MacBook Core 2 Duo Upper Case Replacement

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Jul 17, 2019 - 01:14:58

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Newer

Introduction

Changing the top case will also give you a new trackpad and keyboard.

Note: the ribbon cable is fragile but replaceable, it is connected with a ZIF socket under the touchpad.

What you need

Step 1 Battery

MacBook Core 2 Duo Upper Case Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 1

Use a coin or spudger to rotate the battery-locking screw 90 degrees clockwise.

Step 2

Lift the battery out of the computer.

Step 3 Memory Cover

MacBook Core 2 Duo Upper Case Replacement, Memory Cover: step 3, image 1 of 1

Unscrew the three evenly-spaced Phillips screws from along the rear wall of the battery compartment.
The screws are captive to the metal memory cover so you cannot lose them.
Using The Flexible Extension sold by iFixit will help with this step.

Step 4

Grasp the right end of the L-shaped memory cover, then pull it towards you so it clears the battery compartment opening.
Lift the memory cover up and out of the computer.

Step 5 Upper Case

MacBook Core 2 Duo Upper Case Replacement, Upper Case: step 5, image 1 of 1

Remove the following 3 screws:
One 11 mm Phillips#00 in the middle of the case. (Head: 5mm dia. x .75mm thick)
Two 14.5 mm Phillips #00 (Head: 5mm dia. x .75mm thick)
If the screws stick in the case, you can use a magnetized screwdriver to draw them out.
The shorter of the three screws goes in the middle.

Step 6

Take extra caution with these screws as they can strip easily!
Remove the following 3 screws from the rear wall of the battery compartment:
One 3 mm Phillips #0. (Head: 2.75 mm. dia.)
Two 4 mm Phillips #0 on the either side. (Head: 2.75mm dia.)

Step 7

Remove the two Phillips screws from either side of the right wall of the battery compartment (not the ones closest to the battery connector).
Two 6.25 mm Phillips #000. (Head: 4 mm. dia. x .5mm thick)

Step 8

Remove the four indicated Phillips screws from the front wall of the battery compartment. When working from the left, remove the 2nd, 4th, 7th and 9th screw.
Four 3.25 mm Phillips #000. (Head: 4 mm. dia. x 4mm thick)

Step 9

Remove the following 4 screws from the back of the computer:
The longer screws go on the inside, shorter screws on the outside.
Two 11 mm Phillips #00, with Shank (2.2mm dia. x 2 mm len.) (Head: 3.2 mm. dia. x .5mm thick)
Two 7.25 mm Phillips #00, with Shank (2mm dia. x 3.75 mm len.) (Head: 3.2 mm. dia. x .5mm thick)

Step 10

Remove the two Phillips screws from the optical drive side of the computer.
Two 5.2 mm Phillips #00, with Shank (2.3mm dia. x 3.5 mm len.) (Head: 3.2 mm. dia. x .5mm thick)
It is not necessary to remove the similar screws on the other side of the computer.

Step 11

There's a trackpad and keyboard ribbon connecting the upper case to the logic board, so don't pull the upper case off entirely just yet.
Starting near the display and working around to the front of the computer, pry up on the upper case. A plastic opening tool or a medium hard guitar pick may help you to do this.
The upper case is likely to stick at the connection above the optical drive. If this is the case, first free all other sides, then proceed to pull upward on the upper case from either side of the optical drive opening.
If you stand the base on end to get a better look you may displace the total of 4 grey plastic clips that hold the keyboard in place. Don't panic. They slide into slots at the top right-most edge near the CD drive.

Step 12

MacBook Core 2 Duo Upper Case Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3

While holding up the upper case, pull up the black tab of the silver cable away from its connector.
If there is no black tab, you can also use a spudger to gently pry the connector from its housing. This connector is tall, so be sure to pry straight up.
If you happen to break your upper case cable when removing the upper case, we stock the cable individually and we have a guide that makes replacing it easy.
While you have the upper case removed, you may want to take the opportunity to remove dust, hair, etc. It's best to use a can of compressed air, though if you use a brush, make sure that its bristles are made of a material (usually animal hair) that doesn't generate static electricity, which can destroy electronics.
Upon reassembly, there are 4 grey plastic clips on the optical drive side of the keyboard (refer to second picture). They must be installed in their slots for the keyboard to snap in properly.
To make the reassamble process easier, it's better to pull out the clips first by pulling it straight up gently. Be careful not to put too much strength because it will break.