MacBook Santa Rosa/Penryn Upper Case with Keyboard

My Problem

I was working at Starbucks when my friend Carlos saw me and came over to give me a hug. I knocked a whole bottle of Soylent on my keyboard. Eek.

My Fix

It took about two hours total. I was going extra slowly because I had not worked on a Macbook before. If I should need to do it again, god forbid, it could be an hour or less.

My Advice

The difficulty level is listed as moderate, but I would say it is low if you have built computers in the past. Memories of untangling SATA cables in mini towers and puzzling over new circuit boards that are DOA (Plush carpeting? I admit nothing!) made this feel easy in comparison. I made a point to buy the anti-static wrist strap anyway. Even though my current place has hardwood floors.

There is little agreement on the Internet about the correct method of grounding anti-static wrist straps. This is what I did. Imitate at your own risk:

Macbook adapter is not grounded. So I plugged it into a grounded power strip and plugged that into the wall. I turned the power strip off. Plugged the adapter into the laptop. Clipped the wrist strap to whatever metal laptop component presented itself (not an easy task--had to reposition multiple times).

Everyone made it through ok. Happily using new keyboard.

My Problem

classic cracking in the display bezel and topcase palmrest. Felt like the Mac desirved to be refurbished after the fond college memories

My Fix

followed the online takeapart guide, was easy as 1 2 3

My Advice

make sure to retain the plastic fitting clips when removing the old front bezel frame, they are needed in order to hold the bezel in place

My Problem

My 7 year old MacBook's keyboard stopped working with many of the keys. Went to the Apple Store. they said for this paticular computer, they did not have the part. Was going to put the MacBook to sleep for good, and decided to tackle changing the keyboard. note| I have zero experience with computer replacement parts.

My Fix

The new keyboard was ordered. decided to be radical, and got the black keyboard to place on the all white MacBook.

Took 35 minutes to remove about 15 tiny screws.

Followed the online steps to do this and to install the new keyboard. Total time: about an hour. Worth the fix? absolutely!!!!!

My Advice

The online step-by-step direction is awesome.

Now I have a perfectly good 7 year old computer!

My Problem

Bezel was cracked in assorted places.

The right and left arrow keys quit working.

The trackpad and select (long key below the trackpad) had issues.

My Fix

I followed the guides and used the plastic bag method to keep track of the screws, at each step I numbered the bag to the step in the instructions. I found that some of the screws were in the wrong place and that one of the screws was missing.

I had a little trouble getting the screws out of the battery case area.

I modified a phillips screwdriver to 60mm in length and did not have any more issues. The screwdriver you sold me was a bit toooooooo long. The Spudger worked great to get the plug out.

I had a three profanity moment getting it back in.

Took three tries to get the Bezel on correctly .

My Advice

Go buy a can of compressed air first.

I used "Q" tips and dish soap to clean out the gunk.

I used a scotchbrite pad to polish the contacts

I had to file the little square inserts at the lower edge of the Bezel to get it in and have it fit.

Get a short screwdriver.

I had to use a "C"clamp and two wood blocks to compress the case together. I could not align the screws in the center of the case.

My Problem

Right and Left arrow keys stopped working

The actuator key below the track pad was sticking.

The bezel was cosmetic .

Mac Store wanted almost $400.00 to do the Fix

My Fix

When I removed the screws with Fixit instructions The some of the screws were in the wrong holes. this unit had been fixed at a

"mac "repair shop. The screws are in the proper place now.

I used the plastic bag method to tear it down. Placed screws in a small plastic bag and numbered them to match the step in the instructions. Made reassembly real easy.

I had to use a "C" clamp and two blocks of wood to compress the

case and the keypad together to get the the three screws in the battery case in. Your screwdriver is toooo long.

I made one 60mm that is just the right size. Try it!!!!

The replacement worked perfectly, i am still getting used to the

"F" key flacement.

I guessed the tape on the Bezel was to hold in place. After the dry

fit and some minor adjustments i stuck it together and all fit.

My Advice

Go buy a can of Compressed air first.

Get a 10mm paint brush. Clean the cracks and crevices.

Get a small scotchbright pad to clean the contacts on the case.

The Bezel can be changed without removing the screen from the case. I had to file the edges of the bottom inserts to get them in the frame. (Too much grime.)

My Problem

The letter 'A' came off of the keyboard and would not reseat. My granddaughter needed this MacBook for school.

My Fix

The repair could not have been easier due to the very detailed disassembly photos along with the text describing the size of each screw. Replacing the top case-keyboard took about an hour or less. I would say the only difficulty was removing very small screws located in tight places without stripping the heads. One just needs patience.

My Advice

The advice I can offer is to go slow with screw removal and keep all screws from 1 section of the case grouped together and place the groups in order of removal to make reassembly easier. Use patience and do not strip the screw heads

My Problem

A of mine client dropped their iPhone 5 and shattered the glass / Another client brought me their MacBook since the display wouldn't show anything if it was opened all the way and only showed the desktop when less then half open.

My Fix

For the iPhone 5, it was smooth and easier then replacing the display of an iPhone 4 or 4S. You don't have to take the entire phone apart to replace the display which is good.

The MacBook was an interesting repair. I ended up purchasing a new display as the issue could have been due to faulty wiring and wanted to play it safe, rather to replace the wiring, replace the entire display. After Installation of the display, the keyboard stopped working. I at first thought it was the keyboard ribbon cable but decided to try a brand new keyboard and they solved the issue.

My Advice

When repairing the iPhone 5, be sure to follow the guides step by step or you could risk ripping one of the cables or breaking the solder. With the MacBook, you have to take it step by step to narrow down the issue but it is good knowing that my client has a working Mac now.

My Problem

I killed the keyboard with coffee and coffee grounds. It was early morning. I was outside at my wobbly patio table with my MacBook open. I tried to press my coffee, lost the whole pot of morning coffee, and committed keyboard murder at the same time.

My Fix

I deconstructed the entire machine and cleaned it with alcohol and cotton swabs, which was probably unnecessary. I ordered a new upper case, followed the instructions, et voilà, I have a new machine.

My Advice

You probably already know this, but print the instructions so you can scotch tape the screws to the corresponding steps. You will be so happy you did it. Also, don't press coffee next to your laptop.