Nokia N80 loose slider fixed! No tools required!

A

akerfolks

New member
Okay, I did a search on this forum and couldn't find any good solution to fixing the slider problem other than opening the N80 and trying to tighten some screws. So... I may have the first easy solution to fix the N80 loose slider problem. Here is the deal:

I actually stumbled upon this by accident. You know those clear crystal hard cases you can buy on eBay, well I've bought a few of them from different sellers. Consequently, I found that those cases aren't all exactly the same. Long story short, I found that if I combine the back cover from one case set with the front cover with another case set, I get a nice tight fit that causes resistance when I slide the phone open. This is because the lips of both cases that allow them to snap to the phone contact each other. It's a perfect resistance!

I'll try and describe the two different cases so you guys know how to spot the difference so you too can find the right combination. First, you'll want to have the back cover of the one that only exposes the lens, lens switch, and flash. You can recognize it because the "hole" on the back plastic cover is L shaped.

Now that you've found your back piece, here is how to find the right front cover: You'll want to look for a seller whose back cover has a round "hole" as opposed to the L shaped "hole" I described above. Now remember, you're not interested in using this back cover, you just want the front cover to use in conjuction with the L shaped back cover as I explained above. I would have described the front cover for you guys, but you won't be able to spot any visual differences by looking at pics on the Internet. It is the back covers that will allow you to identify the different ones.

If I get a chance tonight, I'll try and take some pics of the two different cases.

The thing I don't know is how many different types of cases are made. That might be a problem if there are more than two. I may have just gotten lucky to find the right combo. Maybe someone out there know how many different types of cases are made.

I'm at work today, but I'll try and check this forum a few times today to answer questions. Good luck!

Shizane101
 
Hehe.
Nice post.
I've been using the two-part sliding silicone covers from day one.
Perfect resistance AND gecko-like grip ... the N80 sure is perty, but she's pretty slick too - and she'll drop outa yer mit as soon as look at ya !
 
I've used the crystal covers with my N80, and it does seem to eliminate a lot of play in the slider. Then again, I did open up my N80 and bend the metal tab up a bit, so my slide was already pretty tight.

I've tried a silicone skin, but it kept slipping off the phone and made it hard to fish out of my pocket.

I ordered a rubber housing off eBay, and I want to try that and see how well it goes (probably make it just as hard to get out of my pocket though, eh?).
 
Where did you purchase them? If you bought them from ebay, maybe you can tell us the seller? Or maybe give an example by using one from ebay?

Looks like its about time I try out the plastic covers ...

Edit: Like these?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270047785260 (L)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300044379629 (circle)
 
Okay guys, sorry I didn't get a chance to post pics. Had a family emergency. Anyway, I'll try again tonight when I get home to post pics. I'll look back on my eBay feedback to see if I can recall the two sellers.

nk au,

I check out the links you left tonight to see if those are the right two. Our server here at works blocks us from accessing eBay.... go figure
 
Those plastic covers are useless. They scratch the bottom of your slider (between the keypad and the rear slider corners).. causing the silver plastic to peal away. I've dumped mine. I've got a brand new OEM replacement black housing anyhow.
 
Okay, as I promised here is a pic. I couldn't find the back piece that is the circle one (must have thrown it away), but this is the back piece you need to create the resistance. In fact, I find that even without the front piece on, you still have a good amount of resistance just due to the lip from the cover that wraps around the phone to create the necessary lock it needs so it doesn't fall off.

The post by nk_au with the links are exactly the correct combination. Use the back piece of the "L" shaped one and the front piece of the "circle" shaped one. If you don't want to spend the money to buy them both, just buy the "L" shaped one first and this might be all you need.

Regarding the post about the cases scratching the phone, I haven't had any issues and have been using them for about 3 months. I love them. When I took the case off to take the picture, my phone still looks brand new since it is totally covered. I couldn't recommend these more.
 
Good post. But my connection is the opposite of yours. With the circle cover for the back and the front cover coming from the one with the L shaped back. The crystal lips dont meet at all but its still effective in making the phone slide stiffer. I wouldnt be without my crystal covers for the world. I have no scratched on my phone and they have lived in their crystal shell for the past 4 months. Phone looks brand new when they are removed. And i expect a good price when i upgrade to n95 due to its immaculate condition.
 
its called friction.. cuz da case is quite thick, da edges of it sit in between the slider (top screen part) and the lower (keypad part).

No use really. Aint a proper fix. Had opened my N80 to pull up the metal slider holder. Kept it tight for sometime. Has gone lose over time again. Going to consult NSC sometime soon.
 
Been there done that, at the Nokia Service point they told me it is normal for this kind of slider. Without the play it wont work, they told me.

******** I think but what can you do? Every N80 has some play in the slider, think you got to life with it.
 
Yeah I know, my brother has one. That is how it's supposed to be. Well a friend of mine has a other Nokia slide-phone (can't remember which) but that is of the same quality as the Samsung sliders..
 
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