When is it necessary to replace top case?

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Level 1

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When is it necessary to replace top case?

Hi!

Recently my Macbook Pro 5,1 just wouldn't boot. I now received word from the repair company (Apple certified) that they would need to replace the Left Fan - which is ok since it had been making a lot of noise -, the Top Case and Trackpad.

What I don't understand is: when is it necessary to replace the top case? And shoudn't the trackpad be included with it?

The guy said that it ran a program and it showed the Trackpad and Keyboard weren't working, but they were when I last shutdown. Isn't replacing the Keyboard the only situation where I would need a new Top Case? Can the Top Case be really the reason it doesn't boot?

Thanks

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 23, 2013 12:22 PM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 23, 2013 12:27 PM in response to swepsi

I cannot give you a definitive answer, but look at the installation sections for replacing a keyboard on the iFixit.com website. There you may find a clue as to what is exactly involved.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Courcoul

Level 6

18,684 points

Jan 23, 2013 12:33 PM in response to swepsi

The topcase, aka the whole aluminum box the Mac is made of, sans the bottom pan and the display, needs to be replaced only when the keyboard or the trackpad go bad. They are bonded to the part and can't be replaced separately. Never heard a keyboard could keep a Mac from booting, but all is possible nowadays.

If the repair is to be done out of warranty and on your dime, I would hazard to say your lower extremity is being elongated. In other words, they're pulling your leg (and your wallet, in the process). Like when you get a cancer diagnosis, a second opinion would be very beneficial.

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Answer 3

swepsi Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 23, 2013 1:59 PM in response to swepsi

Just got from the store.

He did some kind of bypass to turn on the mac, and then he ran some kind of diagnostic program which gave an indication to change the top case, trackpad and left fan.

But then he showed me the computer working, which was what I wanted all along. And all the gestures and keys are working, so it was probably just some malfunction on the start button. But they wanted 400+ euros just because the diagnostic software showed that error.

Now I'm definitely not going there to change my noisy fan. They did not charge me anything, but....

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Answer 4

Courcoul

Level 6

18,684 points

Jan 23, 2013 2:31 PM in response to swepsi

If you're game and reasonably proficient with the screwdriver, you could try taking the fan out and thoroughly cleaning it. If the ballbearing is bad, no improvement will happen, but if it is imbalance due to accumulated dust, you could get lucky. Search the repairs section of www.ifixit.com for your model and how to take out the part. Once out, use a compressed air can to blast the thing clean.

The fan blades have a pronounced curve inside the casing, Dust accumulates and cakes in the curve, imbalancing the assembly and wrecking the airflow, diminishing the cooling capabilities.

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