taken with the internal iSight.)

Thanks again!

Eddie
 

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It's kind of hard to tell from the pic, but I'd imagine a new glass panel would take care of your issue.

In the mean time, stop fiddling with it! You're just going to break more in the process...
 
A picture is worth a thousand words (or guesses). Thanks

My guess:

Since the pins are all in the vicinity of the isight, they serve to precisely align the mask of the panel with the isight and LED. They are so small that it's unlikely they serve a structural purpose to bear the weight of the panel.

As long as your isight image is good, you may not need them and you're good to go. However, based on your continuing compulsive dust disorder I'm guessing that you will try to glue them back on. Again, don't think its necessary but try this:

I'm guessing the pins have a flattened base that gives a greater surface area for the glue.
1) Clean the old glue off both the pin and the glass.
2) Use some glue that's made for reattaching car rear view mirrors.
3) Be Patient. Give the glue a day or so to completely cure.
 
Thanks. As I said, it does seem like it's not fully attached without the pins, but not like it's going to fall off. I'm perfectly fine with that, as long as there's no dust in it :)

Anyway, one more question... if I ever need a repair on this for some reason, would they say my warranty's void because of the missing pins?

Eddie
 
4) As much as I may regret saying this, find the missing pins and glue them back on.
5) Clean the glass and panel with a microfiber cloth. Don't use paper towels or any towel that has gone through the washer/dryer with fabric softener.
5) Buy a can of compressed air and lower the glass panel back on WHILE someone else air dusts the panel and back side of the glass. Spray from a distance, remember, it's dust.
6) Resist the temptation to ever do this again.
 
As far as the warranty is concerned,

If you can find the missing pin then there is no potential for it to short a circuit somewhere. If you can't find it, well, who knows?

If your hard drive fails under warranty can Apple deny you? Yes and no. Yes, they have the upper hand and can make it difficult for you. No, because the pin had nothing to do with the hard drive failure. I'll defer to others who understand and can explain it better.
 
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