| Mighty Mouse Repair Guide |
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After the release of Apple's Mighty Mouse™ many users found that the scroll wheel on the mouse easily became clogged and difficult to use - especially when trying to scroll down. Apple's own site suggests using water to clean the scroll wheel but this method has proved either temporary or unsuccessful for those that have tried it. Beyond that, frustrated users have had to put up with a temperamental scroll wheel or to purchase a new mouse. Another option is to physically open the mouse and clean the scroll wheel assembly directly. However, some websites have suggested that the only way this can be accomplished is to break the plastic ring that surrounds the bottom of the mouse. This is not the case. With a little manual dexterity and patience it is possible to access the wheel directly and give it a thorough cleaning. Please exercise some common sense and be aware of potentially voiding the warranty on the mouse.*
Step One:
The plastic ring on the bottom of the mouse is the first road block. A razor blade or scalpel is suggested in the removal of the ring. Gently pry along the crease. You will encounter resistance at spots where adhesive was applied. Just be patient and gentle and soon the ring will detach.
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Step Two:
Now that the ring is off, carefully pull up on the bottom-front of the mouse. Two clips will "pop" off in the front while the back is hinged and can swing up and down. Carefully coerce the back hinges from their seated position while making sure the separated body pieces don't stray too far apart as their are two data cables connecting the top and bottom components.
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Step
Three:
Pull the cables from their sockets. Now the mouse is in two separate pieces.
Step Four:
There are three screws holding the scroll wheel assembly in place. A standard multi-bit screw driver worked but you may have more luck with a smaller tool. With the screws out, remove the assembly. The wheel/ball sits on a piece of white plastic that can be removed with a little careful fiddling and pulling. This reveals four small pins with magnet wheels on them. Remove them and clean both the pin and where it is seated in the assembly. Rubbing alcohol, the scalpel and some Q-Tips worked well in removing the gunk.
Step Five:
Now that the mouse has been cleaned, simply reassemble it. The plastic ring will need a few drops of super glue to keep it in place (update: a reader suggested using Silicon Rubber Glue/Adhesive which would allow you to more easily pull the ring off again for additional cleaning. Thanks, Andrew). If everything went well, you should now have a mouse that functions like it did when it was new.
Pull the cables from their sockets. Now the mouse is in two separate pieces.
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Step Four:
There are three screws holding the scroll wheel assembly in place. A standard multi-bit screw driver worked but you may have more luck with a smaller tool. With the screws out, remove the assembly. The wheel/ball sits on a piece of white plastic that can be removed with a little careful fiddling and pulling. This reveals four small pins with magnet wheels on them. Remove them and clean both the pin and where it is seated in the assembly. Rubbing alcohol, the scalpel and some Q-Tips worked well in removing the gunk.
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Step Five:
Now that the mouse has been cleaned, simply reassemble it. The plastic ring will need a few drops of super glue to keep it in place (update: a reader suggested using Silicon Rubber Glue/Adhesive which would allow you to more easily pull the ring off again for additional cleaning. Thanks, Andrew). If everything went well, you should now have a mouse that functions like it did when it was new.
*This website is
for educational purposes only! Mighty Mouse Repair Guide is not
responsible for damage to equipment or person.
Copyright 2006 Mighty Mouse Repair Guide. All rights reserved. Apple and Mighty Mouse are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Images are property of their respective owners.
The Mighty Mouse is compatible with Apple's iMac, Macbook, Macbook Pro, iBook, Powerbook , Mac Mini, Power Mac, and Mac Pro.
This site is not affiliated with Apple Computer, Inc.
Copyright 2006 Mighty Mouse Repair Guide. All rights reserved. Apple and Mighty Mouse are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Images are property of their respective owners.
The Mighty Mouse is compatible with Apple's iMac, Macbook, Macbook Pro, iBook, Powerbook , Mac Mini, Power Mac, and Mac Pro.
This site is not affiliated with Apple Computer, Inc.