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MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement

What you need

  1. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement, MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the eight 4 mm Phillips screws securing the lower case to the MacBook.

  2. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • The lower case is constructed of rubber-coated aluminum. Do not excessively bend the aluminum during removal, as any permanent deformation will cause tolerance issues after reassembly.

    • Slightly lift the lower case near the vent opening.

    • Continue running your fingers between the lower and upper cases until the upper case pops off its retaining clips.

    • The location of these three clips is shown in the third picture.

  3. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • For precautionary purposes, we advise that you disconnect the battery connector from the logic board to avoid any electrical discharge. This step is optional and is not required.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector up out of its socket on the logic board.

    • It may be easier to use your fingernails to lift up on both sides of the connector.

  4. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws from the optical drive side of the rear vent:

    • Two 10 mm T8 Torx

    • Two 5.2 mm Phillips

  5. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws from the port side of rear vent:

    • Two 10 mm T8 Torx

    • Two 5.2 mm Phillips

  6. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Carefully lift the rear vent out of the upper case.

  7. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the single 12 mm Phillips screw securing the top of the rear speaker housing to the upper case.

  8. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the single 2.2 mm Phillips screw inserted horizontally into the side of the optical drive.

  9. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the AirPort/Bluetooth ribbon cable connector up off the logic board.

  10. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the rear speaker connector up off the logic board.

    • Pry up underneath the wires.

    • This connector is very delicate and easily broken.

  11. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Carefully rotate the rear speaker assembly (with AirPort/Antenna cables still attached) out of the lower case.

  12. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the optical drive connector up off the logic board.

  13. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the single 4.5 mm Phillips screw securing the optical drive bracket to the upper case near the fan.

  14. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 2.5 mm Phillips screws securing the optical drive to the upper case near the optical drive opening.

  15. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Lift the optical drive near its connector and pull it away from the upper case to remove it from the computer.

  16. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 1
    • Pull the optical drive cable connector away from the body of the optical drive.

  17. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Optical Drive Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two black Phillips #0 screws securing the small metal mounting bracket. Transfer this bracket to your new optical drive or .

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

System

Member since: 09/24/09

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