Installing MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Hard Drive Cable

Replace a broken hard drive cable.

Use this guide to replace a hard drive cable that is torn or has broken connectors.

Sections
Tools
Relevant Parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Lower Case  ¶ 

  • Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:

    • Three 13.5 mm Phillips screws.

    • Seven 3 mm Phillips screws.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Wedge your fingers between the lower case and the vent, and lift upward to release the clips holding the lower case to the upper case.

  • Remove the lower case.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Battery  ¶ 

  • Whenever working near the logic board, it is always wise to first disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits.

  • Grab the plastic tab attached to the battery connector and pull it toward the front edge of the device.

  • Pull the tab parallel to the face of the logic board.

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Add Note Edit Step 4 — Hard Drive  ¶ 

  • Remove the two Phillips screws securing the hard drive bracket to the upper case.

  • These screws are captive to the hard drive bracket.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Remove the hard drive bracket from the upper case.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Use the hard drive's pull tab to lift it out of the upper case.

  • Don't try to completely remove the hard drive just yet! Its cable is still connected.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Pull the hard drive connector away from the body of the hard drive.

  • Remove the hard drive from your MacBook Pro.

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Add Note Edit Step 8 — Hard Drive Cable  ¶ 

  • Remove the following four screws securing the hard drive cable assembly to the upper case:

    • Two 1.6 mm Phillips screws securing the shield that covers the hard drive cable connector.

    • Two 2.2 mm Phillips screws securing the hard drive cable connector to the upper case.

  • Remove the shield from the logic board.

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Required Tools

Spudger

$2.95 · 50+ In stock

Phillips #00 Screwdriver

$4.95 · 50+ In stock

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