iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2889 Adhesive Strips Replacement

Written By: Jeff Suovanen (and 3 other contributors)

Comments: 8
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Completions: 24

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2889 Adhesive Strips Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

Suggest a time??

Introduction

Removing the display requires cutting through the adhesive around the perimeter of the screen. After the adhesive is cut, it cannot be used to re-seal the display in place, so you'll need to apply a new set of adhesive strips.

Tools

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Parts

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iMac Intel 21.5" (2012-2019) Adhesive Strips

$19.99

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Step 1 Install an iMac service wedge

With the hinge free to move, the iMac will be unbalanced and hard to work on. Place an iMac service wedge in the stand to stabilize the iMac.

Tool used on this step:

iMac Intel 21.5" Cardboard Service Wedge

$4.99

With the hinge free to move, the iMac will be unbalanced and hard to work on. Place an iMac service wedge in the stand to stabilize the iMac.
If you're using the iFixit cardboard service wedge, follow these assembly directions to put it together.
If you don't have an iMac service wedge, work very carefully—the display can easily fall out and break if the iMac moves unexpectedly.

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Step 2 Remove the old adhesive

Before you install new adhesive strips, remove all of the old adhesive from the perimeter of the rear enclosure.

If you are re-using your existing display, you must also remove the old adhesive from the back of the display.

Before you install new adhesive strips, remove all of the old adhesive from the perimeter of the rear enclosure.
If you are re-using your existing display, you must also remove the old adhesive from the back of the display.
Peel off the old strips of adhesive using tweezers or your fingers. Start at the bottom and peel upward towards the top of the device.
After all the old adhesive is removed, carefully clean off the adhesive residue with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) and a lint-free cloth. Wipe in one direction, not back and forth.
Don't skip this step, or your new adhesive strips may not bond properly, and the display may fall out of your iMac.

Edit

The aluminum frame have a plastic zone. Could the isopropyl alcohol damage the plastic surface?

Fer Triva - January 17 Reply

Hello! Isopropyl alcohol should not damage the plastic surface.

Arthur Shi - January 18

Step 3

Your adhesive strips should have a microphone notch pre-cut in the strip labeled 4R.

If your 4R strip does not contain a notch, follow this guide instead.

Your adhesive strips should have a microphone notch pre-cut in the strip labeled 4R.
If your 4R strip does not contain a notch, follow this guide instead.

Edit

As far as I can tell, this model still had the mic at the top near the webcam, not at the bottom, so this notch is not needed for this model (2014 21.5” iMac A1418)

Neddy - 12/07/2020 Reply

Step 4

Lay out the adhesives strips beforehand so you won't accidentally install a strip in the wrong place:

Lay out the adhesives strips beforehand so you won't accidentally install a strip in the wrong place:
Strip 01 on the top left
Strip 02 on the top right
Strip 03 on the right vertical
Strip 4R on the bottom right, dark side facing up
Strip 4L on the bottom left, dark side facing up
Strip 05 on the left vertical

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Step 5 Remove the backing from the first adhesive strip

Start with strip 03, which goes on the right vertical side of the rear enclosure.

Before you peel off any backing, line the adhesive strip up along the frame of the iMac to get an idea of where it goes.

Grasp the blue tab and peel the short piece of backing off the back of the strip to expose a section of adhesive to attach to the enclosure.

Start with strip 03, which goes on the right vertical side of the rear enclosure.
Before you peel off any backing, line the adhesive strip up along the frame of the iMac to get an idea of where it goes.
Grasp the blue tab and peel the short piece of backing off the back of the strip to expose a section of adhesive to attach to the enclosure.

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Step 6 Apply the first adhesive strip

Insert the tip of a spudger into the hole at the end of the strip where you just removed one layer of backing. Insert the spudger from the side that still has a layer of white backing on it.

Insert the tip of a spudger into the hole at the end of the strip where you just removed one layer of backing. Insert the spudger from the side that still has a layer of white backing on it.

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Step 7

With the spudger still poking through the hole in the adhesive strip, push the spudger tip into the corresponding hole in the frame of the iMac.

Using the hole and spudger to anchor the position of the adhesive strip, line the strip up against the right edge, gently pulling up against the spudger to ensure the strip is taut, and stick it onto the frame.

With the spudger still poking through the hole in the adhesive strip, push the spudger tip into the corresponding hole in the frame of the iMac.
Using the hole and spudger to anchor the position of the adhesive strip, line the strip up against the right edge, gently pulling up against the spudger to ensure the strip is taut, and stick it onto the frame.

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Step 8

Once you've aligned the bottom half of the adhesive strip, peel the longer piece of backing out from behind the strip.

If the bottom half isn't aligned properly, you can carefully peel it up and re-stick it before peeling off the lower backing strip. Be sure to use the spudger tip to anchor the top.

