Trackpad Prereq

Written By: Tobias Isakeit

Comments: 2

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

25 - 40 minutes

Introduction

Trackpad prerequisite without the reassembly instructions.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

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 -

Step 5

Carefully peel the trackpad ribbon cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.
Do not fold or tear the cable.

Step 6

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the ten screws securing the trackpad assembly:
Two 4.3 mm screws
Eight 5.8 mm screws

Step 7

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 -