My Problem

The Left fan had failed and the laptop was running extremely hot.

The keyboard was missing the left shift key and the arrow keys were not working.

My Fix

First, I got the parts (new fan and new keyboard), and both were correct for my model.

Second, I downloaded both installation guides. I noticed that the first seven steps of each were identical. Same pictures and everything. At that point, the instructions got specific to the repair. Since the first seven steps were involved in getting the components completely exposed and accessible, I decided to perform both repairs at once. (ordinarily, I would do one at time to verify correct installation before moving to the next repair, but I didn't see much value in reassembling the entire case again).

Followed the directions (and the pictures were spot on for identifying the right items) and the repair went flawlessly. Took my time and when I got it all back together, the whole thing worked like new. New parts weren't cheap (Mac never is), but it was a LOT less expensive than taking to the Mac store.

My Advice

Print the instructions and keep them handy. Also, in this case, since the pictures had some color coded circles identifying parts, print it color if you can. Assures accuracy.

If you have them, use a magnifying lamp or one of the hands free magnifying glasses. These parts can be very small and unless you are really young (I'm 65) with acute vision, this helps.

The flat cables on the MB are held in place by a clamping connector. the instructions say to pop the connector up. What they don't tell you is they connector bar is hinged. So pry it up gently. Otherwise, you can pop it off completely, and if you break the tiny hinge, you can end up with a much bigger problem.

A really close-up image of those connectors would reveal that. It's also why I would recommend some form of magnifying glass (hands free, either table mounted or worn on the head). You will see how the connector is hinged and that will make releasing and reconnecting the cable more reliable.

The spudger is useful, but for popping up the cable clamp, it seemed too thick to easily get between the MB and the bottom of the clamp. I ended up using a very small knife blade to lift the clamp. Otherwise, I would think sanding down the blade of the spudger a bit would allow it to better fit under the clamp. However, you don't want to sand it too much as it would weaker the tip.

while the case was open, I noticed a lot of dust has accumulated on the inside. I used an air compressor to blow it out. Using a can of compressed air is good, too, and would reduce the risk of running too high a pressure across the small cables and tape in the unit. Either way, since the case is fully open, take a minute to dust off the inside.

When I was done, it worked great. Quiet, cool, and all the keys were functional. Cleaned the case and screen (from three years of my daughter's dorm life), and was like a new machine.

A huge tip of the hat to IFIXIT for a great service and a great experience.

My Problem

Got a MacBook Pro from Ebay, and it was making a terrible fan noise.

My Fix

The instructions were great. The first attempt, though, I failed to properly seat the fan's power cable. So I opened it up again and got it on the second try.

My Advice

Pay special attention when you connect the new fans power cable to the logic board.

My Problem

Left fan sounds like a helicopter

My Fix

My boyfriend did it. So very easy for me!

My Advice

Don't wait to fix. I listened to that stupid noise for far too long

My Problem

A scratching fan. Could not hear my own thoughts

My Fix

Super - just fine.

My Advice

Check out carefully the serial number on your MACBOOK Pro. Very important for the right fan.

My Problem

Well my left fan startet to make a grinding sound that just gon on my nerves. As we all know the MBPs are all really quiet (at least as long as the fan isn't running full speed), but mine was grinding away and driving me crazy so I looked for the cheapest and most trustworthy provider of this hardware and viola ifixit was there to help.

My Fix

Well I've replaced my HD and repaired a dent in my right speaker grill, so I already knew how to take my MBP apart (if I remember correctly the first time I did it though, it was using a How-To from ifixit). My main problem was the fact that I didn't have the right tools to remove the Torx screws that were holding the fan in. So I ended up taking a small strait screwdriver and a hammer to really get it into the screw. With a racing pulse I gate the screwdrive a few good taps, tried it for grip and it fortunately worked.

Now everything is back to how it should be and I am happy.

My Advice

If you're not a total klutz, then trust yourself, you'd be surprised at what you may accomplish.

My Problem

My right fan started making ridiculously loud noises, it would even wake me from sleep when I left it on overnight.

My Fix

Super easy, first time I've ever worked on a laptop (usually just replace desktop parts). Took about 30 minutes of time total from taking it apart to getting it up and running again.

My Advice

Make sure to remember to buy a Torx screwdriver. I had a set of Torx and didn't check the size, ended up way smaller than what I had. Quick trip to Fry's fixed the problem but would have been better if I ordered at the same time as the parts.

My Problem

MacBook Pro 15" 1260 - logic board defective and audio jack broken off in the left I/0 audio port.

My Fix

Replaced both fans - left I/0 board and logic board using ifixit guides. Guides were superb, repair done in no time and machine working perfectly. I replaced a 2.5 board with a 2.6 and have a slightly faster machine too!

My Advice

No too difficult - just be methodical and follow the instructions in the guides.

My Problem

Fans where getting chatty and time to upgrade the hard drive

My Fix

Not a single problem - the guides where spot on and replacing 2 fans and the HD didn't take 45 minutes.

My Advice

Follow the guides to the letter, get the right tools to do the job and you wont have a problem

My Problem

My left fan was making so much noise that a friend started calling my MacBook Pro a diesel engine.

My Fix

Thanks to ifixit for the step-by-step guide, the repair process went smooth. No more annoying sound.

My Advice

Nothing new to add to the repair guide. Just be sure and follow the guide and you will do well.

My Problem

Left cooling fan started to make noise and after cleaning it still did so i ordered both new fans.

My Fix

Thank god there is a website like ifixit.com to give you advice and parts too.

My Advice

Actually not. Just opened website and watched tutorial.