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Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

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  2. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingernail to pull out the two Input Module latches and unlock them.

    • The latch will show red if it's unlocked.

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  3. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Spacers: step 3, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Spacers: step 3, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Spacers: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to slide the Touchpad Spacer toward the bottom edge of the laptop and unclip it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the corresponding Input Module latch is properly unlocked.

    • Lift the Touchpad Spacer off the laptop and remove it.

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  4. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat the same procedure for the other touchpad spacer.

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  5. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Module: step 5, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Module: step 5, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Touchpad Module: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to slide the Touchpad Module toward the bottom edge of the laptop and disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the Input Module latches are properly unlocked.

    • Lift the Touchpad Module and remove it.

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  6. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • The keyboard is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the keyboard violently eject.

    • Grip the two pull tabs along the bottom of the keyboard and lift until its magnets release.

    • Remove the keyboard.

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  7. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Modules: step 7, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Modules: step 7, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Modules: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Your Input Module(s) might be different, but the procedure to remove them is the same.

    • Grip the pull tab at the bottom of the Input Module and lift until its magnets release.

    • Remove the Input Module.

    • Repeat for any remaining Input Modules.

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  8. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the interposer door by its black pull tab and let it rest upright.

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  9. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the three captive T5 Torx screws securing the interposer.

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  10. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the interposer by its pull tab and remove it.

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  11. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the Expansion Bay Module screws: step 11, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the Expansion Bay Module screws: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the two captive T5 Torx screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell.

    • Close the interposer door before continuing.

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  12. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell: step 12, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell: step 12, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Close your laptop and flip it over.

    • Slide the Expansion Bay Shell out of the laptop and remove it.

    • The shell should slide out easily. If you feel any resistance, check that the screws holding it in place are fully loosened.

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  13. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the right fan: step 13, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the right fan: step 13, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the right fan: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to lift up and release the locking tab on the right fan ZIF connector.

    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the right fan cable straight out of its socket.

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  14. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the right fan screws: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the right fan screws: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the four captive Torx T5 screws securing the right fan.

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  15. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the right fan: step 15, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the right fan: step 15, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the right fan: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Use one hand to press the right fan cable flat to the module.

    • Use your other hand to pull the fan out of its housing, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

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  16. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the left fan: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the left fan: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disconnect the left fan: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to lift up and release the locking tab on the left fan ZIF connector.

    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the left fan cable straight out of its socket.

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  17. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the left fan screws: step 17, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Loosen the left fan screws: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the four captive Torx T5 screws securing the left fan.

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  18. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the left fan: step 18, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the left fan: step 18, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the left fan: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • Use one hand to press the left fan cable flat to the module.

    • Use your other hand to pull the fan out of its housing, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

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  19. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 19, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the two 3.6 mm‑long screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board.

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  20. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 20, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 20, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to lift the board straight off the Expansion Bay Shell and remove it.

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  21. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 21, image 1 of 1
    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

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  22. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 22, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 22, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Place the board straight on its alignment pegs on the Expansion Bay Shell.

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  23. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 23, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board screws: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the two 3.6 mm‑long screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell Fan Board.

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  24. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the left fan: step 24, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the left fan: step 24, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the left fan: step 24, image 3 of 3
    • Place the left fan onto the Expansion Bay Shell, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

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  25. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the left fan screws: step 25, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the left fan screws: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the four captive Torx T5 screws securing the left fan.

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  26. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the left fan: step 26, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the left fan: step 26, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the left fan: step 26, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the left fan cable straight into its socket.

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to press down the locking tab on the left fan ZIF connector.

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  27. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the right fan: step 27, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the right fan: step 27, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the right fan: step 27, image 3 of 3
    • Place the right fan onto the Expansion Bay Shell, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

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  28. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the right fan screws: step 28, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the right fan screws: step 28, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the four captive Torx T5 screws securing the right fan.

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  29. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the right fan: step 29, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the right fan: step 29, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Connect the right fan: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the right fan cable straight into its socket.

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to press down the locking tab on the right fan ZIF connector.

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  30. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Insert the Expansion Bay Shell: step 30, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Insert the Expansion Bay Shell: step 30, image 2 of 2
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  31. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • When installing the shell, keep it level to the laptop so it doesn't buckle on the rails.

    • There should be no gaps between the laptop and the shell when it's installed correctly.

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  32. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • While keeping the shell level with the laptop, slide it into its slot.

    • The shell should slide in easily. If you feel any resistance, pull the module out and realign it.

    • You should hear an audible "click" when the shell's clips snap into place.

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  33. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 33, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Flip over the laptop and open it.

    • Lift the interposer door by its black pull tab and let it rest upright.

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  34. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the Expansion Bay Shell screws: step 34, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the Expansion Bay Shell screws: step 34, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the two captive T5 Torx screws securing the Expansion Bay Shell.

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  35. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the interposer: step 35, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Place the interposer: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • Place the interposer over its spot between the Mainboard and the Expansion Bay.

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  36. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the interposer screws: step 36, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Tighten the interposer screws: step 36, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the three captive T5 Torx screws securing the interposer.

    • Close the interposer door.

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  37. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Input Modules: step 37, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Input Modules: step 37, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Input Modules: step 37, image 3 of 3
    • Your Input Module(s) might be different, but the procedure to remove them is the same.

    • Align the top edge of the Input Module with the top edge of the laptop.

    • Lay the Input Module on the laptop and let the magnets pull the keyboard into place

    • Make sure the Input Module is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

    • Repeat for any remaining Input Modules.

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  38. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the keyboard: step 38, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the keyboard: step 38, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the keyboard: step 38, image 3 of 3
    • Align the top edge of the keyboard with the top edge of the laptop.

    • Lay the keyboard on the laptop and let the magnets pull the keyboard into place

    • Make sure the keyboard is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

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  39. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Module: step 39, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Module: step 39, image 2 of 2
    • Place the Touchpad Module flat on its cutout so its clips are properly aligned.

    • Press the Touchpad Module down and slide it into place so it lines up evenly with the bottom edge of the laptop.

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  40. Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Spacers: step 40, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Spacers: step 40, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Cover Replacement, Install the Touchpad Spacers: step 40, image 3 of 3
    • Place the Touchpad Spacer over its spot on the laptop with the bottom edge overhanging slightly.

    • Slide the Touchpad Spacer towards the top of the laptop to secure it.

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other Touchpad Spacer.

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Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Laptop!

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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