Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Repair guides for the MacBook.

3786 Questions View all

Options

MacBook 2010 Unibody Lower Case = Bent?

I recently opened my 2010 Macbook to find that it was no longer level on a flat surface. It teetered when I pressed down on the bottom, left surface. Moreover, the lower case looks bent, but I am having a great deal of difficulty discerning whether it is the case or the display. If pressed, I would say it is the lower case, but it has been pointed out to me that the lower case would be extremely difficult to bend without breaking or shattering. I am attaching two poor pictures, which were the best I could do (unfortunately).

http://imgur.com/AQ1CV

http://imgur.com/MkHwp

My question(s):

Which part would you say is damaged? Is the lower case actually bent? I know my pictures are poor, but I would accept anyone's best guess.

Also, what are my options? Is it worth getting it repaired?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
Add a comment

2 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

The lower case is bent, the very bottom. You probably carry this in a back pack with other things in it or similar to have caused this. Who ever pointed out to you that it would be extremely hard for that to happen with out breaking or cracking doesn't know much about polycarbonate, the material the case/shell is made of. Unlike most thermoplastics, polycarbonate can undergo large plastic deformations without cracking or breaking. As a result, it can be processed and formed at room temperature using sheet metal techniques, such as forming bends on a brake. Even for sharp angle bends with a tight radius, no heating is generally necessary. If you have interest you can read more about polycarbonate here.

I would replace the lower case. That warpage is not going to be good on the logic board. It is causing it to flex too. I would also buy a rigid case to put the laptop in to prevent this from happening again.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 3

2 Comments:

Thanks for the reply! Just to be clear, would you say that these are the parts I would need?

1. MacBook Unibody (A1342) Lower Case

2. MacBook Unibody (A1342) Upper Case (I presume that I need to replace this, since it seems like it is bent as well. At least, that would seem to be why the display isn't closing completely.)

And do you think the logic board is damaged? It seems to operate without any issues, but I haven't really stress tested it or anything since the bend.

Thanks again for your help.

by

That is the part you need, I've seen it go for $70 USD or less on eBay. I do not believe it has caused logic board damage yet, it has the potential to.

by

Add a comment

Options

From the pictures the palmrest appears to be bent. When you buy the palmrest it will include the keyboard as they are not removable on these models. They are not too terribly expensive.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Macbook-Un...

I have ordered from this vendor many times and they are trustworthy. Take your time with the replacement and all will be well.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0

1 Comment:

First of all: Thanks for replying!

Would that explain why the laptop is no longer stable on a flat surface? It teeters if I press down on one of the corners. That would seem to suggest that the lower case is also bent, wouldn't it?

Thanks again!

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Tom Philmore will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 0

All Time: 2,422