Tablet · Microsoft · Surface RT
Microsoft Surface RT Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Microsoft Surface RT
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set (T4, T5 Torx)
- Plastic opening tools
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Tweezers
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Heat gun or iOpener
- Suction cup
- Spudger
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free microfiber cloths
- Replacement display adhesive strips
Safety
- Disconnect the battery immediately after opening to prevent electrical short circuits.
- Wear safety glasses while cleaning corrosion with isopropyl alcohol.
- Use an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic damage to sensitive board components.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Unfold the Kickstand
1 minFlip out the built-in kickstand completely to expose the mounting screws along the bottom edge.
- 2
Remove the Kickstand Screws
2 minUse a T5 Torx driver to remove the screws securing the kickstand hinges to the lower chassis.
- 3
Pry Off Plastic Camera Bezel
3 minInsert a plastic opening tool under the plastic top strip near the camera and pry it off.
- 4
Remove Top Chassis Screws
2 minRemove the hidden T5 Torx screws located beneath the plastic camera cover strip.
- 5
Heat the Display Edges
4 minApply warmth around the glass perimeter with a heat gun to soften the strong screen adhesive.
- 6
Slice Display Adhesive
5 minAttach a suction cup to the glass and slice through the peripheral adhesive with plastic opening picks.
- 7
Open the Screen Assembly
2 minGently swing the glass assembly open from the right side to reveal the internal layout.
- 8
Disconnect the Battery Cable
2 minUse a spudger to unplug the battery connector from the motherboard immediately to cut power.
- 9
Disconnect Display Ribbon Cables
3 minUnsnap the display and touch digitizer connectors from the motherboard and set the screen aside.
- 10
Unscrew the Motherboard
4 minRemove all T4 and T5 Torx screws anchoring the motherboard assembly to the aluminum frame.
- 11
Remove the Motherboard
3 minDisconnect the remaining interconnect cables and lift the motherboard out of the casing.
- 12
Pry Off Metal EMI Shields
4 minUse tweezers to carefully unsnap the thin metal shields covering the integrated circuit chips.
- 13
Scrub Corrosion with Isopropyl Alcohol
10 minSoak a soft toothbrush in 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub away all liquid residue and corrosion.
- 14
Clean Internal Housing and Connectors
5 minWipe down all ribbon cable ends and housing contacts with alcohol and a microfiber cloth.
- 15
Air Dry Motherboard
1 minLeave the motherboard in a warm, ventilated area to dry completely for at least 24 hours before reassembly.
After your Microsoft Surface RT water damage repair
Power the Surface RT back on and test the water damage repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Microsoft Surface RT job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Microsoft Surface RT repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
