Laptop Inspiron 14 5410 - Cannot undo Captive Screw from base cover

Question

I broke the base cover whilst trying to install additional memory. I would just have purchased a new cover but on investigation I discovered that the reason the cover broke was because one of the two captive screws was just spinning without undoing. It could not be tightened either. Hence impossible to remove the cover without breaking it.

I investigated further and now know that the reason the screw was not undoing is because the threaded part (captive nut) that it screws into, turns easily in its plastic holder. This is because the plastic holder for the threaded part is cracked and broken allowing the threaded part to turn easily. Hence when you turn the screw, the threaded part (nut) turns as well and it cant be undone.

Dell support say that this cant be repaired under Warranty so I am taking this up with my credit card company as the machine is brand new. Dell don't accept that the case broke because of a fault.

If other people have an Inspiron 14 5410, they should check these captive screws can be undone then tightened. If not then they may have the same problem and will need to replace the base cover and palm rest assembly (which is what the captive screw screws into). This requires most of the machine to be dismantled. If you dont fix this then the hinge assembly (which this same screw secures) will also move inside the machine and eventually cause damage.

I have to say that dell support were pretty poor.

I'm dropping a note here is case others have the same issue

ollie7885 · Answer

I've just had the exact same issue with my inspiron 5415. I was just wondering if you had any trouble removing the screw after you got the base off since I cannot remove the screw to replace the back.

Thanks in advance.

Szead · Answer

Yes. I eventually removed the screw using a small tool to stop the captive nut from spinning. If the captive nut is broken (like mine was) you will need to replace the base cover and palm rest assembly (which is what the captive screw screws into). I think this is a design or manufacturing fault. I've not replaced mine yet as I'm claiming my money back via the credit card company.

Good luck

markairey · Answer

I have the exact same issue.

I can't get the lid off due to this issue with one screw in the corner.

The hinge is also now broke causing a gap at the fingerprint reader of my Inspiron 5480

.

I've just spent £80 on extra Ram, which I wad able to get in, and 1Tb SSD as the 128mb is not sufficient, but I can't install the SSD. A replacement back cover is £50-£60 with no spares or repair models on ebay either.

Very frustrating.

I know it's a few years on, but how did you eventually unscrew it?

Inzi98 · Answer

I am facing the same issue one of the back corner screws won't come off and is spinning in it's place

zero871 · Answer

I had the same issue with my E3520.  Definitely poor manufacturing.  As expected, the screws are made of something cheap like pot metal and I was able to easily drill off the head with a 1/16' bit.  Then I used my high powered shop vac to pick up the metal shards.

Inspiron

Laptop Inspiron 14 5410 - Cannot undo Captive Screw from base cover

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