Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Midframe Replacement

Written By: Ted Park
  • Comments: 5
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Midframe Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

6

Time Required

5 - 10 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the metal midframe on the interior of the Kindle Fire HD 8.9". Removing this metal casing is a prerequisite for replacing most of the Kindle Fire HD's internal components.

  1. bkbEhyiXZ1HjKZ4C
    bkbEhyiXZ1HjKZ4C
    gPtwNbXUYPDcx3LA
    BTCfm1oDvMG3DyM3

    • Insert a large plastic opening tool next to the Kindle's headphone jack.

    • Make sure the notch on the plastic opening tool is facing the back of the Kindle.

    • Move the plastic opening tool evenly around the Kindle, separating the two halves.

    • Be careful not to completely separate the rear cover. There are two delicate flex cables that connect the display assembly to the motherboard.

    Getting the SIM card dummy plug out a real challenge. Broke off one end. Seems this part was never intended to be removed.

    Bob Steger -

  2. En1T3mMhf3MtTQOA

    • Set the Kindle down on the rear case.

    • Holding the display assembly near the camera, carefully open the display assembly up to about 90 degrees from the rear case.

    • These images show the Kindle laying flat. In order to prevent damage to the flex cables, keep the Kindle open at 90 degrees while disconnecting the display assembly.

  3. IyOjwXpAigmDHn1s
    IyOjwXpAigmDHn1s
    Ai1asMaRQKIdSJLM
    EfBUsZv31oTnkMwG

    • Lift the retaining flap on the ZIF connector of the upper flex cable.

    • Gently pull the cable out of its socket.

    • This flex cable is delicate. Be careful not to crease or bend it while working.

    This is very delicate. The flap is very easy to break off. Remove the yellow tape on both these connectors and replace with ordinary plastic tape upon reassembly. If you don't tape them you'll pull them apart working on the other. A helper to hold the assy is a good idea.

    Bob Steger -

  4. RTnuHjAGGrSRL6cX

    • Separate the display assembly from the rest of the device.

    • When reassembling the device, align the two halves of the case before connecting the flex cables.

  5. gjKYWwHecqaS1Xqi
    gjKYWwHecqaS1Xqi
    YfRr52rmAwthY1GK

    • Remove the following sixteen screws from the metal midframe on the rear of the device:

    • Four 3 mm Phillips screw (located in each corner of the device - noted in red in the diagram)

    • Four 3 mm Phillips screws (surrounding the ports - noted in orange in the diagram)

    • Eight 3 mm Phillips screws (located around the body of the midframe - noted in yellow in the diagram)

    The screws are next to the ports, not the camera.

    Joshua Feist -

  6. DjUX1nEXyevr4sBD
    DjUX1nEXyevr4sBD
    As3HuBvOKwd4yyxA

    • Carefully remove the metal midframe.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Ted Park

Member since: 11/01/13

34 Reputation

2 comments

I suggest not removing the cables (steps 3,4 and 5) because it seems impossible to reconnect them.

Tom Wood -

Those are ZIF connectors—flip up the locking tab to release the cable, and you can remove/reinsert it freely.

Jeff Suovanen -