Loose Battery on new W520 4276

[areel]

Hi

Have had this machine for a couple of weeks and very pleased with it. 

But would like to check if this is a common issue.

The battery is quite loose, it is possible to move it both vertically and horizontally.

[PanEuropean]

In comparison to earlier models (for example, the W500), the battery in the W520 series seems loose.

The battery on my computer can wiggle about 1 mm in the horizontal and vertical directions.  I don't think this is a problem, because that movement is not enough to cause the spring-loaded contacts to disconnect the power.

Michael

[nitrap]

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But would like to check if this is a common issue.

The battery is quite loose, it is possible to move it both vertically and horizontally.

---

Mine is loose as well.  From what I have read on this forum and others, this is a common problem.  It seems harmless, but some people have found creative ways to make it fit more securely, mostly involving foam tape, IIRC.  If you search this forum you will find some suggestions.

Glad you like your 520.

[rc87]

4276 here too, I already wrote about this issue in another thread.

here is the link to my post, just to remember if someone at Lenovo is reading...

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/W-Series-ThinkPad-Laptops/Friendly-Complaints-and-Suggestions/m-p/535679...

I never remember to record a video about the issue.

[PanEuropean]

Although I agree that the battery is 'loose' in comparison to the batteries in earlier model ThinkPads, I don't think that the looseness is, a priori, a problem.  The battery works just fine and the contacts do not come apart from the computer when the battery is installed - so, although I do agree with the observation that the battery is looser than before, I don't think it is something we need to be concerned about.

I mean, heck, the seat belt buckle in some aircraft seats is kind of loose too, but the seat belt still functions according to specification.

Michael

[nitrap]

PanEuropean --- well said.  Yes, my battery is loose, but in the grand scheme of things it just doesn't matter.  The only time I think about it is when I read these "loose batttery" threads.

And I love your use of "a priori" .

[ducktape68]

Just got my W520. I've used a bunch of ThinkPads at work, but this is the first I've purchased myself. I'm extremely happy with it, but this loose battery issue really bothered me. The main reason I love the ThinkPads is that "solid" feeling, and this really breaks that whole experience. I think it's really weird that Lenovo would release something like this, but everything else about the system is so awesome, I decided it would be petty for me to raise a fuss.

I ended up just placing a few strips of electrical tape in the battery compartment, careful not to cover any stickers so it wouldn't damage it if I ever need to remove it (like if sending it in for service). I put four strips of tape on each side as shown in the image below. The strips on the right are full width and the ones on the left are slit in half lengwise just so it doesn't cover any seams in the body - I'm a little OCD. Only putting the tape of one side still caused a little bit of wiggle, so if you're going to do this, go the whole way! You may need to tweak the thickness slightly by putting more or less strips, but it should do the job.

Good luck! 

[rickshaw]

Thanks for posting the DIY fix for the loose battery. I have just ordered a W520, this was the only issue that made me pause but I thought I could fix it like you have.

Just a question about the placement of the tape. Did you consider placing the tape on the battery itself instead of inside the battery compartment?

I am assuming you have placed two layers of tape. Has this fix completely eliminated the wiggle in the battery?

Thanks!

[ColonelONeill]

There's a giant sticker on the battery, so that may not be advisable.

I put a small bit of tape just so it wouldn't make a noise when it rattles. I'd like to still have some tolerance on it in case I drop it battery first or something.

[rc87]

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rickshaw wrote:
Just a question about the placement of the tape. Did you consider placing the tape on the battery itself instead of inside the battery compartment?

I am assuming you have placed two layers of tape. Has this fix completely eliminated the wiggle in the battery?

Thanks!

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I've done the "tape mod". If you want to fix 100% the play in the battery, you need a lot more of tape. I think I put 8-9 layers on a side and considerably less on the other side, maybe half. (if you think that there is 1mm play, tape is super thin and you need a lot to fill the gap)

As I said in past the "play" is asymmetric.

But it's not good thinking you're putting tape to a Lenovo flagship to fix a bad engineered tolerance.

(with tape is a lot more of a 100% solid feeling )