Chosen Solution

Hi, My laptop hit the floor and the post that the laptop base hex screw attaches to snapped off. Not a problem, however the laptop keeps separating every time I close the lid and I have to push the top and bottom together to put the laptop to sleep. It’s now causing more internal damage and when I open it up, the clip has snapped off the laptop base as well as the screw hole to the base is also cracked in half. I’ve attached pics but wanted to know the hinge was attached to that I need to replace, as well as the hinge itself. This is on the same side as the power button. Any info would be very much appreciated. And not sure if the pictures uploaded or not but have those too. Thanks! Update (04/09/2019)

Hi @frankralfano , You need to replace the palmrest assembly. Here’s a link to the service manual for a Dell XPS 15 9550 laptop taken from this webpage Scroll to p.87 to view the necessary pre-requisite steps and then the procedure to remove/replace the palmrest assembly. Replacements are available online. Just search for Dell XPS 15 9550 palmrest assembly to get results for suppliers of the part.

Have you resolved this yet..? It’s what refer to as a “Design Flaw” by Dell.. I’ve had to engineer a solution for this problem, as I have seen multiple XPS Models with this very same thing happening.. Note: this is on the opposite side of the WLAN Connector, but I would probably handle it the same way… Cheers

because it’s a newer model, you may be able to check your warranty. also, because it’s a big hinge, you may need to open it up to re-attach it.

I own a Dell XPS 15 too. Due to a swollen battery (If you, like me, never heard about that, Google it) the left hinge was torn loose. I really needed the laptop, so ordering a and receiving a replacement palmrest and swapping everything was probematic. Also my eyes are getting week. I bought a product called Quiksteel Steel Repair. I did some tests. It appeared strong enough and viscosity was OK. Little problem: Gluing has to be done within 4 minutes. Important:

  1. Roughen up the surfaces. I used a Dremel and a little mill and a rotating steel brush.
  2. Degrease both surfaces well.
  3. I disassembled the hinge, and glued the non-screen half. Placement has to be done very precisely. Mine was about 0,1 mm off, which made it a bit hard to assemble. It’s been a week now. Opening and closing goes smoothly. And the glue holds.