How to Clean a SuperDrive in a Powerbook G4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 31, 2011 -- How to Clean a SuperDrive in a Powerbook G4

Apple's PowerBook G4 may be outdated, but many users still swear by its solid performance and classic look. The "SuperDrive" inside of the PowerBook loads discs automatically, but if the rails on the laser assembly of the SuperDrive become dirty, they will fail to grab hold of and load in the disc. Since CDs and DVDs are loaded through a front mounted slot, it is impossible to clean the SuperDrive's rails without partially disassembling the PowerBook. Doing this yourself will save the cost of labor and the time lost from sending it into a service center.



Instructions

1
Turn off the PowerBook. Close the lid and put it face down on a clean, soft cloth. Release the latch next to the battery. Remove the battery and put it aside. Remove the eight screws on the bottom using a Torx screwdriver.

2
Pull the bottom case plate of the PowerBook off to reveal the electronic components. Put the bottom case plate aside.

3
Pull the copper connector from the SuperDrive that is connected to the circuit board by squeezing the sides and lifting it straight out.

4

Gently lift the drive up and place it back down at the edge of the PowerBook. Remove all eight of the screws from the top of the SuperDrive using the Torx screwdriver. Remove the two screws from each side of the SuperDrive using the Torx screwdriver.

5
Carefully lift the top case up off the SuperDrive and push it away from you to disengage it from the bottom case. Put the top case aside.

6
Remove the laser assembly by pushing up on the metal shield at the left corner and then unscrewing it and the rest of the screws from the circuit board with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver.

7

Place the laser assembly down on the soft cloth. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Rub the cotton swab gently against the guide rails on the laser assembly. Repeat the process with another cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Let the laser assembly rails dry. Reassemble the laser assembly to the bottom case of the SuperDrive. Reassemble the SuperDrive to the PowerBook. Reassemble the PowerBook.

8
Put the battery back into the PowerBook and turn the PowerBook over. Open the lid of the PowerBook and press the Power button. Insert a disc into the disc slot at the front of the PowerBook and watch it being pulled into the slot now that you have fixed the PowerBook's SuperDrive DVD drive.



Tips & Warnings
Cleaning off the laser lens that is on the laser assembly after you have cleaned the rails can prevent you from having to open the PowerBook another time.

Static electricity from your fingers can damage the electronic components of the PowerBook if you are not grounded.

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