Post B25Gb24H4w5ynUfT2O by surfhosting@mastodon.pirateparty.be
 (DIR) More posts by surfhosting@mastodon.pirateparty.be
 (DIR) Post #B23iX8nWWYtYuZqUb2 by surfhosting@mastodon.pirateparty.be
       2026-01-08T00:50:01Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @matthew can you share any tips on the following?* deep cleaning a Thinkpad T480* how hard it may be to replace the USB-PD charging port on a Thinkpad T480my keyboards arrived, it'll be time for maintenance soon.
       
 (DIR) Post #B23iX9ix52pfmgiM6q by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-01-08T00:59:45.186585Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       On the ThinkPad T480, the USB-C ports, both for power delivery and in the "dock" connector are soldered to the motherboard and not easy to replace. #thinkPad #t480
       
 (DIR) Post #B23jjQlfdaDY4eP3BI by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-01-08T01:13:46.538033Z
       
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       As for deep cleaning: You'll probably want to do a thermal paste replacement, if you haven't done that yet during the time you've owned it. While the laptop is open, you can use some kind of air blower to blow the dust out. While you have the keyboard out, you can use a cue tip or damp cleaning rag to clean the area and edges where the keyboard went. Avoid rubbing alcohol on anything except the top exterior of the laptop, as the alcohol can melt some plastics, especially the keyboard springs. #ThinkPad
       
 (DIR) Post #B25FqCzcdsSj4PAGFU by surfhosting@mastodon.pirateparty.be
       2026-01-08T18:39:06Z
       
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       @matthew yeah, my "charging" port became dodgy like 18 months ago so I'm down to only the "data" port for power input... I'll likely have to find a repair shop and pay for the charging port to be fixed at some point. ugh.
       
 (DIR) Post #B25FqEqTkqKwoctzH6 by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-01-08T18:48:04.996380Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       Unless the repair shop does micro soldering, you are likely looking at a motherboard replacement. And the micro soldering service could be around the same price as the replacement motherboard. It is shame, but I don't do much soldering and finding local people with the skill is difficult. Maybe it is something that I can add to my services later, as one of my sons has an interest in it. I could always learn, too, but it wouldn't have a quick return on my investment for time (though I already have the majority of the equipment I need).
       
 (DIR) Post #B25Gb24H4w5ynUfT2O by surfhosting@mastodon.pirateparty.be
       2026-01-08T18:40:47Z
       
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       @matthew thanks for these tips. I was indeed wondering about isopropyl.I wonder if I should get a new touchpad or if mine just needs a very thorough cleaning, I disabled it a year ago as its tendency to occasionally go crazy and start reporting wild spurious pointer movement and clicks was getting worse.
       
 (DIR) Post #B25Gb3DsmhNKNaAeeW by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-01-08T18:56:43.133416Z
       
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       You can take it out and examine the touchpad. Usually the internal battery has to be removed to gain access to the screws that release the touchpad. I have had to replace a few touchpads, but sometimes just taking them out, cleaning a bit and reinstalling makes them behave better. The replacement touchpad part is not that expensive (usually) and should be fairly readily available for the T480 as that is a common model.
       
 (DIR) Post #B25IM0qPXstgZD9J2G by surfhosting@mastodon.pirateparty.be
       2026-01-08T19:14:54Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @matthew I'll try giving the touchpad a deep clean and see if it improves. might as well.