Once you've aligned the bottom half of the adhesive strip, peel the longer piece of backing out from behind the strip.
If the bottom half isn't aligned properly, you can carefully peel it up and re-stick it before peeling off the lower backing strip. Be sure to use the spudger tip to anchor the top.

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Step 9

Align the upper half of the strip with the right edge of the rear enclosure, and stick it down.

Align the upper half of the strip with the right edge of the rear enclosure, and stick it down.

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Step 10

Use your finger to smooth out the strip. Make sure it is neatly aligned with the right side of the frame and that it sits flat.

Do not peel off the front adhesive backing yet.

Use your finger to smooth out the strip. Make sure it is neatly aligned with the right side of the frame and that it sits flat.
Do not peel off the front adhesive backing yet.

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Step 11 Apply the remaining adhesive strips

Work your way counter-clockwise around the perimeter of the iMac, adding three more adhesive strips in the same manner:

Work your way counter-clockwise around the perimeter of the iMac, adding three more adhesive strips in the same manner:
Strip 02 on the top right
Strip 01 on the top left
Strip 05 on the left vertical

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Step 12 Install the bottom adhesives

The next few steps will show you how to install the bottom right adhesive strip (strip 4R), which includes a notch that must be aligned with the microphone.

Read through this step and the next four steps before you attempt the procedure.

Grasp the red pull tab on strip 4R and pull to separate about 2 inches (5 cm) of white backing from the strip.

The next few steps will show you how to install the bottom right adhesive strip (strip 4R), which includes a notch that must be aligned with the microphone.
Read through this step and the next four steps before you attempt the procedure.
Grasp the red pull tab on strip 4R and pull to separate about 2 inches (5 cm) of white backing from the strip.

Edit

These steps instruct you to install the lower strips to the iMac frame first, as that is what Apple instructs their techs to do. If you have an iMac without a microphone hole, you can choose to install the lower strips onto the display first. Peel the blue tab instead of the red to expose the adhesive. Carefully place the adhesive along the bottom edge of the display. The L-bend on the adhesive should match the display contours.

Arthur Shi - 10/08/2020 Reply

Step 13

Fold the loose white backing to a right angle and pinch the crease with your fingers.

This exposes 2 inches of adhesive while folding the red tab out of the way.

Fold the loose white backing to a right angle and pinch the crease with your fingers.
This exposes 2 inches of adhesive while folding the red tab out of the way.

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Step 14

The microphone hole is the center hole flanked by two larger holes.

Align the adhesive strip to the bottom edge by positioning the microphone notch over the microphone hole.

If your iMac does not have a microphone hole, align the right end of the strip such that the L-bend sits next to the right vertical adhesive. The L-bend should not overlap the right vertical adhesive.

The microphone hole is the center hole flanked by two larger holes.
Align the adhesive strip to the bottom edge by positioning the microphone notch over the microphone hole.
If your iMac does not have a microphone hole, align the right end of the strip such that the L-bend sits next to the right vertical adhesive. The L-bend should not overlap the right vertical adhesive.
The adhesive tears easily. Be careful not to pull on the strip with too much force.
Once you have aligned the strip, carefully set the left exposed edge onto the iMac to secure the alignment.

Edit

The strips that I received from OWC do not have a notch cut out for the microphone. The instructions advise you, for 2017 and later 21.5” iMacs, to cut about 2 inches off from the left side of the strip so you do not cover the microphone hole.

Peter Hillman - 10/18/2020 Reply

As far as the remaining 2 inches I cut off, I snipped off a little more on the right side to leave a small gap for the microphone and placed that small remaining part in the center where it should have been if there was no microphone, just to complete the adhesive.

Peter Hillman - 10/18/2020 Reply

Step 15

Peel away the white backing behind the strip to expose the remaining adhesive.

Peel away the white backing behind the strip to expose the remaining adhesive.

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Step 16

Run your finger from left to right along the length of the adhesive strip to ensure it is straight and unwrinkled, pressing down as you go to adhere the strip to the iMac.

Run your finger from left to right along the length of the adhesive strip to ensure it is straight and unwrinkled, pressing down as you go to adhere the strip to the iMac.

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Step 17

Repeat the previous steps for the 4L adhesive strip, placing it along the bottom left edge of the iMac.

The 4L strip should be positioned such that the L-bend sits next to the left vertical adhesive. The L-bend should not overlap the left vertical adhesive.

Repeat the previous steps for the 4L adhesive strip, placing it along the bottom left edge of the iMac.
The 4L strip should be positioned such that the L-bend sits next to the left vertical adhesive. The L-bend should not overlap the left vertical adhesive.

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Step 18 Install the display

Gently set the display in place over the iMac and align it carefully.

Gently set the display in place over the iMac and align it carefully.

