Ok I have a Vzw 8830. I am a CrackBerry addict. So naturally my trackball gets dirty. Me being the perfectionist I wanted to clean it. I used a air can didn't work. Used alcohol, didn't work. Then it started to stick. So I went hunting and found a solution (and a neat trick). So I want to share my findings with the CrackBerry world.
Ok I assume this will work for all trackball models (88xx, 83xx, 81xx) but I may be wrong. It DOES work for the 88xx. The process is fairly simple but it requires some dexterity. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU COMPLETELY JACK UP YOUR BERRY. I'M JUST TELLING YOU WHAT I DID. DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.
So what I did/ achieved is:
A) Cleaned the Trackball so its white
B) Cleaned the insides so its not sticky
C) Colored the LED so the TrackBall is another color than white (you do not need to do this for the 81xx it has colored LEDs).
What you first need to do is remove the silver plastic ring around the trackball. What you'll need is a small screwdriver or something with a small tip. NOT A KNIFE, I repeat don't use a knife because it might damage the mechanism. I used a small phillips screwdriver.
Once off (there should be 3 prongs on the ring: left, right, bottom). Set it aside for later. You should see the trackball mechanism. To pop it out just face the Berry down and pop it out. It should just fall out easily with minimal force. Its held in by a magnet.
Now you have a clear opening to the insides (you should see the LED). Take a cotton swab with alcohol on in and clean the insides. MAKE SURE THE BERRY IS OFF!!! There you go now it should not stick.
If you want to change the color. Just take a marker. I used a sharpe and color the LED. THIS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. I got mine blue. Pretty. Lol
Now if your crazy like me and want a white trackball here you go. This is where you need to be careful and very delicate. Take the trackball mechanism and look at it. You should see these black rollers that are on each corner (clean these too). To remove the trackball take off the metal ring on the top (CAREFULLY). Two halfs should separate and you should be able to remove the trackball. Now pop the trackball in vinegar and warm water and salt around half and half with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for at least an hour or two. NOTE: when you pop out the trackball the rollers might pop out too. Don't worry the can pop back in they are just tricky due to the fact its magnetic. So after you clean the trackball wash it with alcohol and pop it back in. Put the metal ring back on the right way (there are 2 ways) make sure the little holes on 2 of the sides of the metal ring are secure. The put the mechanism back inside the BlackBerry. Put the plastic ring back on and there you go good as new. Turn it on and enjoy!!!
You have to remove the trackball out of the mechanism if your going to put it in the vinegar solution. Due to the salt. It might rust the metal ring or worse.
If you have any questions or need help here is my pin.
pin:30185abd
Thanks and good luck!
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
Last edited by abhorredlife; 08-02-2007 at 08:46 PM.
Reason: ...added pictures.
If you want me to take photos I will its no biggie. Lol. And I'm pretty sure it does void the warrenty. However I doubt they can tell you cleaned it by popping the trackball out. If you color it. They will know. Idk for sure though. anyone from RIM?
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
When posting, there is a section for 'manage attachments', add them there. But, you really should get them on your pc somehow. It would make it easier to just attach to the post...
Same works on an 8300(curve).
After only a week with my phone it wouldn't scroll right anymore, so
I had to pop mine out and clean it.
I'm worried about breaking the tabs on the outer plastic ring though.... does anyone know where I can get a replacement or two, just in case?
I think everyone here needs a helping of hand soap. I have had mine for a while now and the ball still looks clean...LOL
Yeah it struck me as kinda funny too. Some people must just have extremely oily hands that attract dirt.
I've always sprayed Windex into a soft towel and wiped my cell phone down every morning. That always keeps everything clean.
You'd think an occasional wipe down with Windex would avoid any buildup. Would seem to make more sense to do that than to pry your phone apart and void your warranty in the process.
How to remove and clean your trackball 
great job 
Linear Mode
