Asus Chromebook repair recommendations

[jmak]

As per title.

 

I am trying to help a family member with an out of warranty device. I think it needs a new keyboard and due to my clumsiness a ribbon connector to the sensor that turns the display off when you close the lid.

 

I've had it apart, reseated cables and cleaned as much as I can so it's beyond what I can do.

 

Asus want £45 just to receive it as an admin fee, so that looks a bit expensive. It's 3 years old but other than that fault is in good condition and under Chrome OS support for another 4 years, so seems a bit of a waste to throw away.

[localzuk]

With Chromebooks, I've found repairs are mostly down to cannibalising other machines - have you looked on ebay for parts? Keyboards for Chromebooks are usually £20-£40 depending on model, ribbon cables £5-10 etc...

[dmj]

The ribbon cable connectors can be a PITA when they break.

There's couple of hacks you can employ 1) bend the cable over onto itself so that the pressure from the cable itself helps seat it. 2) use a bit of card like this:

(edit: use Kapton tape, not masking tape )

re-soldering the connectors is really hard, you need a microscope and some fairly specialised equipment.

 

I agree with @localzuk cannibalising broken machines is the way forward for parts.

Edited July 28, 2023 by dmj

[PrimaryNetMan]

As above, Chromebook spares can be a royal PITA to source. What's the model number of the CB?

[jmak]

As above, Chromebook spares can be a royal PITA to source. What's the model number of the CB?

It's a C434T (14" 360° hinge)

 

I've found a keyboard on eBay for £40 so I'll probably give that a go.

[PrimaryNetMan]

It's a C434T (14" 360° hinge)

 

I've found a keyboard on eBay for £40 so I'll probably give that a go.

 

Have a load of these that have been butchered for various parts. DM a photo of the lead and I'll see what I have it it helps.

[jmak]

Have a load of these that have been butchered for various parts. DM a photo of the lead and I'll see what I have it it helps.

Thanks @PrimaryNetMan

 

Travelling today, but hopefully will get a chance to take it apart tomorrow (might have left my torx drivers at work).