Introduction: How to Replace the Macbook Unibody Glass LCD

By PowerbookMedic
About: PowerbookMedic offers free repair guides, parts, and repair services for Apple laptops, iPods, and desktops. Visit us at PowerbookMedic.com.
It used to be that if your screen cracked on your laptop, you'd just replace the LCD and be done with it. That unfortunately is no longer the case. With the introduction of the Unibody Macbook and Macbook pro models, Apple changed the design of the display assembly. Now, there is a glass panel assembly that is placed on top of the LCD panel. The good news is that it is possible to crack just the glass panel and save yourself some money. The bad news is that it is also possible to crack both the glass panel and the LCD.

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http://www.powerbookmedic.com/mac-repair.php

If you take your Macbook to most repair companies with a cracked display, they'll undoubtedly say you need to replace the entire display assembly and charge you some astronomical figure. It really isn't an extremely difficult procedure to do yourself however, and so we've created the guide below to show you just how to do it.


Step 1:

The Procedure:

To begin, use a heat gun to loosen the double sided adhesive strip that holds the glass in place. Use caution, and heat the glass in short segments as over heating can cause damage to your LCD.With the glass heated, place a strong suction cup on the glass and pull up and away from the glass.

If heated properly, you'll be able to see a small gap between the glass and the and the rest of the display. Insert a thin piece of plastic such as a credit card or movie rental card into the opening. Work the piece of plastic in enough where it can be slid along the seem of the glass. This will break the adhesive strip holding the glass in place.Repeat this procedure along the entire edge of the glass assembly. When you meet resistance, heat the area and repeat.

Once you have used a hair dryer or heat gun to warm the adhesive strip, use a strong suction cup to begin to separate the glass from the display assembly.

Step 2:

Caution: When pulling up on the suction cup, you should have to exert some force. However, do not apply excessive force as this could crack your glass or LCD. When you meet resistance, heat the area and repeat. At a certain point the glass will easily come free from the rest of the display assembly. Set the glass to the side on a clean, dust free, surface.

Step 3:

Next, remove 4 philips head screws ( 2 on either side ) holding the LCD to the display frame. Then remove the 2 philips head screws at the bottom of the display.

Step 4:

Next remove the clutch cover by sliding it to the side and applying a gentle upward pressure.

Step 5:

Flip the display assembly forward, and the LCD will come free from the backing.

Step 6:

Gently work the LVDS cable out of the opening in the bottom of the display frame to remove the LCD from the display assembly.

Step 7:

All of the pieces of the Macbook Unibody Display Assembly

To reassemble, place the LCD back in the frame, and insert the LVDS cable backwards through the opening in the bottom the display frame. Then pull the cable through the opening. You can use a plastic pry tool to assist you in routing the cable. Be very careful with this cable as it can be easily damaged.

Line the bottom of the LCD up with the bottom frame, and slide it into the groove in the bottom frame. Then make sure the 6 screw holes are properly aligned. Replace the 6 philip head screws.

Before putting the glass back on, use a cloth to glean any dust or fingerprints from the LCD and glass panel.