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MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement

Introduction

When replacing your hard drive, you must transfer the Torx screws from the old drive to the new one.

What you need

Video Overview

  1. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the eight 4 mm Phillips screws securing the lower case to the MacBook.

    Edit

  2. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • The lower case is constructed of rubber-coated aluminum. Do not excessively bend the aluminum during removal, as any permanent deformation will cause tolerance issues after reassembly.

    • Slightly lift the lower case near the vent opening.

    • Continue running your fingers between the lower and upper cases until the upper case pops off its retaining clips.

    • The location of these three clips is shown in the third picture.

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  3. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement, Battery: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • For precautionary purposes, we advise that you disconnect the battery connector from the logic board to avoid any electrical discharge. This step is optional and is not required.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector up out of its socket on the logic board.

    • It may be easier to use your fingernails to lift up on both sides of the connector.

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  5. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement, Hard Drive: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Remove two 11 mm Phillips screws securing the hard drive bracket to the upper case.

    • These screws are captive in the hard drive bracket.

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  6. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the retaining bracket out of the upper case.

    • When putting the bracket back after replacing the drive, it is easy to put in backwards. If it doesn't seat smoothly, then reverse it and try again.

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  7. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the hard drive by its pull tab and pull it away from the upper case, minding the cable still attaching it to the logic board.

    • In some revisions of the MacBook A1342, the hard drive bracket may include two rubber brackets (as highlighted in the second picture.) The correct orientation of the rubber brackets is shown in the third picture.

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  8. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the hard drive cable by pulling its connector straight away from the hard drive.

    Edit

  9. MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Hard Drive Replacement, Hard Drive: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two T6 Torx screws from each side of the hard drive (four screws total).

    • You'll need to transfer these screws to your new hard drive if you're changing drives.

    • If you are installing a new hard drive, we have an OS X install guide to get you up and running.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

351 other people completed this guide.

21 Comments

awesome guide! This really made it so easy to figure out exactly what I was doing. The large, sharp pictures really made me feel confident that I was doing everything properly. Thanks!

dcmcnyy - Reply

can i install an ssd instead of a normal hd?

brian ramdhan - Reply

Yes, absolutely. I switched mine out with a Kingston 120GB SSD.

qosmioamit -

can this model A1342 take an SSD with SATA3 instead of SATA2?

Nikhil M - Reply

By the looks of it. The Crucial MX100 is explicitly said to be compatible and has SATA III:

http://www.ramcity.com.au/buy/crucial-mx...

Albert -

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