crwdns2933423:0crwdne2933423:0

A1342 trackpad mechanical setup

I have several A1342 computers. They are very useful machines - but the Trackpad seems to have a life it's own. Try as I might I can't find any details of how to set them up - mechanically. I know all about the adjustment screw, it's the mechanical operation of the pad being flush with the palm rest and being clickable that I can't properly work out. Anyone have any suggestions?

Update (04/30/25)

Thank you very much for replying to my question.

Yes, I have seen the iFixit guides relating to the trackpad etc. As always, very useful - but only really dealing with taking it out and putting a new one in.

I had hoped that there might be more about the construction of it and fixing of the various parts - as I couldn't see much more to adjust than the flimsy little switch that it all seems to depend on. But I'm coming to the conclusion that there isn't much more to it than this.

I've replaced the springs and screws - even the adjustment screw, but it seems that if the little switch and its plastic covering are even slightly worn, then it's all thrown out of alignment. Might it possibly be that adding a little shim to the adjustment screw might make it workable again?

Anyway, just thought I would ask - just in case any of your contributers might have come across this and found a solution.

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Did you review this guide? MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Trackpad Replacement

Can you elaborate a bit more is the click action (pressing down) or the sliding across (tracking) that is the problem, or ghosting not touching clicking or tracking.

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crwdns2944067:02crwdne2944067:0:

Thank you very much for replying to my question.

Yes, I have seen the iFixit guides relating to the trackpad etc. As always, very useful - but only really dealing with taking it out and putting a new one in.

I had hoped that there might be more about the construction of it and fixing of the various parts - as I couldn't see much more to adjust than the flimsy little switch that it all seems to depend on. But I'm coming to the conclusion that there isn't much more to it than this.

I've replaced the springs and screws - even the adjustment screw, but it seems that if the little switch and its plastic covering are even slightly worn, then it's all thrown out of alignment. Might it possibly be that adding a little shim to the adjustment screw might make it workable again?

Anyway, just thought I would ask - just in case any of your contributers might have come across this and found a solution.

crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0crwdne2934271:0

@barclaycon - The click switch is a blister type which is a custom part to Apple. Once it goes there really isn't anything more one can do other than replace the trackpad assembly. There is some components on the ribbon cable as such you might want to salvage the ribbon cable if you have a dead pad as I've often seen liquid damaged cables which a spare will do wonders.

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