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Surface Go 2 and 3 Kickstand Replacement Component Disassembly and Reassembly

  • Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11

Warning

Review the General Safety Precautions and Battery Safety guidelines in their entirety before proceeding with any repair steps.

Important

Read this Guide in its entirety before starting any repairs. If at any point you're unsure or uncomfortable about performing the repairs, as detailed in this Guide, DO NOT proceed. Contact Microsoft for additional support options.

Warning

Failure to follow the instructions in this Guide, use of non-Microsoft (nongenuine), incompatible, or modified replacement parts, and/or failure to use proper tools could result in serious injury, death, and/or damage to the product or other property.

Prerequisite Steps

Steps outlined in this section should be conducted prior to starting any repair on a Surface device.

  • Power off device – Ensure the device is powered off completely and the battery has been fully discharged. Refer to the Repair-specific precautions and warnings section for guidelines. Once discharged, the device should be disconnected from all power sources.

  • ESD Prevention – Ensure ESD prevention steps and general guidelines are followed prior to opening the device. Refer to the ESD Prevention section for guidelines.

  • Position Device – To prevent damage to the device, ensure the device is placed on a clean surface free of debris.

Kickstand Replacement Process

Preliminary Requirements

Important

Be sure to follow all special (bolded) notes of caution within each process section.

Required Tools and Components

  • Tools:
    • 3IP (Torx-Plus) driver
    • Soft ESD safe mat
    • Microfiber cloth
  • Components:
    • New Kickstand FRU (FRU includes new 3IP screws)

Prerequisite Steps

  • Power off device – Ensure device is powered off and disconnected from a power supply.
  • General Safety – Check to make sure that general guidelines and ESD compliance steps are followed prior to opening device. Refer to Repair safety guidelines for details.
  • Verify device model number – Ensure the model number on the new kickstand FRU matches the model number on the backside of the device.

Procedure – Removal (Kickstand)

  1. Place device screen-down on soft ESD safe mat. Ensure mat is clear of any abrasive material that may scratch the Touch Display Module (TDM) glass.
  2. Extend the kickstand to approximately 90°.

Screenshot that shows a Surface device placed screen-down on an ESD-safe mat with the kickstand extended to approximately 90°.

  1. Remove hinge screws – Using the 3IP (Torx-Plus) driver, loosen all four hinge screws by 2-3 rotations. With the screws loose, use your finger to hold the back of the kickstand behind each hinge while fully removing the two hinge screws. Ensure screws don't fall into the hinge opening.

Screenshot that shows a technician loosening hinge screws with a Torx-Plus (3IP) driver on the kickstand hinge.

  1. Lay Kickstand Down – Lay the kickstand flat against the IBC. Be careful not to jostle the kickstand in this position as it may cause abrasions on the IBC.

Screenshot that shows the kickstand laid flat against the internal back cover (IBC) of the device.

  1. Angle hinges Down – Using your thumb or index finger, push both hinges down from 90° to approximately 30°. This requires a great deal of force. If necessary, place the microfiber cloth between your finger and the hinge for comfort. Be careful not to push the hinge all the way into the bucket as it will be difficult to pull back out.

Screenshot that shows a finger pushing both hinges down from 90° toward approximately 30° to release the kickstand.

  1. Remove Kickstand – Using the palm of your hand, firmly hold the device down from the center of the IBC. Simultaneously, grip the kickstand off-center between your thumb and index finger and firmly pull. Pull with a moderate amount of force until the foam inserts slide out of the device. If the kickstand is stuck, ensure it isn't caught on the hinges.

Screenshot that shows a technician pulling the kickstand off-center to remove it and slide the foam inserts out of the device.

Procedure – Installation (Kickstand)

Important

Use caution when handling new kickstand assembly to avoid cosmetic damage of the kickstand and the device. The Surface Go 2 kickstands aren't compatible with the original Surface Go.

  1. Insert Foam Tabs – With the hinges still at ~30° start to slide the new kickstand’s foam tabs into the slots on the back of the IBC. Foam should slide in with minimal force—don't crumple the foam by using excess force.

Caution

Don't use any tool or sharp object to assist inserting the tabs into the slots. Only the tabs should be inserted. Doing so could damage internal components.

Screenshot that shows inserting the new kickstand's foam tabs into the slots on the back of the IBC.

  1. Lay Kickstand Down – Lay the kickstand flat against the IBC. Be careful not to jostle the kickstand in this position as it may cause abrasions on the IBC.

Screenshot that shows the new kickstand laid flat against the IBC after the foam tabs have been inserted.

  1. Angle hinges Up – Using your thumb or index finger, push both hinges up from 30° to approximately 90°. This requires a great deal of force. If necessary, place the microfiber cloth between your finger and the hinge for comfort.

Screenshot that shows a finger pushing both hinges up from approximately 30° to about 90° during installation.

  1. Install hinge screws – Flip the kickstand up to approximately 90° such that the threaded holes of the kickstand align with the mounting holes of the hinge. Install the hinge screws in the order shown below with the 3IP (Torx-Plus) driver. Ensure screws don't fall into the hinge opening. Use your finger to hold the back of the kickstand behind the hinge while installing the screws until they're fully seated. Verify the kickstand is properly aligned and seated in the hinges, then tighten the screws another ~quarter turn (~90°).

Screenshot that shows the recommended order for installing hinge screws and aligning the kickstand threaded holes with the hinge before tightening.

Diagram of the hinge screw positions and tightening sequence for final kickstand installation.

  1. Final inspection Kickstand installation – Fold down the kickstand and peel off protective plastic from the kickstand and logo if present. Verify the side edges of the kickstand are aligned with the midframe walls and that there are no obvious steps/gaps between the kickstand and the IBC. Wipe the device thoroughly (including under the kickstand) with the microfiber cloth to remove all fingerprints.
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