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PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement

Introduction

Replacing your lower case requires removing nearly every component from your PowerBook.

What you need

  1. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Use your thumbs to push the two battery retaining tabs away from the battery.

    • The battery should pop up enough to rotate it toward yourself and lift it out of the lower case.

    Edit

  2. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Memory Door: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the three 2.3 mm Phillips screws securing the memory cover to the lower case.

    Edit

  3. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the memory cover slightly and pull it toward yourself to remove it from the lower case.

    Edit

  4. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Upper Case: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following ten screws:

    • Two 14.7 mm shouldered Phillips.

    • Three 12.3 mm Phillips.

    • One 3.8 mm T8 Torx.

    • One 6.8 mm T8 Torx.

    • Three 1.3 mm Phillips.

    Edit

  5. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • The ZIF cable is located underneath the bottom RAM slot. If your PowerBook has both RAM slots occupied, make sure to remove the RAM chip.

    • Use your fingernails to separate the ZIF cable lock away from its socket. (Move the two brown bits down 1mm)

    • The ZIF cable lock will move about a millimeter away from the socket before it stops (see picture 2). Do not try to remove the ZIF cable lock.

    Edit

  6. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Use the tip of a spudger to slide the trackpad ribbon cable out of its socket.

    Edit

  7. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the four 3.4 mm Phillips screws from the PC card side of the PowerBook.

    • When replacing these screws, you must reinstall each screw in the correct order. Begin by installing the screw closest to the display hinge, and go out from there.

    Edit

  8. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the four 3.4 mm Phillips screws from the DVI connector side of the PowerBook.

    • When replacing these screws, you must reinstall each screw in the correct order. Begin by installing the screw closest to the display hinge, and go out from there.

    • During reassembly, make sure to reinstall the two screws on the right into their appropriate locations, and not the DVI port anchor holes.

    Edit

  9. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Depress the display latch release button and open your display.

    Edit

  10. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Starting near the display, lift the upper case straight up off the lower case, minding any cables that may get caught.

    Edit

  11. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Speakers: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Disconnect the RJ-11 cable from the modem.

    Edit

  12. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • If necessary, remove the strip of tape covering the speaker cables.

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  13. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingernails or the tip of a spudger to separate the ZIF cable lock from its socket.

    • The ZIF cable lock will move about 1 mm and stop. Do not attempt to completely remove the ZIF cable lock.

    Edit

  14. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the DC-in ribbon cable straight away from its socket.

    Edit

  15. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Peel the DC-in cable off the adhesive securing it to the lower case.

    Edit

  16. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • If necessary, use the tip of a spudger to remove the small piece of foam tape from the side of the left speaker.

    • De-route the AirPort antenna cables from the channel in the left speaker.

    Edit

  17. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single 6.9 mm T8 Torx screw securing the left speaker to the lower case.

    Edit

  18. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the left speaker from its rear edge and maneuver it out of the lower case, minding the cables sitting in the channel near the front edge of the left speaker.

    Edit

  19. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single 6.9 mm T8 Torx screw securing the speaker cable ground loop to the lower case.

    Edit

  20. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 1

    • Peel back the piece of foil tape covering the modem cable to free the speaker cable held underneath.

    Edit

  21. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the speaker cable straight up to disconnect it from the sound card.

    Edit

  22. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 1

    • In the next few steps, you will disconnect several ribbon cables that cover the right speaker cable.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the hard drive ribbon cable connector up off the logic board.

    Edit

  23. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the sound card cable connector up off the logic board.

    Edit

  24. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the optical drive cable connector up off the logic board.

    Edit

  26. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingernails or the tip of a spudger to separate the ZIF cable lock from its socket.

    • The ZIF cable lock will move about 1 mm and stop. Do not attempt to completely remove the ZIF cable lock.

    Edit

  27. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the PRAM battery & USB board cable out of its socket.

    Edit

  28. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 1

    • Use a spudger to de-route the display data cable from the channel in the right speaker.

    Edit

  29. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 1

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry the power button LED window off the right speaker.

