Cracked Bottom Base

[kpang12]

I recently bought a new HP laptop, upon updating and installing all my programs i realized that there was a crack on the bottom of the laptop, there the rubber mounts. I am wondering if this crack will affect the structural integrity of my laptop and if its possible to buy a replacement base or for me to send my laptop in to HP for them to replace the base.

Everything else on the laptop seems to work fine. 

Thanks

[Huffer]

You can buy a replacement but installation is a very big project as you basically have to rebuild the laptop. Also the part will not be cheap and I cannot speak for Warranty coverage but quality control is pretty good and I am sure when it was placed in the box it had no crack. To make a claim with the shipper you would have had to do so immediately I am afraid. Its hard to say how serious the crack is without a picture but if it is not near anything that moves and is small (short) you likely could use the laptop forever like that with no ill effect. A picture would help make that assessment.  

[kpang12]

Sorry, here is a picture of the crack 

[Huffer]

Does it go all the way through the plastic? Can you flex the plastic on either side of the crack? You would not want to use model glue or superglue but a fine line of rubber cement on top of the crack would stabilize it or a piece of that clear tape you see on tv ads. Flex Tape I think it is. The electronic components inside are not at risk uless you set it down in a puddle and somehow liquid seeps through. The crack might be prone to expansion however as you flex the case by opening and closing the lid and carrying it around. 

[kpang12]

Yeah, it goes all the way through it...

I dont really mind paying for a replacement (depending on cost)  if the damage is too serious but if it doesnt affect the strength of the laptop then I probably wouldnt replace it as i dont really see it while in use

[Huffer]

The cost would shock you. The part might be $150 or so and the labor would be even more than that so maybe $350-400. As I said the laptop needs to be completely disassembled and rebuilt. 

[kpang12]

Is there any permanent cheaper solution to avoid further cracking apart from buying a new base?

[Huffer]

The adhesive bond would do it. If done carefully it would be hard to detect since it is a clean straight line. 

[kpang12]

What would be the best type of adhesive for the plastic on the base?

[Huffer]

Superglue would work for this purpose but you should apply very sparingly along the crack line.  The bottom cover is removeable. See p. 35 of the Manual here:

Manual

I would remove the bottom cover and do the repair from the inside and let it dry/harden completely before putting the cover back on. If you don't want to use Superglue that piece of clear sealing tape I was talking about could be put over the crack on the backside and would seal it from anything coming in and would keep the crack from spreading.