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FIX: PN50A650 Glass Falling

8212 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by staatsof, Jan 27, 2022

Hybrid AWD

Discussion Starter · Feb 10, 2014

So like so many other people: My glass started sliding down on my Samsung PN50A650 plasma tv I purchased nearly 5 year ago (I think it was 2008).

After doing some reading and trying to round up a solution I came up with no detailed answer. So I figured I would tackle it over the weekend and take pictures along with doing a little write up on what I did to fix it. In no way does this mean it's the "right" way but honestly it was a piss poor design by Samsung and they won't take ownership of the problem. I think they realize it's not worth the hassle since it could very well happen again.

On to the repair.

For starters, it takes two people to fix the tv. I'm sure you could do it solo but seriously, grab a buddy. Secondly, the bezel comes off (unlike what other people claimed). Mine came off after removing the 10 phillip head screws.

The picture below shows double sided (white) tape on the TV. All the double sided tape does is holds the bezel flush to the metal trim pieces.

The bezel has pieces the stick out which slide into the slots of the metal trim (surrounding the glass). These "tabs" actually hold the glass in place. There are soft cushions on each metal trim piece which the glass sits on.

Now you know how it was designed, here is what happens. The TV gets hot, the double sided tape gets old and the bezel starts to loose it's grip with the tape. The bezel will then pull away from the metal trim pieces which also pull the tabs out from the slots. Now the glass starts to slide. This blocks the sensors and causes a gap above the tv.

Below you can see where the glass slid down. This is the gap you see.

There is two remedies I put in place to help "fix" the issue and eliminate it from happening again. First I purchased some 3M "indoor/outdoor" double sided tape. It's super strong and has great bonding properties and will bond with just about anything. On top of that it comes in at almost the right length (maybe only 3" wasted). I did not cut it in half. I left it wide and applied in just like it came out of the box. I made sure that I pushed down on the tape to ensure a good bond with the metal trim piece.

Also, be sure to remove the previous double sided tape... don't be lazy.

The next part to help was using aluminum tape on the glass and attaching it to the metal trim on the top side. It's durable, it can resist the heat of the plasma, and it does not cause any issues what so ever (at least so far for me). You do not see the tape when the bezel is back in place (obviously).

Once I installed the tape and made sure it was a good bond, I double checked the double sided tape and then we lowered the bezel back into place. With a few good firm presses on the lower bezel to make sure the double sides tape bonded to the bezel we put the tv back upright and put the screws back in place.

The tv works great and I expect plenty of life to remain out of the tv. It's wall mounted and there has been zero issues since the fix (fingers crossed). Samsung didn't want anything to do with me and the repair which doesn't surprise me for the age of this TV. They pulled the "it's normal wear and tear".... which is so bogus.

I hope this helps others out there who might run across this issues. It's seriously no big deal to fix. Just be patient, take your time and think about what you are doing. The hardest part was making sure everything went back together smoothly and in the right position. Personally I wasn't a big fan of laying my plasma on it's back, but it had to be done.

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Patent Penguin

· #2 · Feb 11, 2014

Great job! I had a few Qs before attempting the fix on my Samsung 58" plasma.

1. How did you take it apart and then place it on your table? I understand that the problem can only be fixed if the screen is layed flat, facing up. Is it possible to (A) remove the back metal cover while the unit is in its normal vertical orientation, and then lay the unit with the glass screen flat facing up? OR...(B) Did you first lay the unit flat, with the screen facing down (in order to unscrew the back)? The reason I ask this is because since the screen glass has shifted downwards, doing option (B) could damage the glass screen when the weight of the unit rests on the shifted red plastic bevel tabs that pulled away from the unglued metal frame.

2. Can you be more specific as to the model of double sided tape and aluminum tape used, and where did you purchase them?

3. How come you didn't apply the aluminum tape across the entire length of the glass?

Thanks in advance,

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Patent Penguin

· #3 · Feb 13, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patent Penguin /t/1516987/fix-pn50a650-glass-falling#post_24344425

Great job! I had a few Qs before attempting the fix on my Samsung 58" plasma.

