How to: Roller ball stuck

[linden122]

Anyone know how to fix or maybe even clean the roller ball for the Blackberry 9000 Bold. Need help.

[BlackBerryBob]

Originally Posted by linden122

Anyone know how to fix or maybe even clean the roller ball for the Blackberry 9000 Bold. Need help.

A good way to clean the trackball is to rub some rubbing alcohol on the ball with your finger. DO NOT use a q-tip. It's a good idea to do this often. If it's not moving at all, use a can of compressed air and shoot a couple of shots into the assembly. Becareful and don't put the air too close, it may do some damage.

If you plan on taking the trackball assembly apart, you may want to purchase a backup first. They are a #$%! to put back together. (at least mine was)

[pakman92]

cnn.cn has a video on taking the phone apart to get to the trackball. If you are brave enough, you may want to give it a try.

[bubba_84120]

I trimmed a drinking straw so there was a 1/4" "finger" at the end. That fit down inside very well and got the gunk out.

Here's to hoping for the fancy optical pad soon!

[jasonlitka]

What I do is take an LCD monitor wipe, let it sit out and dry for a few seconds to the point where it doesn't drip after a mild squeeze, turn my phone upside down, and then rub the wipe over the ball. This way the little bit of liquid on the wipe doesn't get inside the phone.

[gbuhler]

Originally Posted by bubba_84120

I trimmed a drinking straw so there was a 1/4" "finger" at the end. That fit down inside very well and got the gunk out.

Here's to hoping for the fancy optical pad soon!

this worked FABULOUS!!! Thank you.

[K1drobt]

If it doesn't move in a direction, press down on the trackball all the way down firmly and roll it around in every direction. This would cause the piece of lint or whatever to be dislodge

[bberry726]

Originally Posted by bubba_84120

I trimmed a drinking straw so there was a 1/4" "finger" at the end. That fit down inside very well and got the gunk out.

Here's to hoping for the fancy optical pad soon!

I can't thank you enough for suggesting this! I was about an inch away from my bold with a screwdriver ready to rip it apart and the straw idea was a miracle!

[ckeller07]

I'm impressed. I was about to go to drcellphone.

30 secs w/ a straw - and it's fixed. A piece of soda straw goes in my travelbag.

Thanks

[c5karl]

Another endorsement of the straw method: I tried alcohol swabs, and that only seemed to make the trackball angry. But the straw method worked like a charm. Thanks for the tip!

[MisterObvious]

There is a thread on how to use a paper strip in the Tour section. I tried it and it worked great.

[Starchest]

I am not a native english speaker, can someone please explain the straw method to me?

[HyTrojan]

+10 on the "Straw Method". My Bold 9000 has love for me again.

[Snock]

Originally Posted by Starchest

I am not a native english speaker, can someone please explain the straw method to me?

Originally Posted by bubba_84120

I trimmed a drinking straw so there was a 1/4" "finger" at the end. That fit down inside very well and got the gunk out.

Here's to hoping for the fancy optical pad soon!

[luqman24]

Or u can push down your trackball and roll it at the same time. Works for me

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