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Released October 2008 / 2.4, 2.53, 2.66, 2.8 or 2.93 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor

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Requesting info on how to replace the MBP (A1286) trackpad

Mine has been cracked (read: mildly shattered). I've had the bottom case off but I'm hesitant to go any further until I have some more information. I have purchased a new trackpad for it (part no. 661-4948) and am ready to dig in but I would prefer to have a guide of some sort. I'm hoping I don't have to remove the motherboard to do so, but from what I saw in there, it may not be possible.

Anyway, thanks for the support everyone! I'll write-up a guide once I dig in since there doesn't seem to be one.

David

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I just completed the swap. The trackpad CAN be removed from the top case. And, what makes it even nicer, is it can be done without removing the motherboard.

I got so excited when I realized that it was a very easy thing to do that I forgot to take pictures. However, I'll try to describe how to do it here.

All references to left and right are in regard to the computer laying screen down and battery compartment facing you.

First, remove the battery, bottom case, and the cross-bar (not sure of the terminology). The bar in question is held in place by 3 black screws on the left and two shorter silver screws on the right.

Now you must remove the memory (RAM boards). Not difficult, just grab the gray arms on either side and gently pull them apart. The RAM should pop up. Then just pull it out.

The trackpad is held in place by 6 screws (3 on the left and 3 on the right) up top. You can access the set of 3 on the right easily (they were under the memory). The set of 3 on the left are a bit harder....

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They reside under the ribbon cable. It's best to have a small magnetic Phillips head precision screwdriver for this; otherwise you may lose the screw and never get it back. That's never happened to me before.....*ahem*

Moving along.

Once you get those 6 short screws out, remove the ribbon cable from the connector and slowly pull it out. It is held in place with a small amount of adhesive, so I just worked a pair of tweezers under it. No big deal.

Once that's done, work the cable out through the holes it goes through. The top of the trackpad must be tilted out first, then the bottom, as the pad has two tabs at the bottom. Once out, just repeat the process in reverse to get the whole thing back together.

I think it took me about 20 minutes total to get the whole thing apart and back together. Very simple.

Hopefully this will help someone, as I've heard that a cracked trackpad is a common lament.

David

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This is the first time I've heard of this working successfully. Would you give a link to the part?

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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...

I know it's not all that great a link, but if you click on it soon, it should help you. I think the part number MAY be applicable to the top case part number, but I can't be precisely sure.

Honestly, though, it was really easy to do. In fact, my wife is hate-texting me right now about "Dancing With The Stars" right now with it. : -)

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Thanks so much. That's a genuine Apple part 661-4948. It is also the part number for the entire upper case. Very strange.

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It's all one unit: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Late 2008-Early 2009) Upper Case

Here's how to install it: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 Upper Case Replacement

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MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Late 2008-Early 2009) Upper Case

$59.99

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There must be a way, since you can get just the trackpad. It looks like I'm going to have to remove the motherboard though.

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+

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Per the directions above (remove "crossbar"), I was successfully able to replace a trackpad on the A1286 model without removing the logic board (mobo). Three screws from the top and two from the side hold the bar in place. After removing was able to squeeze in a small screwdriver. Recommend http://www.l2order.com for OEM Mac replacement parts.

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I would like to confirm that I had success in replacing the trackpad without removing the logic board or top case

Thanks for the instructions!

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I'm glad it worked out for you!

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I can confirm that the solution detailed by David has worked for me - thanks for taking the time to write this up!!

L2 Computer (http://www.l2order.com/mainCat.cfm?mainC...) supplied my replacement part (which appears to be genuine Apple) for $29.95 + $11 express delivery to Australia (I believe US postage is free). Item was received 1 week from ordering.

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No problem. I'm pleased that someone was able to use this. And thanks for posting that link.

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We found an A1286 lying against a garbage can in Manhattan on New Year's Eve 2014. the battery bulged so much, it broke the trackpad. We were able to extract it without removing the logic board. We saw two sets of four screws:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...

Screws 1 and 4 (silver in color) anchored the bracket to the trackpad.

Screws 2 and 3 (darker in color) anchored the bracket to the upper case.

Picture of removed items:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...

Pictures courtesy of the Fixers Collective Facebook page.

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I broke the connector. is it possible to replace just the connector?

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David Jonas crwdns2934231:0crwdne2934231:0
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