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Go to SolutionLaptop lid twisted slightly, will not close completely
Dell XPS 15 L502x
The lid/screen of my XPS has become twisted and uneven. It will not close completely. When closed, the left side of the lid is more forward, closes further than the right side. But, as the lid opens, the right side becomes more forward.
I'm not sure when this happened. Up until two years ago, the lid closed completely. But, I haven't travelled with this laptop for two years, so sometime during that time this happened. I am careful with this XPS, never dropped it, always open it carefully with my hand in the centre of the top bezel, to apply force just to centre.
Has anyone else seen this with their laptop?
Any idea why this happened?
Any idea how to fix it?
Will not close completely. And, left side of screen is more closed than right side.
When open, the twist is apparent. The right side is more forward than the left side.
2634
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Posted February 9th, 2022 09:00
. Looks like a lot of fiddly work to get inside there. I was going to open the top deck this week to install an SSD, which seems do-able.
That hinge stuff looks like a lot more work and risk of me not getting everything back together well.
Thank you for your advice and links, I appreciate it!
2642
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Posted February 9th, 2022 09:00
You'll need to disassemble the system to see exactly what's bent, but it's almost certainly the hinges.
Service manual:
Replacement hinges:
https://www.amazon.com/XPS15-L501X-HingeScreen-Screen-Bracket/dp/B07P6KWFT6
2638
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Posted February 9th, 2022 09:00
Oh, it's a hinge issue? Is there any way I can confirm that? Anything I should examine in more detail?
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.
2587
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Posted February 11th, 2022 08:00
Thanks for your reply. To access the locknuts, I assume that you had to disassemble the laptop? On my XPS L502x, there's no way that I can see to access the hinge hardware without disassembly.
2590
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Posted February 11th, 2022 08:00
I think perhaps the slightly twisted lid has been caused by something I didn't realize until now. I think that the hinges have become increasingly stiff. I really didn't notice, as I'm sure the change was very gradual. But, I see many posts in these forums about stiff hinges. Perhaps the extra force now needed to open and close the lid cause uneven pressure and bend the lid.
There are many posts about stiff hinges, but I didn't find any particular repair solutions. Some people suggested using lubricant, but I didn't see anyone report back that lubrication solved their issue. When hinges become stiff, is replacement the only solution?
2589
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Posted February 11th, 2022 08:00
I had an Inspiron that had very stiff hinges. There is a very small lock nut on the hinge and I was able to loosen it just enough to reduce the stress on the hinge and make it easier to move. At it's worse though the hinges may need to be replaced and if you keep forcing it more damage will occur such as cracking the case. Then the repairs become far more extensive.
I am not a Dell employee...I am forum volunteer
Serious work on an E5430 and constantly building and working on an i5-6500 Desktop
2582
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Posted February 11th, 2022 09:00
Service manual -- XPS 15 L502X Service Manual (dell.com)
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Posted February 20th, 2025 09:18
my laptop lid is not closing
ejn63
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2636
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Posted February 9th, 2022 09:00
Don't buy parts until you actually look inside the system to see what's damaged.
You can have a minor bump to your car that seemingly just damages the paint finish on the bumper, only to then find out that there is hidden damage to the shock absorber, parking sensors, etc. -- the only way to know is to examine internally. The hinges are a first guess based on the photo -- just as an insurance adjuster would quote the cost to refinish the bumper up front and insist on leaving the estimate open until the inner workings are examined.
It could be a bent LCD frame instead of the hinges -- or in addition to them.