MacBook Pro 17" Models A1151 A1212 A1229 and A1261 Clutch Assembly Replacement

Introduction

This guide is an internal prerequisite.

What you need

Step 1 Clutch Assembly

MacBook Pro 17" Models A1151 A1212 A1229 and A1261 Clutch Assembly Replacement, Clutch Assembly: step 1, image 1 of 1

Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully peel off the three antenna straps stuck to the lower edge of the LCD.

Be careful pulling off the kapton tape. Because of the age of the computer and the continuous heating and cooling, the tape can become brittle and the adhesive will stick to the surface of the LCD and not the tape itself, making it unusable. If this happens, you can find small rolls of kapton tape on the internet or get it in the ifixit store.

Sheldon Carpenter - Apr 26, 2012 Reply

Step 2

Remove the five Phillips screws securing the clutch cover to the bottom edge of the front display bezel.

Edit

If you are replacing the LCD and not the front bezel, you really don't need to remove the clutch cover and clutch hinges. You have full access to the LCD screws and can remove it, skipping this step, as well as the steps 29, 30, 31, 32, 37 and 39. The clutch cover, inverter board and all cables will remain attached to the front bezel.

Sheldon Carpenter - Apr 26, 2012 Reply

Especially since these computers are old now, these screws are easy to strip down. Make sure you don't screw them in too tightly, as you may not be able to take it back out. The middle of the 5 I had to leave abandoned. Thankfully, it didn't impede my repair.

Andrew - Oct 28, 2013 Reply

The cables didn't fit right when I put the clutch onto the front bezel so I tried to disassemble but the middle screw is stuck. The tiny little cable that's connected to this screw ripped :( If I do manage to get the screw out, not sure if I have to replace this whole cable even though it's just a small side cable connected to the inverter cable I think.

Rocio - May 30, 2014 Reply

Finally got the screw out, and put the cables in the clutch assembly correctly. Works despite the isight/inverter cable's tiny second thread having been torn.

Take photos of what this looks like bc you have to make sure the cables fit in the clutch and are long enough to fit in the motherboard properly.

Rocio - Jun 11, 2014 Reply

Step 3

Remove the two pieces of tape securing the display data cable to the LCD.

Edit

Step 4

Disconnect the display data cable from the LCD by pulling it toward the bottom edge of the display.

Edit

Step 5

Move the display data cable out of the way to remove the Phillips screw hidden underneath.

Edit

Step 6

While pulling the clutch assembly away from the clutch hinge with one hand, insert an iPod opening tool between the clutch cover and the front display bezel to lift the clutch cover over the retaining pin on the front display bezel.
Pull the clutch assembly away from the front display bezel.

Edit

Before you completely detach the clutch assembly, take note of how everything is organized inside it, as you will be replicating it upon reassembly. The display data cable ended up being in the way as I was closing everything up and had to reopen everything to readjust it. Take pictures and see how it will fit into place before you reattach the clutch assembly and screw in the 5 screws.

Andrew - Oct 28, 2013 Reply

Took me a long time to get the clutch out, it felt stuck, but after 20 minutes I finally managed.

Rocio - May 30, 2014 Reply

Step 7

Repeat the process covered in the previous step to free the other side of the clutch assembly from the front display bezel.

Edit

Step 8

Remove the clutch assembly from the front display bezel, minding any cables that may get caught.

Edit

The pins may be hard to notice, but they are both emanating from the bezel as simple pins in sockets. The motion you are looking for to detach the clutch assembly is slightly outward towards you, and then sliding down.

Andrew - Oct 28, 2013 Reply