ASUS Zenbook UX310U Trackpad permanently indented and doesn't tactile-click - what can I do to fix?

[leon1127]

Hi All,

The trackpad on my laptop probably became indented because of a webcam cover I had once which must have pressed onto it when the laptop was closed.

I have replaced the trackpad (new one in image) - still the same issue. I can move the cursor and click with a light tap, but the proper tactile “click” does not work. There is too much play between the trackpad and case, but at the same time the trackpad does not really move up and down to click, so something like click & drag is not possible.

I have also tried putting a thin piece of plastic between the trackpad and case when the laptop was open, but it did not solve the issue. The play issue went away, but the click did not return.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Image:[ATTACH type=“full” width=“620px”]13575[/ATTACH]

[Bruce]

This thin piece of plastic, was that put between the trackpad and the visible top part of the case, on the ‘outside’, or did you put it inside between the trackpad and whatever holds the whole pad into place ‘inside’ the case when you had it apart?

Looks like the trackpad needs to fit tighter against the outer shell.
Mind you, not sure if that will fix it though.

[leon1127]

Thanks for responding.

Yes, I did that when the laptop itself was open, because I saw the trackpad was not tight enough against the outer shell. However this just put more of a barrier between me and clicking. I have no idea how to attach the trackpad more tightly - all the usual screws are screwed in place, and the frame against which the trackpad sits does not look damaged at all, so this is like a mystery to me.

[Bruce]

Theoretically, the trackpad should work even outside of the laptop (if the data ribbon was long enough) as it’s pressure plate is independent of the laptop.

Perhaps the alloy the trackpad attaches to has also been warped.

So you put something behind the trackpad, from the inside?
That is, you’ll have the laptop case, then the trackpad unit, then some sort of padding behind the trackpad but between whatever secures it to the casing, trying to raise the trackpad tighter against the casing?
But maybe this isn’t even doable, all depends on how the trackpad attaches to the case.

And you are sure you got the right trackpad for your laptop?
Was it new or used?

[leon1127]

Thanks - it’s a new trackpad and it’s definitely the correct one for my model of laptop. The issue is exactly the same as with the previous trackpad, which indicates that something is wrong with the trackpad casing of the laptop itself. I cannot see the issue, but when I put something between there, I still don’t get the click function.

It’s as if the click function depends on something in the casing - could there be a contact that has to be made with a component of the casing and this component is damaged?

[Bruce]

That space we see in the picture isn’t where I’d be inserting something, it’ll be underneath the trackpad to get it to come up snug with the edge if that cutout for the trackpad, in effect, trying to remove that gap.

Other than that, I’m not aware of any other requirements for the trackpad to be fully operational.

Let’s get some more eyes on this - @PeterOz @Pyro @xrobwx71

[PeterOz]

Thanks - it’s a new trackpad and it’s definitely the correct one for my model of laptop

Is this the 13" laptop?
Could you please show us the model trackpad you purchased.
Either parts number or web link.
The trackpad does sit a bit lower but not as far as yours.
may be that the cover needs replacing.
However, it is a cost that I cannot say will fix the problem.

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005005197591988.html

[leon1127]

@Bruce That’s indeed what I did - I tried to put a piece of a credit card underneath, which did make it snug, but did not fix the click issue - it simply had less mobility and still didn’t produce the click effect, so when I had the laptop open again I removed the piece of card.

@PeterOz Indeed it’s the 13 inch laptop. I purchased the 13N0-UMA0501 Asus UX310U Touchpad Board (See: 13N0-UMA0501 VOOR ASUS UX310U Touchpad-KAART - AliExpress 7 )

I’m wondering if replacing this cover is easy enough to do at home? Is it similar level of difficulty as replacing the trackpad? Looks like I’d have to remove the whole motherboard as it sits on that front cover… I want to be absolutely sure before doing something like that

[Bruce]

I have a healthy respect when it comes to tearing down laptops, my Achilles Heal are those darn ribbon cable sockets and their little locking tabs.
Plus, no two laptops brands are the same, and they even change with models, so there is no hard and fast lessons to learn, it’s learn as you go.

But yes, in general, if you got to the stage of swapping out the trackpad, you only need to dig (literally) a bit deeper to take out the motherboard. Just layout out the screws in a pattern that gives you a clue as to where they go, I’ve noticed the length can change.

[PeterOz]

I want to be absolutely sure before doing something like that

As I said I cannot be sure that will fix your problem.
Click On Me for video
Not an easy job for a novice. Take pics and as Bruce said layout screws as the length will vary.
@Pyro @xrobwx71 any ideas?

[xrobwx71]

I’m wondering if replacing this cover is easy enough to do at home?

This would be the next step if after inspecting the inside of the cover, there is no damage, protrusions or burrs that could be obstructing the click action. These could be filed or sanded.

[leon1127]

I want to be sure before doing this but it seems that’s not possible…so do I order a new cover of the case? I.e. the part with the keyboard and that covers the trackpad edges and see if replacing it does the trick?
I wanted to keep it as a last resort, but beyond bringing it to a PC repair shop (and potentially paying a fortune), I don’t know what else to do

[PeterOz]

Did you see the video in post #10?

[leon1127]

Yes, thanks, the video will be very helpful! I think that I could do it - I guess I will order the new keyboard part of the case and see if it fixes my problem.

[PeterOz]

No Promises.
If you use the pad without the surround does it work?
Make sure the surround is for your model.