Signs your Apple PowerBook G4 17" M9970 needs this repair
- Lid won't stay open or flops back
- Screen wobbles or feels loose
- Cracking or clicking sound when opening
- Case splitting near the hinge
- Screen flickers when the lid moves
- Lid is very stiff to open or close
How we fix your Apple PowerBook G4 17" M9970
Hinges usually fail because the mounting points in the case crack or the screw posts break away. We replace the hinges and repair the mounts so the new ones stay secure.
We also check the display cable that runs through the hinge. A worn cable is often why the screen flickers as the lid moves, and it's cheaper to replace now than after it fails.
How long it takes
Most hinge repairs are done the same day or the next working day, depending on parts.
Good to know: Open the lid from the middle, not one corner. Twisting the lid is the main cause of hinge damage.
Final 17-inch PowerBook G4, sold from October 2005 to April 2006 with a 1680 by 1050 display and dual-layer SuperDrive. More about the Apple PowerBook G4 17" M9970
Common questions
Does a broken hinge affect the screen?
It can. A loose hinge lets the lid flex, which can crack the screen and wear out the display cable.
Can you fix a cracked case around the hinge?
Yes. We repair broken mounting points, or fit a replacement case section if the damage is too severe.