1. How did you take it apart and then place it on your table? I understand that the problem can only be fixed if the screen is layed flat, facing up. Is it possible to (A) remove the back metal cover while the unit is in its normal vertical orientation, and then lay the unit with the glass screen flat facing up? OR...(B) Did you first lay the unit flat, with the screen facing down (in order to unscrew the back)? The reason I ask this is because since the screen glass has shifted downwards, doing option (B) could damage the glass screen when the weight of the unit rests on the shifted red plastic bevel tabs that pulled away from the unglued metal frame.

2. Can you be more specific as to the model of double sided tape and aluminum tape used, and where did you purchase them?

3. How come you didn't apply the aluminum tape across the entire length of the glass?

Thanks in advance,

I went ahead and got the service manual for the unit.

To answer my own Qs:

1. Since the front screen in my unit had slid down, I had to first slide the front screen up to try to reposition the front screen within the red plastic guides of the bezel. If you dont do that you run the likely risk of breaking the plastic bezel screen guides/tabs or the front screen! To take apart the unit, you first have to unscrew it from its base. THEN, with the help of a second person you lift it off its base and rest the unit display side down (you cant rest it display side up because the thin metal back cover cannot handle so much weight.

The disassembly requires the help of the service manual (for example to separate the back metal panel there are some screws that are not obvious to remove). However, once you have the back cover removed, the service manual is not very detailed and there are several disconnections you have to make before you can lift and separate the tv hardware panel from the bezel containing the front panel fixed within the bezel. For example, viewing the panel from the back, you will have to unscrew the power module card on the lower left corner as well as disconnect the left speaker. There is also a long cable that runs along the bottom plastic rail that is glued (or used to be glued) to the bezel; you have to disconnect this cable before lifting. You can't fully disconnect the right speaker so keep it resting on a safe area atop of the tv control panel. But the goal is to remove the aluminum frames that the speakers attach to (because there are hidden screws underneath that have to be removed). The screws to disconnect once you remove the back panel are generally indicated by either white or black protuberances adjacent to them and lie generally at the perimeter. A tip for you is to get snack zip loc bags and individually number and name them as you disassemble the various stages.

Samsung's design for the bezel would be acceptable, but they put it together in a shoddy way. For example, you will notice that the surface of the lower white rail that is glues by double sided foam tape to the red bezel is not perfectly flat; rather it is sort of has an obtuse crossectional "v" shape to fit flush with the underlying bezel. Samsung applied one strip of tape along the middle of the surface and covered the slits through which the red bezel alignment tabs go through! So of course, the bezel wasnt snugly attached because the tabs were blocked and arguably being pushed back by the white foam of the applied tape!

2. I used 3M automotive tape #6384 (5-yd roll) sold at O‘Reillys auto parts bc of its high bonding strength, high temp resistance, and it is cut to the right strip width so you can apply two strips along the obtuse "v" shaped survace.

3. I had no need to use the aluminum metal tape suggested to hold up the front display panel. As long as your front panel is securely placed within the bezel's alignment tabs and the four plastic rails glued to the bezel are securely glued with high temp automotive glue, you should be allright. Lastly, before reassembling, ensure that you dont leave prints or particles on the inside portion of the front display panel. Moreover, ensure that the plasma screen panel is also clean and free of any dust or particles (use a vacuum but dont use any brushes; just apply the suction near the panels).

Good luck!

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Hybrid AWD

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 14, 2014

Sorry I didnt see your reply.

I unscrewed the back panel while a friend held the tv in the upright position. I then removed the back black cover and laid the tv on its backside. With the tv laying down, I then removed the screws holding on the front bezel. I didn't attempt to move the glass at all because I was afraid of shattering it. Once the bezel was off my friend and I carefully picked up the glass and set it off to the side.

