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naja15 Author

Level 1

8 points

Replacing the trackpad on 13" macbook pro

I stupidly spilled some coffee on my macbook not a long ago and the trackpad is not very responsive anymore. The keys still work fine, the computer works ok, external mouse is plugged in and it all works fine. BUT, I'd love to try and fix/replace the trackpad if possible, but I have no idea what part to look for.

I searched the web and there were suggestions that I'd need to change the whole top part including the keyboard, but I was wondering if that was correct?
Could someone please point me in the right direction? And is this also something I could do myself or is it too complicated?
Thank you!

Macbook pro 13.3", Mac OS X (10.5.8), 2 Gz, 1Gb 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM, MacBook 2 Ghz Intel Core Duo

Posted on Oct 18, 2010 8:31 AM

Top-ranking reply

k.panic

Level 3

605 points

Posted on Oct 18, 2010 11:34 AM

Yeah, that's why I said I don't know what's available on the consumer side of things. I know for certain that the trackpad can be removed/replaced independently of the top case, as long as it's a unibody.

For the 13" MBPs the only components that need to come out are the bottom case and battery. You need a special screwdriver for the battery, probably a #0 tri-lobe, depending on the model. You also need a #00 phillips and a Torx T6 for the trackpad itself.

The trackpads are usually under $100 for the part. Labor depends on where you go. It's not too bad through an Apple Store or AASP. The mail-in repair would be a lot because they charge a flat rate for accidental damage that's kind of nuts if the trackpad's the only problem.

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24 replies

Nov 3, 2010 12:56 PM in response to k.panic

Thank you so much for the advice! In my case, the tea didn't go near the keyboard, only on the trackpad and I mopped it up, took a bit of time to turn it off though because I panicked and checked some forums first about liquid spills. After turning it off, I packed it for a day with some silica gel in a sealed plastic bag. So far it's been fine so thank you for the advice that later problems won't be catastrophic and I'll keep my hopes up for that not happening!
🙂

naja15 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2010 11:15 AM in response to rkaufmann87

How expensive will apple be then? More than a new macbook?

Oct 18, 2010 11:22 AM in response to naja15

naja15 - I'm confused - your title says Macbook pro buy your signature says Macbook? which is it, or which is broken. An older plastic case Macbook will be even cheaper to repair.

naja15 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2010 11:22 AM in response to Michael Black

That's too pricy for my pocket at the moment 😟
I'll have to ring around or just put up with a mouse.

naja15 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2010 11:24 AM in response to Michael Black

I haven't updated my signature, sorry.. It's macbook pro that I have now since last year.

naja15 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2010 11:38 AM in response to Michael Black

Thank you, I'll have to psyche myself up for that then!

naja15 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2010 11:41 AM in response to k.panic

Thanks, I should have all the screwdrivers that I bought when I had to deal with previous mbs, so fingers crossed I'll find the part on ebay.
I will ring around and check the price of the repair.

naja15 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 18, 2010 1:50 PM in response to k.panic

Bought the trackpad on ebay and will be letting you know if I manage to replace it or not.... Thanks for the help guys!

Oct 28, 2010 5:10 PM in response to littlenitnoy

I should probably also clarify - there was no sugar in the tea, if that will make a difference - I saw on some other posts that after moisture, sugar is the enemy!

Replacing the trackpad on 13" macbook pro