27” iMac Repair

Despite their many challenges, Macs are often still serviceable with just a little extra patience, and can even be satisfying work…
This time we were confronted with a 27” iMac that wouldn’t hold its screen up right. Usually this suggests a problem with the main hinge inside the computer…
After removing the sealed screen, the mainboard, and additional surrounding components, we ultimately got at the culprit: one of the two small black pieces of plastic meant to hold the springs in place had finally given out. Not only are these retaining parts unusual to source, but they are surprisingly fragile considering the whole system literally hinges on just two of them.
The solution: we replaced the failed plastic retainer with a sturdy 1cm washer that will be much stronger than the original part. We also replaced the second retainer while we were at it, since it was barely holding on by its teeth.
With the hinge repaired, the system was re-assembled and works as good as new — if not stronger. 🙂
Compared to this, a hard drive replacement or upgrade is a piece of cake!
Just another day in the life of an iMac, with a little help from Checkmark Computers. 🙂