Repairing Samsung Chromebook Series 3 Track Pad

Written By: richard
  • Comments: 7
Repairing Samsung Chromebook Series 3 Track Pad

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

5

Time Required

15 minutes

Introduction

The track pad on this model of Chromebooks is known to stop "clicking" when compressed. This is due to the cover of the track pad rubbing against the Chromebook casing. Removing the cover and re-positioning it can solve this issue.

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    • Place the iOpener or another type of heating bag, in the microwave for 1 minute.

    • Remove and press on the track pad for 1 -2 minutes as to loosen the adhesive.

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    • Apply pressure to the the bottom of the Chromebook under the track pad.

    • Using a fingernail, or other small prying tool, separate the plastic covering from the track pad board.

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    • Completely remove the cover from the track pad board.

    • Press on the track pad board in order to verify that it still clicks.

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    • Reapply the cover to the track pad board starting from the top.

    • Be sure to leave a slight gap between the cover and casing on all sides when reapplying.

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    • Finish applying the track pad cover and firmly press it to the track pad board.

    • Ensure that the track pad still clicks, if it does not, remove the cover, adjust the positioning, and reapply.

    • *The track pad may not behave properly until the adhesive is completely cooled and the cover completely set.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

richard

Member since: 24/11/14

305 Reputation

7 comments

This works great. I do not have the iOpener heating pad, but I do have a heat gun. I set it to low setting and used a stainless spunger I had to pry off the plastic film that is silver in color and repositioned it. thank you for this as we have many touchpads sticking/hard to press

Ken S -

It works! Thanks for the great instructions and simple solution!

Maureen -

I did it, awkwardly using an excessively large gel heating pad to loosen the cover, and then prying it off.

I think the best advice in replacing the cover is to position the edge of the cover flush with the edge of the surrounding casing that is near the keyboard, leaving a slight but visible gap between the cover and the edge of the surrounding casing that is away from the keyboard. The latter gap ensures that the casing won't prevent the cover from moving and clicking the button underneath. (I don't think any gap at the edge near the keyboard is necessary, since the button that has to be clicked is far from that edge.)

Roger Aarons -

Worked like a charm! Thanks!!

showdaze -

I just realized you don't need to actually remove the plastic track pad cover. Once it is heated you can just push it towards the keys. That will free it up enough to "click" again. I also use a small piece of tape to hold it in place while the glue dries. I tape it so that it is putting pressure towards the keys.

showdaze -

Awesome! I need to do this to about 150 at my wifes school. A hair dryer is much better suited for this application. Lowest fan speed high heat works in <30 seconds. I was thinking I would have to do a full teardown to resolve this issue, but no, works like a charm.

Jake Jarmon -

I’ll start by saying that I did a quick and dirty fix that took maybe twenty seconds. I’ll agree that the iOpener, heat gun or hair dryer would be a better option if I had the luxury of the equipment and more time. My fix may not be permanent as well, but it got the trackpad to click ASAP.

I gently pressed an Exacto blade (the entire sharp edge) gently into the seam on the user side of the trackpad, close to the left corner. Once it was seated in the seam, I wiggled it a bit to open up the seam. Next, repeated it on the right side.

I’ll add that the only possible damage to the Chromebook would be scratching the plastic. There are metal tabs under the seam on each side. They are about 5/8” wide, starting 1/4” from the sides of the trackpad. Also there’s nothing else to damage underneath as well.

Frank -