Edit

In my experience, it is easier to lay the Mac flat on its back, especially if you do not have a wedge, because the display will tilt up and down and you do not want that happening. With the Mac on its back, I removed all the front adhesive strips and then angled the display (not a big angle) against the chin making sure it was even on both sides. Then reconnect the video cables and gently bring the display down into the proper position. Step 23 below seems too much of a hassle to try and get the bottom adhesive strips out while the display is resting on them, and taping the bottom of the display in Step 19 also seems to be a hassle.

Peter Hillman - 10/18/2020 Reply

Step 19

Use painter's tape or masking tape to temporarily secure the bottom edge of the display to the iMac's enclosure.

The tape preserves the display's alignment, and allows you to safely swing the top edge of the display open to access the display cables.

Use painter's tape or masking tape to temporarily secure the bottom edge of the display to the iMac's enclosure.
The tape preserves the display's alignment, and allows you to safely swing the top edge of the display open to access the display cables.

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Step 20 Test the display

At this point it's a good idea to test your repair, in order to make sure your iMac works properly before you seal it back up. Follow the next three steps to temporarily reconnect the display cables and boot up your iMac prior to pulling the protective film off the adhesive strips.

If you've already verified that your iMac is working correctly and are ready to seal it up, skip the next step.

At this point it's a good idea to test your repair, in order to make sure your iMac works properly before you seal it back up. Follow the next three steps to temporarily reconnect the display cables and boot up your iMac prior to pulling the protective film off the adhesive strips.
If you've already verified that your iMac is working correctly and are ready to seal it up, skip the next step.
Insert the display power cable into its socket on the logic board.

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Step 21

Use a pair of tweezers or your other hand to gently insert the display data cable connector into its socket on the logic board.

Be sure to press it straight into the socket, and insert it completely.

Secure the metal retaining bracket on the display data cable downwards towards the logic board.

Use a pair of tweezers or your other hand to gently insert the display data cable connector into its socket on the logic board.
Be sure to press it straight into the socket, and insert it completely.
Secure the metal retaining bracket on the display data cable downwards towards the logic board.

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Step 22

Set the display back on the iMac's rear enclosure.

At this time, plug in your iMac, power it on, and test your repair before moving on to actually sealing up the computer. Be sure to check for full functionality of any hardware you removed or disconnected.

Set the display back on the iMac's rear enclosure.
At this time, plug in your iMac, power it on, and test your repair before moving on to actually sealing up the computer. Be sure to check for full functionality of any hardware you removed or disconnected.
When you are finished, shut the iMac down and unplug the power cord before you continue.

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Step 23 Seal the iMac

Verify that your iMac is turned off and unplugged from power before you continue.

After confirming that your iMac functions properly, disconnect the display cables and carefully lean the display forward.

Remove the film from the two bottom strips by reaching in from above with a pair of tweezers and pulling the blue tabs straight up from the bottom edge of the display.

Verify that your iMac is turned off and unplugged from power before you continue.
After confirming that your iMac functions properly, disconnect the display cables and carefully lean the display forward.
Remove the film from the two bottom strips by reaching in from above with a pair of tweezers and pulling the blue tabs straight up from the bottom edge of the display.

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Step 24 Reconnect the display cables

Reconnect the display power and data cables for the final time.

Remember to secure the metal retaining bracket on the display data cable.

Reconnect the display power and data cables for the final time.
Remember to secure the metal retaining bracket on the display data cable.

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Step 25 Remove the remaining adhesive backing

Check the glass directly in front of the webcam for dust and other contaminants. If necessary, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth before you seal up the display.

Steady the display with one hand as you remove the protective film in the following steps, or rest it lightly against the iMac's enclosure.

Check the glass directly in front of the webcam for dust and other contaminants. If necessary, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth before you seal up the display.
Steady the display with one hand as you remove the protective film in the following steps, or rest it lightly against the iMac's enclosure.

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Step 26

Remove the protective film from strip 01 by pulling its tab straight up.

Remove the protective film from strip 01 by pulling its tab straight up.

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Step 27

Remove the other side of the protective film from strip 01.

Remove the other side of the protective film from strip 01.

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Step 28

Repeat the previous steps to remove the protective films from all the remaining adhesive strips.

Repeat the previous steps to remove the protective films from all the remaining adhesive strips.

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Step 29

To ensure a strong bond, carefully tip the iMac flat on its back (with the screen facing straight up) and press carefully but firmly around all four edges of the display.

Remove the tape securing the display to the rear enclosure.

Check the display after 24 hours to make sure that it isn't loose on the iMac.

To ensure a strong bond, carefully tip the iMac flat on its back (with the screen facing straight up) and press carefully but firmly around all four edges of the display.
Remove the tape securing the display to the rear enclosure.
Check the display after 24 hours to make sure that it isn't loose on the iMac.