HP Envy Broken Hinges Absurd Amount of Money for replacement parts to fix design flaw

[Huffer]

While you are at it google MacBook Pro hinge issues, too. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. That brand thing again. 

I have repaired a lot of these and glue will work for a while but the stresses are just too much for glue. That is why I found your suggestion of loosening the hinge bolts so insightful. 

[Adam32]

I have known many people that have had apple products and they have all had good luck with them and when they have problems the company is responsive, that is just my experience, brand matters, I want to do business with a company that stands behind their products, I will find a suitable replacement when the time is right, with a company I feel comfortable with.

[Adam32]

Your computer may look like this if you are having the same issue I had:

[Adam32]

Some information on Laptop hinges:

https://www.quora.com/How-durable-are-laptop-hinge  

FYI, there are more comments below the screenshot but they do not pertain specifically to HP

[Huffer]

The link does not work and this diagnosis is not right. The plastic does not become brittle through heat. Its the fact that the hinges are too "tight" and require too much force to open and close. It is actually a fairly intricate engineering problem but obviously should have been figured out by the industry. The problem has become much more acute in recent years as laptop design is all about making them thin and light.  

[Adam32]

Here is some more information on the topic, there are more comments if you follow the link:

https://www.quora.com/How-long-do-laptop-hinges-normally-last

[Adam32]

Here is an excerpt from a post that has been removed two times, the author is trying to give his personal experiences on laptop hinges and purchase advice so you do not have problems and can make a good investment when you buy a computer: 

[Adam32]

In searching for a replacement laptop when the time is right I have found a school of thought stating that overall that the "business class" of laptops are better built than "consumer grade" of laptops and gaming laptops are in a league of their own. So I wanted to research the rest of HP's line that would be in my budget range as until now the Envy had been a great computer, the only issue is the hinge issue and that is a deal breaker for me. I started looking into the Omen to and I stumbled accross this thread, it as well seems to have hinge design issues which is a bummer. I hope this information helps anybody that is having hinge issues with their Envy and looking for a replacement. 

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Notebooks/2016-HP-Omen-Hinge-Issues-POST-EM-ALL-HERE/td-p/61895...

[Adam32]

If you own an Envy be proactive so you don't end up like this fixing it yourself is quite possible and the only realistic option for people on a budget:

[Adam32]

Here is a link for instructions about replacing a touchscreen digitizer (it covers taking the back cover off which you need to do in order to fix your own hinge problems) on an HP Envy, I do not know exactly what model it is (The pics look the same as the Envy 15-j series) if you own an Envy you should know how to take it apart and loosen the hinges / clean the fan etc. Taking apart a laptop is not bad really. I just use a decent set of small screwdrivers meant for laptops or small items (I bought the Wiha precision set from Amazon just do a quick search if you need a decent set) and I use a razor blade for a box cutter to separate / pry the case halves as it gets into the creases well and are fairly robust for prying, just be very careful with it not to take a chunk out of anything or yourself. 

Here is a link for the instructions: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/HP+Envy+TouchSmart+15+Digitizer+Replacement/62191

One thing to remember: Some person put it together, you can take it apart, you have the power to solve this hinge problem before it becomes a problem by loosening the pre-tension on the hinges. If they break you can perform the fix I did and you do not need to send it in or buy a new one until you are ready.

Happy fixing!