PowerBook 3400 M3553 Track Pad Replacement

Introduction

Your track pad is one of the most important parts of your PowerBook's user interface. If the track pad is damaged you will need to use an external mouse or replace the track pad. This is one of the hardest parts to get to in the computer. Before attempting, make sure you will be able to keep the removed parts organized to aid in reassembly.

What you need

Step 1 PowerBook 3400 M3553 Track Pad Replacement

PowerBook 3400 M3553 Track Pad Replacement, PowerBook 3400 M3553 Track Pad Replacement: step 1, image 1 of 1

Close the screen and turn the PowerBook over. Orient the computer so the text of the label is right side up.

Step 2

Press and hold the button on the left of the front side and slide the battery out.

Step 3

With a T8 torx screwdriver, remove the three 24mm torx screws along the middle of the back panel.

Step 4

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Turn the computer over and open the display. You should see that the keyboard is loose.
Before attempting to remove the keyboard, note that a ribbon cable connects the keyboard to the logic board. Improper removal may damage your keyboard.
Carefully lift the front of the keyboard up slightly and then slide the keyboard towards yourself.
Then carefully lift the top half of the keyboard and rotate it towards yourself.

Step 5

Loosen the ribbon cables connecting the keyboard to the computer by using a plastic opening tool to lift the tabs on either side of the cable port.
Gently remove the ribbons from its tabs

Step 6

Gently wiggle the RAM card to loosen the connection until it pulls free.

Step 7

Push the display screen back to give yourself enough space to remove the side panels.
Before removing the side panels, note that removing the side panels hastily will damage the underlying panel screw. However, this will not affect the functionality of your PowerBook.
Remove the panels on either side by gently but firmly pulling up on them with both hands.

Step 8

Use the plastic opening tool to lift up the tabs on either side of the ribbon cable port and then gently pull the ribbon cable free.

Step 9

PowerBook 3400 M3553 Track Pad Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3

WARNING: There is a high risk of breaking the tabs that lock the panel to the casing. Remove the panel slowly and cautiously to avoid damage.
With your index finger and your thumb, squeeze the track pad panel to loosen the clamps. Then slide the panel towards yourself.