Powerbook G3 Lombard stiff hinge fix

ArjenCNX

Tinkerer
Oct 20, 2025
68
64
18
Hi there everyone,

I have figured something out that i wanted to share, i have here a Power book G3 Lombard with very stiff hinges, very tricky to fix these things, and if you do not fix them, they tend to break.

My fix is simple, i remove the display (instructions to be found on Ifixit) open the LCD up, and then remove the hinges, i heat up the outer side (you can remove the inner hinge part that screws in to the laptop base, by pulling it out) then I add silicone spray oil. due to the temperature dropping when i spray the air inside contracts and the silicone oil gets drawn in. after the hinges are looser, as in I can just about move them while still un-assembled which was impossible before this treatment.

after this i re-assembly the unit and the lid closes with a reasonable amount of force applied. (pretty much like new)

I used Silicone spray for this, very thin silicone oil. seems to work well!
 

AlpineRaven

New Tinkerer
Oct 9, 2025
19
6
3
Ive done the same with you - on PowerBook G3 wallstreet & PDQ, iBook Clamshell & iBook plus PowerBook 1400 as well - as soon you feel stiffness its time to oil it otherwise you will end up damaging the hinges to begin with!.
Cheers
AP