MacBook Unibody Model A1278 Optical Drive Replacement

  • Add Note x
  • x 35

This guide will show you how to replace the SuperDrive from your laptop (requires a SATA SuperDrive).

first image

Add Note Edit Step 1 — Access Door  ¶ 

  • With the case closed, place the Unibody top-side down on a flat surface.

  • Depress the grooved side of the access door release latch enough to grab the free end. Lift the release latch until it is vertical.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • The access door should now be raised enough to lift it up and out of the Unibody.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 3 — Battery  ¶ 

  • Be sure the access door release latch is vertical before proceeding.

  • Grab the white plastic tab and pull the battery up and out of the Unibody.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 4 — Lower Case  ¶ 

  • Remove the following eight screws securing the lower case to the chassis:

    • One 3 mm Phillips screw.

    • Three 13.5 mm Phillips screws.

    • Four 3.5 mm Phillips screws.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Using both hands, lift and remove the lower case off the upper case.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 6 — Optical Drive  ¶ 

  • Using the flat end of a spudger, pry the subwoofer connector straight up off the logic board.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Disconnect the camera cable by pulling the male end straight away from its socket.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to pry the optical drive connector straight up off the logic board.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Remove the two Phillips screws securing the subwoofer to the upper case.

  • The longer of the two screws is on the right.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • The subwoofer is still connected to the right speaker, so don't completely remove it just yet.

  • Lift the subwoofer off the optical drive, and set it above the computer.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Remove the two Phillips screws securing the camera cable bracket to the upper case.

  • The leftmost screw may remain captive in the camera cable.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 12  ¶ 

  • Remove the three 2.5 mm Phillips screws securing the optical drive to the upper case.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 13  ¶ 

  • Lift the optical drive from its right edge and pull it out of the computer.

  • The hard drive cable may become disconnected from the logic board when removing the optical drive. Ensure it is connected during reassembly.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 14 — Optical Drive Replacement  ¶ 

  • Remove the optical drive cable by pulling it straight away from the optical drive.

  • This connector is particularly deep, so be sure to pull away from the drive at the center of the connector.

  • If you have a CD or any other object jammed in your optical drive, we have an optical drive repair guide.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the MacBook Unibody Model A1278 device page.

Did you successfully follow this guide?

Notes Add Note Notes are offturn on