Installing Macbook Air SuperDrive Optical Drive

How to replace the PATA 12.5mm optical drive in the Macbook Air SuperDrive.

  • Author: Alex Jansen
  • Time required: 15 to 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x

A simple guide to replacing the optical drive in the external optical drive sold by Apple for the Macbook Air. If your optical drive breaks, use this guide to replace it.

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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Optical Drive  ¶ 

  • To open the SuperDrive we must remove the lower case.

  • The lower case is attached by 8 clips.

    • 6 along the sides

    • 2 on the back

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Insert a metal spudger down between the black lower case and the aluminum upper case.

  • Lightly pry back to gently lift the clip out of place, just far enough to disengage.

    • Don't lift to far, or the clip on opposite side of drive will be wedged in place.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Repeat Step 2 for each of the 8 clips.

  • Continue until all of the clips have been disengaged and the lower case is free.

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