    • Try to place the window curved-side down on your work surface to keep the adhesive around its perimeter clean.

    Edit

  30. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single T8 6.9 mm Torx screw securing the right speaker to the lower case.

    Edit

  31. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the right speaker out of the lower case.

    Edit

  32. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 1

    • De-route the speaker cable from the clips along the front edge of the logic board.

    • The clips open in different directions, so be careful to not break any off during removal.

    Edit

  33. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Logic Board: step 32, image 1 of 1

    • Close your PowerBook, minding any cables that may interfere, and flip it over.

    • Disconnect the power cable connector by pulling it straight away from its socket on the logic board.

    Edit

  34. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 1

    • Disconnect the battery cable connector straight away from its socket on the logic board.

    Edit

  35. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the AirPort/Bluetooth cable connector up off the logic board.

    Edit

  36. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 1

    • Turn the PowerBook back over.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the modem cable connector up off the logic board.

    Edit

  37. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the PC card cage cable connector up off the logic board.

    Edit

  38. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 1

    • Disconnect both of the following connectors from the logic board:

    • Left fan cable.

    • Inverter cable.

    • Be sure to pull only parallel to the face of the logic board, as pulling up on the socket will break it off the logic board.

    • When pulling these connectors away from their sockets, it is helpful to use your fingernails to pull on the ears at each side of the connector.

    Edit

  39. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the following four screws securing the optical drive to the lower case:

    • Three 6.8 mm T8 Torx.

    • One 3.8 mm T8 Torx.

    • Lift the optical drive out of the lower case, minding any cables that may get caught.

    Edit

  40. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 1

    • If necessary, remove the piece of tape securing the display data cable to the logic board.

    Edit

  41. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the display data cable away from its socket to disconnect it from the logic board.

    • Be sure to pull only parallel to the face of the logic board, as pulling up on the socket will break it off the logic board.

    Edit

  42. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 1

    • Disconnect the right fan by pulling its connector away from the socket on the logic board.

    • When pulling this connector away from its socket, it is helpful to use your fingernails to pull on the ears at each side of the connector.

    • Be sure to pull only parallel to the face of the logic board, as pulling up on the socket will break it off the logic board.

    Edit

  43. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following 12 screws:

    • Three black 5.7 mm T8 Torx.

    • Three 7 mm T8 Torx with spring washers.

    • Three 6.8 mm T8 Torx.

    • Three 3.8 mm T8 Torx.

    Edit

  44. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 1

    • If necessary, use a spudger to pry up the left edge of the logic board to separate the solidified thermal paste from the heat sink.

    • If any resistance is felt when prying up on the logic board, we recommend softening the thermal paste by heating the board with a hair dryer before prying further.

    Edit

  45. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 44, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Arctic Silver Thermal Paste
    $21.99

    • Lift the logic board from its left edge and rotate it toward the right side of the lower case.

    • The logic board on this model has a tendency to get caught on the lower case near the DVI port at the upper right corner. If it catches as you are rotating it, stop to avoid bending and breaking the logic board.

    • Rotate the logic board until it is nearly vertical, and wiggle it around until it releases from the lower case.

    • When reinstalling your logic board, be sure to apply thermal paste to the CPU. Our thermal paste guide makes it easy.

    • Only replace the gray thermal paste on the CPU. The white thermal material on the GPU chips can be reused.

    Edit

  46. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Heat Sink & Fan Assembly: step 45, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the modem cable connector up off the modem.

    • The modem cable is now completely free and can be removed.

    Edit

  47. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 46, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 46, image 2 of 2

    • Use a 4 mm nut driver to remove the two nuts securing the modem to the PC card cage.

    • Lift the modem straight up off the studs on the PC card cage.

    Edit

  48. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 1

    • Use the tip of a spudger to peel back the small strip of copper tape off the edge of the PC card cage near the side of the lower case.

    Edit

  49. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 48, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 48, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the four Phillips screws securing the PC card cage to the lower case.

    • The two longer shouldered screws belong in the end of the PC card cage closest to the logic board.

