[johnwiz]

A tip to remove the SIM card, use a piece of tape to pull the SIM out...

[RickL66]

That looks easy to do! If I had to take my 8700 apart, I would want to replace the vibrator with a stronger one, perhaps one from a 72xx series Blackberry. Anyone know if that's possible? I ask, because I'm Deaf and the 8700 does not vibrate as strong as the older models... and yes, I am using a third party Message Alerts.

[ibjohn85]

woot woot! I finally grew some and took the thing apart. All clean like the day I bought it. Thanks Hobbesgsr and everyone else who gave input.

[bluephoenix]

suggestion/question: for scratched blackberries( yeah it happens) I was thinking of trying an old model builders trick, use some model glue to soften up the plastic and re shape...wondering if anyone has tried/has a way other than bascially buffing it out with sandpaper. Cheers!

[grindtime84]

nice work bro!

[nsbalt]

Gonna try to remove the dust from mine today - - and I'll monkey around with the 3M tape idea. Gotta go out and get a T6 screwdriver and 3M poster tape. I'll let everyone know how it worked out. (Looking forward to a CLEAN screen again!)

[nsbalt]

Mission accomplished! - - except for the tape (could not find the tape I was looking for at sears hardware.

It went relatively well. Taking the phone apart was pretty easy. I had to try a few times with the (2) plastic clips to get it apart. Mainy because I did not want to crack it. There was lots of dust inside the phone - along the sides, etc. Cleaned the dust with my finger, a micro fiber cloth, and some compressed air. Getting the phone back together took longer than it should have. It should take less than 10 minutes for the entire process next time.

It is sure nice to have a clean screen again!!

Of course, even though I was careful when putting the phone back together, there is one spec of dust that is visible! Damn!

[txschafers]

Originally Posted by Hobbesgsr

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.

Hobbesgsr,

I just need to replace the back of my 8700 since I have a scratch on the lower and upper portion of that section. The battery cover is fine as well. I am assuming that based on your description of the process that after removing the torx screws and releasing the two clamps I can just place the new back cover on my 8700 and snap it shut again right?

[quillhill]

My husband and I took mine apart today in the hopes that I could do something about my mushy side convenience/escape keys...since the phone got wet last week.

Any suggestions on things to do to encourage any last bits of moisture to get out of my phone? Thoughts on how to get the keys to get back to their usual, clicky self?

My husband really wants me to quit complaining about it and he definitely doesn't want to buy me a new 8700 because mine "isn't quite right" so to speak.

[paulmac]

Took mine apart to clean the dust off the inside screen, thanks for the info on how to take it apart. One important note to all. Be very carefull when putting those little T6 screws back in. It is very easy to over tourque them in fact I actually twisted one of the heads right off one. Since the threads are still engaged not a problem with the case being loose or anything. Just doubt I will ever be able to get it apart again since one of the screws no longer has a head on it.

[ld-runner]

this is great info. i am getting ready to order a new case from http://www.promobility.net/html/blackberryparts.shtml
my BB took a nasty spill the other day and $40 is pretty cheap to make my BB look new again.

[MozMan68]

Just remember, when you are replacing the case with a new one, don't forget to remove the ear speaker from the old case and place it in the face of the new one before you screw everything back together....would be really stupid...especially when you try and make a call and can't hear anything...not that it happened to me....

[Mixxdup]

Ahh I wish there was an easy way to remove the piece that holds the scroll wheel. I have two boards..one with a bad scroll wheel and another that suffers from water damage. Does anyone know a way to remove the wheel piece from a board without breaking it? I've run out of ideas...