Took apart my 8700r...(pics)
 

Dissassembly was fun and easy. Remove 3 mini T6 torx screws, then use a mini flat-head/slot screwdriver to free the two plastic clips(see picture below), 4 more T6 torx screws and it was open.

I wanted to remove some dust that had made its way under the screen. The medium density foam gasket attached to the outer case appears to be the point of failure.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...r/8700r01s.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...sr/8700r37.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...r/8700r02s.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...r/8700r06s.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...r/8700r08s.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...r/8700r09s.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...r/8700r14s.jpg


...and yes, it's all back together and fully functioning.

Higher resolution pics here:
8700r01
8700r02
8700r03
8700r04
8700r05
8700r06
8700r07
8700r08
8700r09
8700r10
8700r11
8700r12
8700r13
8700r14
8700r15
8700r16

One small step for man...
 

You, sir, are a BlackBerry pioneer. *takes out computer tool set*

So as a person with "inside" knowledge, why do you think the keyboard moves around horizontally, as mine does on the left side? Is it because there is a small hole on the bottom right hand corner of the keyboard that holds it in place while there is none on the left side?

How well did you get to clean the dust out? Is it ALL gone? Did you use a dry cloth, wet cloth, or compressed air? Curious...

Also disassembly is actually in the following order:
1. Remove battery cover, battery and SIM (got fingernails?)
2. Unscrew 3 torx screws
3. Gently pry apart case shell while using mini flat head screwdriver to release plastic tabs on either side of battery opening
4. Remove back cover
5. Unscrew 4 torx screws. Everything else tabs into a slot which you can gently pry/slide to remove.

Watch out for all the little bits that use contact springs or fittings to stay in place. Ie. The earpiece speaker, the battery contacts, usb cover.

I think it's a great design that lends itself well to disassembly for "servicing". Replacement covers should be really easy.


Note: I am not recommending anyone to do this as it may void your warranty.

Naked BlackBerry... very sexy :razz:

Wow. Thank you for posting this information up. I would have been too much of a pansy to open mine up if it had problems. Now that I can see it is simple, it may not be as bad.

I used a wet microfibre cloth then compressed air to dry it out completely. It looked like it worked very well until this morning I found that I somehow left one big dust chunk in there.

So as a person with "inside" knowledge, why do you think the keyboard moves around horizontally, as mine does on the left side? Is it because there is a small hole on the bottom right hand corner of the keyboard that holds it in place while there is none on the left side?

I concur with your theory although my keyboard doesn't itself shift.

What screwdriver?
 

What torx number are the screws? I have T7 and T6 screwdrivers and one seems too big and another too small.

Should be a T6. Mine are not labelled.

You know what would be really cool?? If you did a step-by-step photo instruction on taking apart your 8700. *hint-hint* Just a thought...

I'd love step by step instructions with photos too! I think you did great by posting this! Really helpful! Now I'm waiting for someone to release parts for the BB 8700. I'd like to replace my damaged housing. Hurry up ProMobility!

Nice write up.
I just "rebuilt" my 8700 to removed the dust. I also added one of the InvisibleShields while it was apart.
The whole process took about 7 minutes to do.

Now I have no dust, my speaker does not rattle and my track wheel moves easliy again.

Now I will be looking for a place to buy new plastics to maybe change my 8700c to black.

For the really brave sole, i wonder how hard it would be to change the electronics/screen with a 7290 case and keyboard? It would be trickier because it would require a change in the keyboard software to work with the older keyboard. Probably not possible but an interesting thought nonetheless.

That is an interesting thought... I wouldn't want it though... I'm spoiled by dedicated send and end buttons. :)

For you guys who took your 8700's apart to remove the dust:

Did you try any homebrew remedies to beef up the gasket to prevent dust from returning? Like adding a layer of clear double-stick tape?

I read this post where someone used some 3M Scotch Poster Tape to dust-proof an Audiovox SMT5600.

Click here for step-by-step: http://www.digimission.com/?page_id=25

C'mon guys... let's find a homebrew remedy for the dust issue. There must be a way.

Great idea!:idea: I've been looking around for some thin single sided foam tape to apply to the metal bezel. I hoping it will press against the stock foam gasket and ensure a continuous seal.(y) The way the covers tab then pivot into each other may cause the double sided tape to bunch up during re-assembly.

Take it completely apart and use fine grit wet sandpaper to take the silver paint off. Mask off the screen (on both sides, my mistake) etc, and spray with a clear coat satin spray. Wallah. You have a black, blackberry 8700. It works great, as long as you don't mess up your plastic screen.