Top case removal

[BigJohno]

about 6 months ago my friend spilled beer on my mid 09 ubmbp. After it had happened the trackpad stopped working. Someone then told me to use a qutip and rubbing alcohol and try and get it in the cracks. Some how it worked but every so often it would stop so I would use this method again. Now in the past few days my mouse has stopped again. It works for a min or two after I restart then starts to freak out like there is someone moving the mouse. I have tried the rubbing alcholo but its not working anymore.

My question is if I were to buy a new top case how hard is it to replace on my own. I would like to bring it in to Apple but they are going to charge me because there will be signs of water damage. I haven't been able to find a good diy online.

Anyway thanks for the help.

 

[Surely]

There may be more damage than just the "top case". Replacing the top case may not be enough. Chances are, the beer is eating away at some of the components inside your MBP.

Frankly, I'm surprised it has lasted this long.

It would be a good idea to get a professional opinion (at the Apple Store or at another Mac specialist) to see what really needs to be done.

 

[Habitus]

about 6 months ago my friend spilled beer on my mid 09 ubmbp. After it had happened the trackpad stopped working. Someone then told me to use a qutip and rubbing alcohol and try and get it in the cracks. Some how it worked but every so often it would stop so I would use this method again. Now in the past few days my mouse has stopped again. It works for a min or two after I restart then starts to freak out like there is someone moving the mouse. I have tried the rubbing alcholo but its not working anymore.

My question is if I were to buy a new top case how hard is it to replace on my own. I would like to bring it in to Apple but they are going to charge me because there will be signs of water damage. I haven't been able to find a good diy online.

Anyway thanks for the help.

Given that the Mac is a uni-body, a replacement would be extremely hard. You would have to remove all the components. More harm than good, if you're unexperienced.

Habitus

 

[thunderboltspro]

First step kill your friend.

Even if you decide to change the casing apple will still see damage from liquid inside your case.

http://www.ifixit.com/ is the only place with awesome tutorials.

 

[P99]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.50 (Windows NT 5.1; U; en) T-Mobile_Rhodium)

if you are taking this route i suggest u open it up and try to clean it yourself. There is a possibility of components being a little "sticky" to function right. Is there a nasty dent on it that you feel the need to order a case?

 

[BigJohno]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.50 (Windows NT 5.1; U; en) T-Mobile_Rhodium)

if you are taking this route i suggest u open it up and try to clean it yourself. There is a possibility of components being a little "sticky" to function right. Is there a nasty dent on it that you feel the need to order a case?

I dono I might try and open it. I was quoted when it first happened 1200 bux because the logic board had damage to it. If I got just the top case it would include a new trackpad. It would also save 900$...

 

[Surely]

I dono I might try and open it. I was quoted when it first happened 1200 bux because the logic board had damage to it. If I got just the top case it would include a new trackpad. It would also save 900$...

If the logic board is fried (as I suspected), buying a top case wouldn't do jack. It's like getting a new paint job on a smashed up car.

Your best option is to sell it "as is" on eBay (don't lie and say it works), and use the the money towards a new one.