The only reason I used the aluminum tape was to ensure that if the front bezel did indeed come loose from the double sided tape the glass would not slide. I honestly don't think it's going to come loose in the next 5 years, it feels very solid.

Thanks for your input on fixing your TV. Seems like there was a lack of "how to" on this very common problem with the A650's. hopefully our posts will help additional people as well.

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Hybrid AWD

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 2, 2014

4 month update:

Well the fix is no longer a fix. The TV glass slipped down yet again sometime within the last few days.

I am starting to think this TV cannot be wall mounted. I'm going to fix it again and take it off the wall to see if the glass falls again.

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melkia

· #6 · Dec 11, 2015

Hybrid AWD said:
4 month update:

Well the fix is no longer a fix. The TV glass slipped down yet again sometime within the last few days.

I am starting to think this TV cannot be wall mounted. I'm going to fix it again and take it off the wall to see if the glass falls again.

did you ever find a real solution to this problem? I am going through the same thing. I had a tv repair guy fix it and within a week it was exactly where it had been previously i lost a 100 bucks

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hpp8140

· #7 · Dec 11, 2015

You're probably OK, but might want to be sure the aluminum tape is not conductive in any way.

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topraider

· #8 · Mar 6, 2017

I know this is a older article but my Samsung PN50A650, I had it mounted up on the wall when I bought
new at the time, so I was moving about 2 weeks ago the glass fell like Hybird AWD said. I read his post did everything he
did on disassembly and prepping the frame remove all the double sided tape which was very hard on the one side of vertical mounted plastic piece the glue came off inside the frame. But after cleaning everything and was reading the article I notice the 3M tape you used. So I decided to go online and found 3M makes a stronger tape it's called 3M VHB Tape 4941 it is specifically made for mounting electronics and other application very expensive bought a roll on Amazon for $25.18.
I used the 3/4" wide and for bottom mount I laid across and used a knife to open the hold for the tabs to go through the
holes the tape that was originally on there was 1/2" tape. On the top mount I cut the tape in half. I guess i will find out in
4 months if it will works?..... But maybe by that time TV won't work. This is a great TV I love the picture on this plasma.

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Goodguywon

· #9 · Jul 29, 2019

topraider said:
I know this is a older article but my Samsung PN50A650, I had it mounted up on the wall when I bought
new at the time, so I was moving about 2 weeks ago the glass fell like Hybird AWD said. I read his post did everything he
did on disassembly and prepping the frame remove all the double sided tape which was very hard on the one side of vertical mounted plastic piece the glue came off inside the frame. But after cleaning everything and was reading the article I notice the 3M tape you used. So I decided to go online and found 3M makes a stronger tape it's called 3M VHB Tape 4941 it is specifically made for mounting electronics and other application very expensive bought a roll on Amazon for $25.18.
I used the 3/4" wide and for bottom mount I laid across and used a knife to open the hold for the tabs to go through the
holes the tape that was originally on there was 1/2" tape. On the top mount I cut the tape in half. I guess i will find out in
4 months if it will works?..... But maybe by that time TV won't work. This is a great TV I love the picture on this plasma.

I followed the suggestions on this post but have a few additional suggestions:

First: do purchase the higher end 3M tape as suggested, it’s available on amazon.

Second: fully disassemble the cover, and inside top, bottom, both side rails and speakers. Remove the wire as recommended earlier.

Third: have a friend assist with lifting the component cafe from the chassis. it is rather heavy and be prepared for tape being stuck in multiple locations.

Fourth: lay down the assembly on some clean paper, or box. Try to have a dust free area.

Fifth: remove all tape (completely, don’t miss one speck) then clean the entire surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. This will help the glue on the tape to bond to the plastic surfaces.

Sixth: fabricate some sort of clamping system to squeeze the tape to the two surfaces and wait 72 hours for the glue on the tape to fully bond. I used a 2x4 with a towel on the front panel and 2 of the TV wall mount brackets inside to crest my clamp surfaces. Then I lightly clamped everything and patiently waited the 72 hours. Then, I allowed another 48 hours for the glue to cure while not being clamped.

