I have had my MacBook since late 2007 and the keyboard has just cracked – in the area that my right wrist would be. Up until this I had managed to keep it pristine with a propetiary cleaning system and there were no cracks or discoloration anywhere.
I bought a new keyboard on eBay, the whole top case including trackpad, and found a couple of instructional videos on YouTube, neither of which was entirely correct (but close enough not to do damage). By combining the 2 sets of instructions I managed to remove the old keyboard and instal the new.
Lessons:
• Give yourself a bit of time without distractions.
• You need a size 0 Phillips screwdriver; my size 1 burred at least one of the screws (slightly).
• You need a clear space to keep track of your screws when you managed to catch them on the magnetic catch of the MacBook and drop them on the floor.
• The keyboard is fastened to the edge of the case with small plastic catches which are loose when unfastened; remember to locate them properly in their seats before replacing the keyboard.
• If the keyboard does not work (will not switch on), remove it all again and reverse the connector between trackpad and logic board.
• You might as well upgrade the hard drive while you're about it. Mine now has 500Gb and is another backup of my iMac, with which I keep the Documents, Pictures and Sites updated.
My MacBook is now complete, but I did find a hairline crack near the hinge on the bottom case while I was doing the work.