MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Hard Drive Replacement
Introduction
Go to step 1Upgrade your hard drive for more storage space!
What you need
Fix Kit
This kit contains all the parts and tools needed to complete this guide.
Parts
Tools
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Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:
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Three 13.5 mm (14.1 mm) Phillips screws.
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Seven 3 mm Phillips screws.
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Use the edge of a spudger to pry the battery connector upwards from its socket on the logic board.
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Remove two Phillips screws securing the hard drive bracket to the upper case.
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Remove two T6 Torx screws from each side of the hard drive (four screws total).
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If desired, peel the pull tab off your old hard drive and transfer it to the side of your new drive.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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18 Comments
Thanks yet again, iFixit! I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but your clear, explicit directions always make me feel like one.
The repair proved even easier than the "moderate" difficulty rating would suggest. The entire process took me about ten minutes—far less time than it would take to even drive to a repair depot or Genius Bar.
Also: I was unable to locally source a spudger or T6 Torx screwdriver, and couldn't afford to wait. No problemo! I was able to easily disconnect the MacBook battery using my fingernails. Also, because the Torx screws protrude slightly, I was able to unscrew them (and screw them into the new drive) using needle-nose pliers.
My new drive is now formatted and being restored using a Time Machine backup.
Very easy if you have a basic understanding of how a computer is put together. Took me about five minutes, honestly. The hardest part was getting a screwdriver that was small enough. The key is to go slow and BE CAREFUL. If you're going to disconnect the battery connector, DON'T PRY IT WITH ANYTHING METAL. That should be common sense, but it probably isn't. Also, take note that the ribbon cable that is attached to the SATA connector is very delicate. Again, be careful and you should be good.
Great guide. Everything was exactly as stated. However, not my HD sits loose in the case. It shifts and clunks every time I pick it up. Did I miss something or should I just open it up and use duct tape.
I had the same issue. You probably forgot to take the torx screws off the old drive and put them on the new drive. See Step 9 for details. I glossed over this, it was easy to miss, but it's definitely in the steps above and probably the cause of your issue.
REALLY straightforward :)
Have a plate or other clean, plain surface - as you unscrew them just lay out the scerws in their physical order and positions on the plate.
I DIDN'T disconnect the battery, but was VERY careful not to touch ANYTHING other than the disk - I guess that's feasibly where an accident might happen.
Go slow, keep touching a metal radiator or similar to ensure there is no static build up, and... DONE! Thanks iFixit :)
