[How-To] Tearing apart your Optimus

[Matt.ny.tech]

This is my first DIY, please be gentle.

I started this just because I thought some of you might be interested in seeing the inner workings, then I read the thread about ?crap? under my screen. If you?re feeling adventurous, here?s how to remove said ?crap?.

<disclaimer=Matt is not responsible>

I am a Sprint Authorized Service Center Technician. Most likely, you are not. That means I have the means to replace a device at no cost if I destroy it, most likely you do not. If you use this to tear down your phone and , god forbid, something goes wrong it is your problem. I can not and will not be held responsible for any damage or failure you encounter.

</disclaimer>

Always remember, your local Sprint ASC will be more than happy to perform this service for you. You do not have to attempt this yourself.

1. Remove SD card, battery cover and battery from phone and locate 6, 00 Phillips screws. I use a small plastic tray under the phone to catch all the loose screws, parts, whatnot.

2. Gently pry apart the front and back halves of the housing. Basically theres a line to follow where the two colors of your device meet. I have a fancy tool, you can use a guitar pick.

3. Locate and remove the 7th, 00 Phillips and the cover over the flex connector.

3a. Use a soft flat ?blade? to pop off the flex connector. (Guitar pick?)

4. Locate and remove the two, 00 Phillips screws holding the Micro USB charge port cover in place.

(Possibly the best idea EVER in the history of charge ports. Any one that?s ever had one come loose can testify.)

5. At this point the board is MOSTLY disconnected from the front half/ LCD assembly. There is still one more flex under the loud speaker assembly. There are three clips holding the speaker assembly to the board. GENTLY pry on the clips making sure not to move the assembly to far from the board as it is connected by a couple of very thin wires and the LCD flex connector.

5a. Unplug the loudspeaker (I use a pair of tweezers.)

5b. Pop off the LCD flex connector.

The board can now be removed from the front half of the phone exposing the back of the LCD panel.

6. VERY GENTLY pry the LCD panel from the front half of the phone. ( I use a standard dental pick.) If you are not EXTREMELY careful at this point you WILL break your LCD. A broken LCD is covered under 4$ a month ESRP or 7$ TEP at no cost so don?t shoot yourself if you do break it. Just don?t tell them what happened

7. LCD is out, ?crap? can be wiped/blown out.

8. Reverse procedure to reassemble.

9. Profit.

 

[Matt.ny.tech]

Saving this, JIC.

 

[KSmithInNY]

AWESOME post!!! Great job Matt.

 

[apinkel]

I hope I never need to use this but I sure am glad it's here if I do. Thanks and nice job detailing the teardown.

 

[Nick7]

So the question is, did it work when you got it back together? lol just playing.

Now time to install my Samsung Moment's Amoled screen without considering compatibility!

 

[Matt.ny.tech]

So the question is, did it work when you got it back together? lol just playing.

Now time to install my Samsung Moment's Amoled screen without considering compatibility!

Believe it or not, it did actually work. And no left over parts

Compatibility is for the weak. If it doesn't fit, make it fit. If it doesn't work after, its the equipment and never the technician!

 

[twobit]

wow .. i love it when you get left over parts... "if you take something apart enough times.. you'll have enough parts to make two!" -my personal motto

 

[Axe]

So, to have a SASC perform this procedure (in the case of screen dust removal), what is the usual turn-around time? The $7 TEP should cover the procedure without any additional charges, right?

 

[Lenoh]

Good One

Love the title. The break down was informative, but really laughed at the title.

Keep em "cu......" well you know what I mean.

 

[Matt.ny.tech]

So, to have a SASC perform this procedure (in the case of screen dust removal), what is the usual turn-around time? The $7 TEP should cover the procedure without any additional charges, right?

It really depends on the store. Corporate stores usually have a 1 hour wait, standard. Try to locate your closest premiere/co-branded store and call ahead to make an appointment with the tech. If it takes him more then 10 minutes to get you out laugh and point at him then shout that upstate NY techs are teh isht.

There are NO additional charges for ESRP (4$) or TEP (7$) customers.

Sent from my Lego'ed 670 :tup:

 

[gilbequick]

Fantastic write up. Thanks for the great tutorial!

 

[sonicbluemustang]

Being a Plumber I'm sure the insurance will repair any of your needs. lol
Thanks for posting this, It will prevent me from wanting to operate on mine. You know the old saying. Curiosity killed the cat.

 

[rdean]

Is it possible to purchase and replace the screen? You know it's just a matter of time before it's scratched.

 

[Matt.ny.tech]

Is it possible to purchase and replace the screen? You know it's just a matter of time before it's scratched.

The screen isn't up for purchase as a replaceable part as of yet. Perhaps in the future.

Poor touchscreen performance would be covered as a replacement with ESRP or TEP. You pay for the service USE IT!

 

[rdean]

OK, what's ESRP and TEP?

 

[Matt.ny.tech]

OK, what's ESRP and TEP?

The Equipment Service and Repair Program (ESRP) provides a repair or replacement option in the event you experience a failure, defect, or some physical damage (cracked LCD lens or screen). ESRP is 4$ a month and can be added to your account at any time.

Total Equipment Protection (TEP) adds the additional coverage of handset insurance through a third party agent (Asurion). In the event your device is lost/stolen, physically damaged BEYOND repair (broken boards, etc) or its been submerged and shows signs of permanent liquid damage (rust, blown resistors/transistors). There is a deductible with handset insurance just like with car insurance. Feature phones are 50$, Smartphones are 100$ in addition to your monthly premium. TEP can only be added to your account within 30 days of a new activation or after a paid repair.

 

[sonicbluemustang]

Is it possible to purchase and replace the screen? You know it's just a matter of time before it's scratched.

OMG Is it possible to purchase a 10 dollar screen protector? :-!

 

[rdean]

OMG Is it possible to purchase a 10 dollar screen protector? :-!

Smart remark, glad there aren't more like you. I already have a small scratch on my screen.

You know, not that it matters, but I think it very stupid that consumers must protect a screen from scratches that will occur with GENERAL use.

 

[philibuster]

So... how do we prevent dust from getting back in and having to do this whole procedure over again? Very thin line of silicone caulk around the edge of the panel?

 

[Matt.ny.tech]

So... how do we prevent dust from getting back in and having to do this whole procedure over again? Very thin line of silicone caulk around the edge of the panel?

Normally I'm a HUGE fan of caulk but not in your phone, please.

Dust under your screen means you need to change your carrying solution. Something in your immediate vicinity needs to be changed. Do you carry it in your pocket? Are you using a gel cover?