Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 Water Damage Repair
Complete guide to Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 water damage repair. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Water Damage Repair is one of the most common repairs for Microsoft Surface Laptop 5. This repair involves replacing the damaged recovery component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 2-4 hours and requires difficult skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
🔩 Replacement Parts
What You'll Need
- Replacement recovery part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare your laptop for disassembly
Allow your laptop's battery to drain below 25% before starting this repair. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged.
Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.
Step 2: Flip the laptop over
Close the screen and lay your laptop down with the rear case facing up to access the four rubber feet.
Step 3: Feet removal information
Each foot has a recess to help pry it from the laptop:
The back feet recesses are closest to the back edge of the laptop.
The front feet recesses are closest to the front edge of the laptop.
Step 4: Remove the feet
Insert one arm of your [product|IF145-020|tweezers] into the recess of one of the feet.
Twist your tweezers and pry up to separate the adhesive and unclip the foot from the laptop.
The feet eject very quickly—be careful not to lose them.
Remove the foot.
Repeat this process on the remaining feet.
Step 5: Reassembly information
This laptop has two different types of feet. During reassembly, make sure the feet go in their correct recesses.
The [link|https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/nRXquFykTJSTSOKs.full|new_window=true|rear feet] have a single center clip.
The [link|https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/LLKrVTNdRdy2pLKd.full|new_window=true|front feet] have three clips and can only be reinserted one way.
Press the feet into their recesses to secure them to the frame.
If the existing feet no longer adhere to the frame, remove the old adhesive and apply a small amount of [link|https://www.ifixit.com/products/tesa-61395-tape|new_window=true|Tesa Tape] where the old adhesive was.
Step 6:
If the feet are damaged or worn out, use [link|https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Dampening-Adhesive-Furniture-Hemispherical/dp/B08JH3RZPN/ref=sr_1_4?crid=20JARCXB10662&keywords=8mm%2Brubber%2Bfeet&qid=1673902628&s=hi&sprefix=8mm%2Brubber%2Bfeet%2B%2Ctools%2C121&sr=1-4&th=1|new_window=true|8 mm rubber furniture pads]:
Peel a pad away from its backing.
Align the pad over a foot cavity and press down to secure it.
Step 7: Unfasten the upper case
These screws strip easily. Apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3 mm screws securing the upper case.
Throughout this repair, [https://www.ifixit.com/products/fixmat|keep track of each screw|new_window=true] and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Step 8: Open the screen
Flip your laptop over and fully open the screen.
Step 9: Lift the upper case
The upper case is secured by magnets.
Grip the top edge of the upper case above the keyboard and lift straight up to release it.
Don't try to completely remove the upper case, as it's still connected to the laptop by a cable.
Lift the bottom edge of the upper case up and away from the laptop, taking care to not strain the ribbon cable underneath.
During reassembly, lower the upper case onto the lower case until the magnets snap into place and it lays flat.
Check that the upper case sits flush around the entire perimeter. Any gaps between the upper and lower case near the screen could damage the screen as it closes.
Step 10: Disconnect the keyboard and touchpad cable
The keyboard and touchpad cable connects the upper case to the laptop.
Insert the pointed end of a spudger under one edge of the magnet connector and pry up to disconnect it.
To reconnect the cable, align the magnet connector over its socket with the cable facing the bottom of the laptop. Press down on the connector to secure it.
Step 11: Remove the upper case
Remove the upper case and set it keyboard-side down on a clean surface.
Step 12: Unfasten the SSD
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 2.7 mm screw securing the SSD.
With the screw removed, the SSD pops up at a shallow angle.
Step 13: Remove the SSD
Removing the SSD also [guide|127277|functions as a battery disconnect|stepid=247760|new_window=true].
Pull the SSD out of its socket and remove it.
Don't pull up at a sharp angle, as this could damage the SSD and its socket.
During reassembly, insert the SSD at a slight angle.
Step 14: Reassembly information
Your SSD has thermal paste that forms a bond to the upper case.
During reassembly:
Use the flat end of your spudger to scrape away old thermal paste from the top of the SSD and the underside of the upper case.
Apply a few drops of highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (over 90%) to the SSD and upper case. Wipe away the residue using a lint-free or [product|IF145-284|microfiber cloth].
Replace the thermal pad with one that's the same size as the SSD sticker.
Alternatively, you can [guide|744|apply a bead of thermal paste|stepid=4032|new_window=true] directly to the SSD's label. Use the dot method with a bead slightly larger than the screw head securing the SSD.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $60-$240)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($100-$400)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 270 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 generates 280 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 10 kg of CO₂. That's a 96% reduction in carbon emissions!
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