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Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Unibody) A1286 repair
Repairs, upgrades and data recovery for the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Unibody), model number A1286, the 2008–2012 MacBook, with a 15.4-inch screen. A tracked courier collects it from any UK postcode and brings it to our workshop bench in London.
We find the fault, tell you the price, and only start once you say yes.
What we do
Repairs and upgrades for the MacBook Pro 15-inch (Unibody)
Repairs FAULTS
- Screen replacementCracked glass, lines, flicker or a dead backlight. A matching panel fitted and the display cable checked.
- Keyboard and trackpadDead or sticky keys, a trackpad that won’t click. On MacBooks the keyboard is riveted into the top case, so the two are replaced together.
- Battery and chargingShort battery life, swelling, or no charge through the charging port.
- Hinges and casingStiff, loose or snapped hinges, cracked lids and bezels.
- Liquid damageStripped, cleaned of corrosion and tested board by board. The sooner it reaches us, the better the odds.
- Motherboard repairComponent-level work on power, charging and graphics faults, rather than a whole new board.
- Overheating and fan noiseFans and heatsink cleaned, thermal paste renewed.
- Virus and software problemsMalware removed, macOS repaired and updated, files checked.
Upgrades SPEED & SPACE
- SSD upgradeA 2.5 or 3.5-inch SATA drive, which can be swapped for an SSD with everything cloned across.
- Memory (RAM)Fitted in memory slots, so it can be upgraded. We check the type and the most this model will take before ordering.
- New batteryFor a battery that only lasts an hour, or shuts down without warning.
- macOS reinstallA fresh, updated macOS with your files carried over.
- Move to a new computerFiles, email, photos and settings moved across from this one.
Known faults
What we see on the MacBook Pro
- The 2011 models are known for graphics chip failures: stripes, a grey screen on startup or restart loops.
Price calculator
What will it cost?
Pick the job for your Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Unibody). Prices are from our workshop price list; the final price is agreed with you before any work starts.
Upgrade check
What can be upgraded
| Make | Apple |
|---|---|
| Model | MacBook Pro 15-inch (Unibody) |
| Model number | A1286 |
| Years | 2008–2012 |
| Screen | 15.4-inch |
| Processor | Intel |
| Memory | Fitted in memory slots, so it can be upgraded. We check the type and the most this model will take before ordering. |
| Storage | A 2.5 or 3.5-inch SATA drive, which can be swapped for an SSD with everything cloned across. |
Not sure which one you have? The model number is printed in small text on the underside. Tell us when you book and we’ll confirm it.
Data recovery
Getting your files back
The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Unibody) uses a standard SATA drive. A clicking, buzzing or silent hard drive needs a clean room diagnostic first; deleted files and corrupted partitions are usually recovered without opening the drive.
The initial consultation is free. Prices exclude VAT. See the full data recovery price list.
How it works
From your door to the bench and back
Tell us the fault
Send the booking form or call with the make, model and what it's doing. We'll say whether it sounds repairable.
Pack it up
Box the computer with padding on every side. A tracked courier collects it from your home or work.
Diagnosis and quote
We find the fault on the bench and give you one fixed price. Nothing is done until you say yes.
Repair and test
The part is replaced or repaired, then the machine is run under load to make sure the fault is gone.
Back to your door
Repacked and returned by tracked courier, with a note of what was done.
Apple
Other Apple models we repair
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (Unibody) A1278
- MacBook Pro 13-inch Retina A1502
- MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina A1398
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, two Thunderbolt 3 ports A1708
- MacBook Pro 13-inch Touch Bar A1706
- MacBook Pro 15-inch Touch Bar A1707
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, four Thunderbolt 3 ports A1989
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (2019) A2159
- MacBook Pro 15-inch (2018–2019) A1990
- MacBook Pro 16-inch (Intel) A2141
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (2020) A2289
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, four Thunderbolt 3 ports (2020) A2251
- MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 / M2 A2338
- MacBook Pro 14-inch M1 Pro / M1 Max A2442
- MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Pro / M1 Max A2485
- MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro / M2 Max A2779
- MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro / M2 Max A2780
- MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 A2918
- MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro / M3 Max A2992
- MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Pro / M3 Max A2991
- MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 A3112
Book a repair
Tell us what needs fixing
Send the details and we'll reply by phone or email to agree the price and arrange the collection.
Start your repair
Call or email with the make, the model and what it's doing. We'll tell you the next step and arrange the courier.