Trackpad Prereq

Written By: Tobias Isakeit
  • Comments: 4
Trackpad Prereq

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

8

Time Required

25 - 40 minutes

Introduction

Trackpad prerequisite without the reassembly instructions.

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    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the trackpad cable connector bracket.

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    • Remove the trackpad cable connector bracket with a pair of tweezers.

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    • Use a spudger to disconnect the trackpad ribbon cable by gently prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

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    • Prepare an iOpener and lay it on top of the trackpad ribbon cable for about a minute, in order to soften the adhesive securing the trackpad ribbon cable to the top of the battery.

    • If you don't have an iOpener, use a hair dryer to warm up the cable instead. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch. Be careful not to overheat the battery.

    I was able to extremely gentle peel (just applying a little bit of continuous tension and waiting for the adhesive to release) the cable off without heating. It came off relatively easy, probably due to age or heavy usage in the past.

    Justin Ossevoort -

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    • Carefully peel the trackpad ribbon cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.

    • Do not fold or tear the cable.

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    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the ten screws securing the trackpad assembly:

    • Two 4.3 mm screws

    • Eight 5.8 mm screws

    When assembling this back, one should note that the trackpad actually has some wiggle room in its slot, so it should be properly centered before firmly screwing down all 10 screws.

    For me, adjusting the position of the trackpad and screwing the two red ones first while holding the bottom plate up at 90 degrees helped.

    S Woo -

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    • Swing the display open slightly to access the trackpad.

    • Carefully thread the trackpad ribbon cable out through the hole in the MacBook Pro's frame.

    It'd be super nice to remind about the washers at this point - I've done 3 or 4 of these laptops the past few years and I forget every time about this step & lost many washers.

    JoeP -

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    • Remove the trackpad assembly.

    • Be sure not to lose the six small washers (two circular and four rectangular) resting on the underside of the trackpad.

    The washers really need to be mentioned before removing the trackpad. I pulled it out and excitedly showed my wife, not realizing that I'd just flung most of the washers onto the carpet. Luckily I found them all, but holy crap, please put this in step 22 or like 21.5, PLEASE.

    Lane Anderson -

Conclusion

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

Author

Tobias Isakeit

Member since: 31/03/14

123992 Reputation

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