Changing iBook CD-ROM drive

[filburt1]

I'm fairly sure that my iBook 600's CD-ROM drive (not Combo drive) is broken: if you insert nearly any CD, it will eject it again. Trying to put it back in repeatedly will eventually work, but it takes about 10 tries until it works.

In the meantime, I'm using an external Firewire drive, but some day I might need to use the internal drive.

Has anybody successfully swapped out the CD-ROM drive in an iBook? If so, how difficult is it? Any idea where I should get the parts?

I plan on calling an Apple store somewhat near me today, but because my AppleCare expired about six months ago, I won't be able to get it done for free (and I hope it's not exceedingly expensive).

[saint.duo]

I've swapped out optical drives in iBooks before. Both part replacements and upgrades. With a service manual (not available to the public) it's tricky the first few times. Without one, you would have to be VERY good at tearing down laptops to even give it a go.

[filburt1]

Great :(

I called my closest Apple store...they predicted that it would cost $300 which isn't worth it at this point IMO.