    • Lift the PC card cage by its center piece and maneuver it out of the lower case.

    Edit

  50. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 49, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 49, image 2 of 2

    • When reinstalling your PC card cage, be sure to insert the post sticking up from the PC card release button into the hole in the black plastic release mechanism on the PC card cage.

    Edit

  51. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 50, image 1 of 1

    • Use the tip of a spudger to press the metal pressure connector down through the hole in the AirPort/Bluetooth board and lift it out from the lower case.

    Edit

  52. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 51, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the AirPort/Bluetooth board off the adhesive securing it to the lower case.

    • Be careful not to bend the bracket attached to the top right corner of the AirPort/Bluetooth board.

    Edit

  53. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 52, image 1 of 1

    • If necessary, remove the piece of tape and EMI foam covering the AirPort/Bluetooth antennas.

    • Don't forget to reapply this piece of tape during reassembly. It insulates the bare antenna connectors from the metal PC card cage.

    Edit

  54. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 53, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 53, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry both antenna connectors off the AirPort/Bluetooth board.

    Edit

  55. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 54, image 1 of 1

    • Before proceeding, be sure your display is perpendicular to the lower case.

    • Remove four T6 Torx screws from the left display hinge.

    • We intentionally have you leave one screw in the left display hinge to aid in disassembly.

    • The screw holding the plastic display cable bracket to the lower case is shorter than the rest.

    Edit

  56. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 55, image 1 of 1

    • Remove four T6 Torx screws from the right display hinge.

    • We intentionally have you leave one screw in the right display hinge to aid in disassembly.

    • The screw holding the plastic display cable bracket to the lower case is shorter than the rest.

    Edit

  57. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 56, image 1 of 1

    • While supporting the display with one hand, remove the last two T6 Torx screws from the display hinges.

    Edit

  58. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 57, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the display straight up from the lower case, minding any cables that may get caught.

    • Check out our display install tips to help properly reinstall your display.

    Edit

  59. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 58, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two T8 Torx screws securing the DC-in board to the lower case.

    Edit

  60. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 59, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the DC-in board away from the left side of the lower case and set it aside.

    • It may be necessary to use a spudger to pry the board away from the aluminum frame attached to the lower case.

    Edit

  61. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 60, image 1 of 1

    • Remove seven Torx T8 screws from the heat sink and fan assembly.

    • The screw in the upper right corner is shorter than the others.

    Edit

  62. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 61, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the heat sink and fan assembly out of the lower case.

    • Lift the heat sink and fan assembly out of the lower case.

    Edit

  63. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Lower Case: step 62, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement, Lower Case: step 62, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the following four screws:

    • Three 11.1 mm T8 Torx.

    • One 3.9 mm T8 Torx.

    • Lift the hard drive out of the lower case.

    Edit

  64. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 63, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two T8 Torx screws securing the sound card to the lower case.

    Edit

  65. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 64, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the USB sockets away from the left edge of the lower case.

    Edit

  66. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 65, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 65, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the sound card slightly out of the lower case, minding the fragile lower portion holding the microphone connector.

    • The sound card is still attached to the PowerBook by the microphone cable.

    Edit

  67. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 66, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the sound card ribbon cable straight away from its socket on the sound card.

    Edit

  68. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 67, image 1 of 1

    • Use your fingernails to pull the microphone connector straight away from its socket on the sound card.

    Edit

  69. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 68, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two T8 Torx screws securing the PRAM battery & USB board to the lower case.

    Edit

  70. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 69, image 1 of 2 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 69, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the board away from the side of the lower case to separate the USB socket from the bezel on the lower case.

    • Lift the PRAM battery & USB board out of the lower case.

    Edit

  71. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 70, image 1 of 1

    • If necessary, remove the strip of yellow kapton tape covering the battery connector.

    Edit

  72. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 71, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two 8.5 mm T8 Torx screws securing the battery connector to the lower case.

    Edit

  73. PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" 1.67 GHz (High-Res) Lower Case Replacement: step 72, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the battery connector out of its opening in the lower case.

    • Lower case remains.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

Attached Documents

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