Trackpad Prereq

Written By: Carsten Frauenheim
  • Comments: 1
Trackpad Prereq

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

7

Time Required

30 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Trackpad prerequisite without the reassembly bullet.

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    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the cover bracket for the keyboard and trackpad cable connectors.

    • Remove the bracket.

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

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    • Apply mild heat to the trackpad ribbon cable to soften the adhesive securing it to the battery.

    • You can use an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun, but be careful not to overheat the battery. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch.

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

    • Don't crease or tear the cable. If you have trouble, don't force it—apply more heat and try again.

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    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 13 screws securing the trackpad assembly:

    • Nine 5.8 mm screws

    • Four 4.9 mm screws

    • These screws all look similar—be careful not to mix them up.

    • Adding a little blue threadlocker to the screw threads during reassembly can help prevent the screws from working themselves loose over time.

    • Install the screws loosely at first, and then check the trackpad alignment before tightening them down.

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    • Swing the display open slightly, but keep the MacBook upside-down. The trackpad assembly should separate and lay flat on the display.

    • Carefully feed the trackpad's ribbon cable through its slot in the chassis.

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    • As you remove the trackpad assembly, be very careful not to lose the nine small metal washers resting on the screw posts. (They will fly off and get lost with very little provocation.)

    • Remove the trackpad assembly.

    They are NOT kidding about those little washers. They practically leap off of the trackpad!

    krwright -

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

Author

Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 10/03/20

110978 Reputation

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