Need Tips on Repairing a DC Power Jack for a Laptop

[palindrome]

I haven't done much soldering/desoldering on circuit boards since my computer engineering days in college. I plan on using a 5W-40W Weller iron along with a desoldering wick to remove the old joint. So, here are my questions:

- What size wick should I be using for something on this scale?
- Where can I find a decent quality desoldering wick with flux?
- What type of solder should I use (and where can I find some)?

If what RadioShack has available will do the job, I'll just grab what I need from there. Also, any helpful hints would be appreciated.

 

[PottedMeat]

- What size wick should I be using for something on this scale?

you can really use any wick, i use this from fry's: http://www.frys.com/product/2530331?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

i hold the iron on top of the wick and as it takes up the solder i pull the wick until the amount of solder has been removed.

even at 40W you will be heating the solder for quite a while as it is probably lead free ( higher melting point, as well as a large mass being on the power plane )

- What type of solder should I use (and where can I find some)?

Use regular 60/40 tin/lead solder or silver lead solder, don't bother with lead free - in my experience it takes much longer to heat.

 

[palindrome]

Should I get flux to encourage the solder to flow? Or should I apply excess solder first (since it has some flux already) and do it that way?

Is this solder okay?
http://www.frys.com/product/4455326?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[PottedMeat]

Should I get flux to encourage the solder to flow? Or should I apply excess solder first (since it has some flux already) and do it that way?

Actually either method would work, though I'd probably just put some paste or liquid flux on the wick. Making sure the tip is clean ( shiny, no dirt or soot ) will go a long way to making this easier and quicker.

edit: ^ yeah that solder you liked above is fine.

 

[palindrome]

Thanks for the help and advice. I just wanted to make sure I had the best tools for the job. I'm usually pretty good at stuff like this as long as I have the proper stuff.

 

[Bryf50]

Have you opened the laptop up? A few weeks ago i did the same repair thinking I was gonna have to solder the new one to the circuit board. Turns out the jack wasn't on the board, it was just wired to it which made the repair easier. Not sure if this is common.

 

[palindrome]

Have you opened the laptop up? A few weeks ago i did the same repair thinking I was gonna have to solder the new one to the circuit board. Turns out the jack wasn't on the board, it was just wired to it which made the repair easier. Not sure if this is common.

The power jack is adjacent to the network and 56k modem ports. I'm guessing its on the motherboard, which will require a full tear down. I don't want to take it apart until I have all of the stuff to go ahead and replace the jack so I don't lose the screws or forget where things go.