MPB Stripped screw hole

[dream3]

Hello!

After pasting my macbook pro, while reinstalling the motherboard, I put too much force in twisting the driver and I stripped the receptor screw hole. I tried using one of the other screws and they all fail (spinning in the same spot indefinitely).

Does that mean the aluminum topcase, on which the motherboard goes and where the receptor hole is, is permanently damaged?

Is there any way to fix that hole?

 

[chscag]

Is there any way to fix that hole?

Look for a miniature tap and die set such as you would find here. Using one, you might be able to repair the hole and use the next size up screw. Miniature sets are hard to come by so look around. If you have a Lowes or Home Depot close by, they might have what you need.

 

[dream3]

hey chsgag!

I was inspecting it a little better and I realized what stripped wasnt the top case, but that black plastic divider thing. No wonder it was more fragile than the rest...

Here:

Do you happen to know where I could get a replacement for that? I dont even know how it's called.

I bet it's super easy to replace it, if I ever find a new one.

 

[pigoo3]

Do you happen to know where I could get a replacement for that? I dont even know how it's called.

I bet it's super easy to replace it, if I ever find a new one.

Try eBay, ifixit.com, powerbookmedic.com, etc.

- Nick

 

[dream3]

I've tried those already. No luck. As I said, without knowing at least the thing's name I can't even be sure haha

 

[pigoo3]

I've tried those already. No luck.

Sometimes parts that are needed are part of an assembly (may not be able to get just that part). Or if it is part of an assembly…if you know the name of the assembly…then this gives you a starting point (from a name perspective)…of what to search for.

Both ifixit.com and powerbookmedic.com have great photos. So you may be able to see the part you need in a photo (or part of an assembly).

As I said, without knowing at least the thing's name I can't even be sure haha

That's why you have to start out with a more generic/general termed search…then narrow the searches as you discover what the proper name is for a part. What you're looking for is pretty unusual…that's why the name is hard to find.

eBay may be the best place for this part. Since many eBay sellers of computer parts will strip-down a computer to every single-disassemblable part…and sell them piece by piece. So you may have to look thru a lot of eBay auctions before you find the piece/name of the part…you need.

This is part of the fun of doing your own repairs. Sometimes you need to figure out the solution. If I knew the name of this part I would tell you. But because there are so many different Apple computer models…and because the part you need is so unusual…it's not a part (or part name) that is often replaced or discussed. This part appears to be part of the "framework" of the computer…which is something not often replaced.

These TEENY computer screws need to be handled VERY gently. When reassembling…only the lightest amount of force should be used. Even if the slightest bit of resistance is encountered when reassembling…things should immediately stop when this happens. If things continue…cross-threading can occur. Or…if insertion of the screw goes fine…then not too much force/torque should be used when doing the final tightening. These screws are sooo teeny…very little force is needed for final tightening…otherwise…the threads in the screw-hole (or the threads on the screw itself) will be stripped. These are not like nuts/screws on an automobile engine…that can be tightened fairly aggressively…without damage occurring.

The idea is not to strip those screws!

- Nick

 

[harryb2448]

Called a centre divider from where you got your pic:-

What I learned from replacing the top case of a Macbook Pro (Mid-2010) | fixedByVonnie

 

[pigoo3]

Called a centre divider from where you got your pic:-

What I learned from replacing the top case of a Macbook Pro (Mid-2010) | fixedByVonnie

WOW...awesome find there "Detective Harry"...excellent!!!

@dream3: How the heck could you pull that photo off another internet page (fixed By Vonnie)...and not see the name of the part there (or at least use that name as a starting point to research from)??

- Nick

 

[chscag]

WOW...awesome find there "Detective Harry"...excellent!!!

LOL, Harry spent his career as a police officer in Australia, no wonder he's such a good detective! Good police work Harry.

 

[pigoo3]

LOL, Harry spent his career as a police officer in Australia, no wonder he's such a good detective! Good police work Harry.

I know lol. I was sort of pulling Harry's leg!

Don't try to run from Harry...he'll get ya!

- Nick

 

[dream3]

I have no idea how I managed to overlook that. Thank guys, there are actually tons of those in ebay. Cheers folks.

And pigoo, since you've talked about how to handle screws, should I follow the same logic when installing the heatsink? Or in that case I should put as much pressure as possible to ensure it will be properly mounted and reduce the air bubble chance?

 

[pigoo3]

I have no idea how I managed to overlook that. Thank guys, there are actually tons of those in ebay.

Hey that's pretty darn awesome. Congrats!

And pigoo, since you've talked about how to handle screws, should I follow the same logic when installing the heatsink? Or in that case I should put as much pressure as possible to ensure it will be properly mounted and reduce the air bubble chance?

You never really told us why you are doing all this. If it's a situation where if nothing is broke...don't fix it. Then if nothing is broke...don't fix it.

But to answer your question. The screws on the heatsink I believe are a bit larger...so they can take a bit more torque/tightening force. But no...don't use as much pressure as possible. There isn't a screw in a laptop computer where anyone should use as much pressure as possible.

Screws in laptop computers & the threaded holes they go into...are very very delicate...so very little pressure/torque is needed to tighten them. Have you ever changed a tire on an automobile?? The lug nuts or lug bolts (depending on the situation)...on the tires are the sort of hardware where not only is it ok to use as much pressure as possible...it may even be necessary.

Another problem some folks have with laptop screws is having the correct screwdrivers. A set of mini/precision screwdrivers should be used...nothing larger. If too large a screwdriver is used...it can be very easy to apply too much force. A set of screwdrivers like this should be used:

- Nick

 

[dream3]

Yeah I have those. Exactly what I used to perform the surgery.

I was replacing the thermal paste. 99% of the reports state they are poorly applied, so I give it a shot and paste it myself. MX-4 and rice dot on the center of the GPU die (or a thin line in the center of the CPU die).

I didnt know the pressure thing though. Thanks a lot for that!