Last: reassemble everything and enjoy the results.

I’m 6 months down the road since the repair. My TV Is hanging proudly on the wall and the glass has not moved. I believe the use of alcohol on a pristinely clean surfaces was important, and after speaking with the 3M rep, the wait time while clamped, then unclamped made the difference.

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I surely would not have achieve my results without the earlier steps and results I read about. I hope to have a lifetime of use before the glass falls again!

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Goodguywon

· #10 · Jul 29, 2019

Goodguywon said:
topraider said:

I know this is a older article but my Samsung PN50A650, I had it mounted up on the wall when I bought
new at the time, so I was moving about 2 weeks ago the glass fell like Hybird AWD said. I read his post did everything he
did on disassembly and prepping the frame remove all the double sided tape which was very hard on the one side of vertical mounted plastic piece the glue came off inside the frame. But after cleaning everything and was reading the article I notice the 3M tape you used. So I decided to go online and found 3M makes a stronger tape it's called 3M VHB Tape 4941 it is specifically made for mounting electronics and other application very expensive bought a roll on Amazon for $25.18.
I used the 3/4" wide and for bottom mount I laid across and used a knife to open the hold for the tabs to go through the
holes the tape that was originally on there was 1/2" tape. On the top mount I cut the tape in half. I guess i will find out in
4 months if it will works?..... But maybe by that time TV won't work. This is a great TV I love the picture on this plasma.

Click to expand...

I followed the suggestions on this post but have a few additional suggestions:

First: do purchase the higher end 3M tape as suggested, it’s available on amazon.

Second: fully disassemble the cover, and inside top, bottom, both side rails and speakers. Remove the wires as recommended earlier.

Third: have a friend assist with lifting the screen assembly from the chassis. It is rather heavy and be prepared for tape being stuck in multiple locations.

Fourth: lay down the assembly on some clean paper, or box. Try to have a dust free area.

Fifth: remove all tape (completely, don’t miss one speck) then clean the entire surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. This will help the glue on the tape to bond to the plastic surfaces.

Sixth: fabricate some sort of clamping system to squeeze the tape to the two surfaces and wait 72 hours for the glue on the tape to fully bond to the surfaces. I used a 2x4 with a towel on the front panel and 2 of the steel TV wall mount brackets inside to create my clamp surfaces (nothing that will flex). Then I lightly clamped everything using four clamps and patiently waited the 72 hours. Then, I removed the clamps and allowed another 48 hours for the glue to cure while not being clamped.

Last: reassemble everything and enjoy the results.

I’m 6 months down the road since the repair. My TV Is hanging proudly on the wall and the glass has not moved. I believe the use of alcohol on a pristinely clean surfaces was important, and after speaking with the 3M rep, the wait time while clamped, then unclamped made the difference.

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I surely would not have achieve my results without the earlier steps and realized results. I hope to have a lifetime of use before the glass falls again!

I’ll be following this thread to see if anyone else achieves the same results.

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staatsof

· #11 · Jan 23, 2022

Goodguywon said:
I’ll be following this thread to see if anyone else achieves the same results.

I'm about to give up or fix this but my gap at the top is about 1 inch and it has split the side of the case which I'm hoping to glue. But before attempting this I'm wondering if your valiant efforts have stood the test of time?

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staatsof

· #12 · Jan 25, 2022

I also wonder why the double side tape is used. Since it has failed for so many why not use a good silicone caulk?

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staatsof

· #13 · Jan 27, 2022

Well I tried contacting this repair service place as they sounded promising but unfortunately the owner couldn't understand what I was saying and kept mishearing what I was sayin. After second phone call I finally got him to understand what the issue was but unless it's a new screen to install he won't get involved. Sometimes people are so friendly and helpful back here in NYC metro ... not!

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