Asus ROG Ally Left Fan Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace a broken or faulty left fan in your Asus ROG Ally. This is the fan that's on the left-hand side when you're using your device. You can also use this guide to clean the fan.

If your fan is spinning slowly, making loud noises, or isn't spinning at all, you may need to replace it.

Before purchasing a new fan, it's a good idea to remove your current fan and clean off any dust and dirt that may have gotten into it—it's possible this is the problem. If your fan is still having problems after cleaning it, you'll need to get a replacement.

Tools

Step 1

Let your device's battery drain below 25% before starting this repair—a charged lithium‑ion battery may catch fire if damaged.
Completely power off your device and unplug all cables.
Consider laying your device on a soft cloth to prevent scratching or damaging the screen during your repair.

Step 2

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the five 17.2 mm‑long screws securing the top edge and bottom corners of the back cover.
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to fully loosen the remaining captive screw at the center of the bottom edge. This should create a small gap between the back cover and chassis.
Don't try to remove this screw.

Step 3

Insert the flat edge of an opening pick between the bottom edge of the back cover and chassis, near the captive screw.
Angle the pick upward and push it under the back cover.

Step 4

Plastic clips secure the perimeter of the back cover. You should feel and hear them release during this step.
Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge and around the corners of the back cover to release the clips securing it.
Keep the pick at an upward angle under the back cover to help release the clips.

Step 5

Lift the bottom edge of the back cover off the chassis to release the remaining clips.
Remove the back cover.
During reassembly, lay the back cover onto your device and firmly push down around the perimeter to engage the clips.

Step 6

Use your fingers to peel up and remove the black plastic cover between the fans.
Put the cover aside—you'll use it during reassembly.

Step 7

A metal locking bar secures the top edge of the battery connector
Use the flat end of a spudger to gently push the locking bar away from the connector to unlatch it.

Step 8

Make sure the locking bar is not covering the battery connector at all, or you may damage the socket and the locking bar.
Insert the flat end of a spudger under the center of the battery connector.
Lift the connector straight up and out of its socket to disconnect the battery.
During reassembly, use your fingers or the flat end of a spudger to firmly push the connector onto its socket until it clicks into place.

Step 9

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the battery:
Two 9.6 mm‑long screws near the center of the top edge
The screw near the left speaker has a warning sticker on it. Pierce through it with your screwdriver or use tweezers to remove it.
Two 3.4 mm‑long screws at the left and right edges

Step 10

With one hand, hold the ribbon cable that runs along the top of the battery out of the way.
With your free hand, lift the battery straight up and remove it.

Step 11

The left fan will be on your right-hand side since your device is laying upside down.
Insert the point of a spudger between the tape on the upper edge of the fan and the heatsink foam.
Slide the spudger under the length of the tape to separate it from the foam.
During reassembly, press the tape back into place to secure it to the heatsink foam.

Step 12

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the 9.6 mm‑long screw securing the left fan.

Step 13

Gently lift the fan and set it on top of the heatsink foam so you can access the fan cables.
Be very careful not to strain the cables, as they can easily be damaged.

Step 14

Be very careful not to scrape off or damage any of the components on the motherboard during the next two steps.
Use tweezers to peel up and remove the piece of tape securing the fan cables to the motherboard.
Put the tape aside. You'll use it during reassembly.

Step 15

Use angled tweezers to pull the fan cable connector straight out of its socket.
If you're having trouble, gently rock the connector side-to-side to help loosen it.