G4 iMac - neck extension disengagement

[CooperBox]

Has anyone ever seen this problem on a G4 iMac?
The model in question is a 17" 1.0GHz (PowerMac6.1) model. A strip of plastic material has become dislodged from its location within the neck extension.

In the next shot, I have partially re-inserted the plastic strip, but as it's springy it tends to 'auto-dislodge' due to it's shape. One can clearly see that the left-hand side of the 2 half neck extension pieces is not firmly seated, (gap present). If I had an adequately spaced 3-pronged tool, I feel that some tightening would be possible on the left-hand round fastener. Not the easiest of tasks as the opposite r/h fastener would have to be retained to prevent it's rotation, plus a third hand to push & maintain the dislodged plastic strip back into position.

Incidentally the iMac performs perfectly, image & sound ok etc, so there doesn't appear to be any damage to wiring within the neck.
I've never removed a screen or neck assembly, and hope it won't be required.
I've located a pdf service manual which is very detailed, explains how to remove the neck assy etc, but there is no mention of any further disassembly of the retaining fasteners and removal of the 2 half neck-extension pieces.
If required I will make a three-pronged tool (x2) to re-tighten the l/h fastener. Anyone passing through here to lend a third hand...........
Anyone with any experience of this problem? Any comments welcome.

 

[kge420]

My very limited experience with the necks is that it is a complete assembly. I don't think it is meant to be broken down into separate parts. I have replaced a neck in the past and it's not difficult, just involved. It's a great opportunity to see the engineering involved in these machines.
[doublepost=1490402725][/doublepost]Also the two halves of the neck look to be separating. The joints on my neck are very close/touching.

 

[CooperBox]

Yes I'm sure you're right about the neck being a complete assembly and not designed to be tampered with, otherwise there would be some further info in the service manual. I'm intrigued to know how it's configured inside, but won't be tearing into it for fear of having springs(s) disengaging.
Hopefully this weekend I'll get a chance to rectify the observed anomaly.

 

[kge420]

Yes I'm sure you're right about the neck being a complete assembly and not designed to be tampered with, otherwise there would be some further info in the service manual. I'm intrigued to know how it's configured inside, but won't be tearing into it for fear of having springs(s) disengaging.
Hopefully this weekend I'll get a chance to rectify the observed anomaly.

I have a broken one. I'll attempt a teardown with photos. Watching out for loaded springs of coruse.
[doublepost=1490713825][/doublepost]

I have a broken one. I'll attempt a teardown with photos. Watching out for loaded springs of coruse.

take a look at this method for disassembly:https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/yet-another-nuc-imac-g4.154776/page-2

 

[spf2]

Looking forward to see any updates from this thread. I have a 17" with a sagging neck which I have neglected to fix/replace. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from you guys.

 

[kge420]

I used an allen key of the correct size for the hole in the bolt, cut it and locked it against itself.

Looks as if the right hand side of spring cover does not contain the spring assembly.

Black spacer removed. There's 4 of these.

The neck bolts removed.

LH side of the neck contains the spring/mechanics

This was easy to take apart. reassembly looks like it's not too bad either.
Hope this helps.

 

[CooperBox]

Many thanks for this. It's VERY helpful. Now I understand how those seals should fit, and re-assemble.
All I need before attacking mine is to find the time between a fan relube/re-pasting on a 20" G4 iMac, and re-assembly of a 12" PowerBook. If I succeed with the latter I think I might earn the just title of 'midwife fingers'. There's not much room inside those little devils........

 

[kge420]

I did a clean/lubrication of my iMac G4 fan and a thorough cleaning of the dust bunnies that had set up shop in there. Completely silent machine now. I cleaned the fan axle shaft with electronic parts spray prior to lubricating.
Tricky part of the reassembly of the neck looks like stretching the spring over the mounts. If possible leave the left hand side intact.

 

[CooperBox]

I did a clean/lubrication of my iMac G4 fan and a thorough cleaning of the dust bunnies that had set up shop in there. Completely silent machine now. I cleaned the fan axle shaft with electronic parts spray prior to lubricating.
Tricky part of the reassembly of the neck looks like stretching the spring over the mounts. If possible leave the left hand side intact.

I see you have a 20" G4 iMac. Do you have any experience on removing connectors from the logic board? (Ref my latest topic query). https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/g4-imac-20-logic-board-connector-problem.2039566/