For disassembly of the body, start with removal of all cards: video (if so equipped), RAM modules, and the processor. All of these are very easy: they simply pop right out: no need for photos to illustrate. Some are male, some female connectors, so be sure to align them properly when replacing:
Next, pry off the video port slot cover (if equipped) or the blank cover from the port bay on the rear of the machine (Rick's had the video card installed, so that is what is pictured here). If there is a card, once the cover is off, you will see two screws securing the port. Remove and save these for reinstallation later:
Next, locate and remove the speaker wire, which is in the upper-left corner near where the processor was located prior to removal:
After that, removal of the trackpad cable is necessary. Locate it by the ferrite ring that is around the cable inside a little space behind where the trackpad is. Pull that up and out along with the cable:
This one, unlike removal of the keyboard cable, is
not just by pulling out. There is a retaining mechanism built into the port. Be sure to lift these tabs prior to pulling the wire. This is difficult due to the plastic around the port; use a pry tool to try and get a good angle on it, and then remove the cable:
The next step is removal of the rear screws. These are covered by blank adhesive circular covers. Some people don't care about these, but I like the original look. The best way to save these I have found involves first getting any kind of smooth adhesive backing from tape, rubber squares, etc (I used the backing from adhesive foam this time). Next, use a brand new Xacto #11 blade, and push in at the extreme edge of the cover. Work the tip under, progressively flattening your angle of insertion out to get the blade underneath the cover progressively. Ince you have brought it up enough, pop it off, and then place it adhesive-down on the backing. This way, you will save the adhesive and can re-stick it when you are done.
To remove the top case cover, you need to remove all the screws in the battery/expansion bay as well. Those are all seen here:
Just a quick plug for neatness: with all this stuff liable to wind up all over the place, buy yourself some little bags and organize everything. It saves a ton of headache later on. Store the removed modules in anti-static bags if you have them:
I also realized that I neglected to mention removal of the rear feet. This is simple: one screw each, take them out.
The Apple Service Guide explains well the next step: removal of the tope half of the case. As I illustrate, put your thumbs on the ADB port housing, and other fingers on the rear of the case. Using your thumbs as a lever, push on the ADB housing and pry up with your fingers, and the case half should just pop off, and you can remove it easily.
Now, we have the logic board laid bare inside the case. You could technically get away with recapping at this point, but I find it too possible to melt the case with the soldering iron by accident. I have pointed out three things - the PC Card Eject Card (which we will remove), the four standoffs and screw that need to be removed to take out the logic board, and, finally, the capacitors that we will be replacing:
So, first, the removl of the PC Card eject switch: Not complex, just pull up, but it is usually held in place by some Locktite, so expect some resistance:
Here is a closer photo of the four standoffs and screw. If you have a mini-nut driver to remove these, then awesome. I use pliers because I don't have one that small:
Once those are removed, slide out the logic board up and toward you to remove. There may be a little finagling over by the PC card door to do, so just be careful as you remove it:
...and that is it for removal! Next post will be about the recap job.