Microsoft / Razer squeaky scroll wheel fix

[j_chatelain]

I have a Microsoft Habu mouse that made the most annoying squeak whenever the scroll wheel was moved. I searched the interwebs for many hours trying to find a solution. I found a lot of people with the same problem, but no real answers. The only fix I found were suggestions to rma the mouse or just buy a new one. I bought my mouse new off eBay, so I couldn't return it, even though the squeak developed after only a few weeks. So, I took matters into my own hands and disassembled the mouse.

After staring at the guts for about five minutes, I realized what the problem was. The LED light that makes the wheel glow blue was actually touching the side of the wheel, causing it to scrape against it and emit that awful squeak. Using a razor blade, I gently bent the light back a few mm, and lo and behold, the squeaking ceased!

I thought I'd post this fix for anyone out there who has the same problem, and like me, couldn't fine an answer. I would assume this fix would work with most Razer mice as well.

 

[spanner_razor]

Is the squeaking very noticable as mine does squeak a bit, It hadn't really bothered me that much as it works. Pop in some info about how to take off the case without damaging anything.

 

[j_chatelain]

Is the squeaking very noticable as mine does squeak a bit, It hadn't really bothered me that much as it works. Pop in some info about how to take off the case without damaging anything.

Yeah, it was very noticeable - it could be heard quite clearly from the other room. Also, the wheel moves smoother now.

Taking it apart was fairly easy. There is one screw holding the top part on, and it is located under the rear gliding pad thingy. I used my fingernail to remove it, and it stuck back on with no problems. Once the screw is out, just separate the top from the body, and you have a clear view of everything.

Putting it back together was a bit trickier though. First, watch out for the flexible light piping, as it can get caught in the wrong place. The top didn't want to fit back into place until everything lined up right (which I'm still not sure what the trick was..). Once everything was lined up, I just snapped it back into place, replaced the screw, stuck the pad back on, and was finished. Took about 15 minutes all together. Most of that was spent putting the top part back on.

 

[mamw93]

My Razer Deathadder, Lachesis, and Mamba don't do it.

 

[tilted]

Thanks for the tip, OP! I had the same problem with the LED bulb touching the scroll wheel. I didn't have to take the mouse apart, though - a thin screwdriver can fit between the wheel and the bulb. The bulb seems not to be sliding back, and the squeak (plus it being hard to scroll) has gone away.