MacBook Pro 17" (2.16 gHz) Display Hinge is WAY too loose!

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro 17" (2.16 gHz) Display Hinge is WAY too loose!

This is a common topic in these forums, but I wanted to chime in with my experience.

I have a 2.16gHz 17" MacBook Pro that also has a very loose display hinge. Sitting flat is fine, but as soon as I tip the laptop forward or backward the screen comes crashing down. Unfortunately the machine is out of warranty.

I went to the Apple Store to drool over the new 17" MBP's with the 1920x1200 displays, but noticed the same problem. I checked several units in a few different stores. They are not quite as bad as mine, but if you tilt them 20 degrees or so, the display moves. There's no way I'm going to spend $3000 on that.

The 15" MBP's have at least TWICE the hinge resistance and can easily hold the display solid even when you hold the laptop at 90 degrees.

I hope to see this issue finally resolved in the next rev of the MBP 17".

2.16 gHz Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.1), Powerbook G4, Mac Mini, Apple TV, iPod Mini, iPod Video 5G, iPhone 8GB

Posted on Jan 20, 2008 12:53 PM

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Answer 1

iVmichael

Level 6

13,746 points

Jan 20, 2008 2:00 PM in response to Ranger_One

The problem is, and has always been, that it's the same hinge design/mechanism for both 15" and 17" and there's a major weight difference between the two screens. The 'floppy' hinge is the main reason I refused to buy a 17" from the moment they came out ...

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Answer 2

Ranger_One Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 20, 2008 2:10 PM in response to iVmichael

Actually, when I was at the Apple Store I had both laptops flat, with the screens at 90 degrees. Pushing the screen forward and back with my fingers (via the top of the screen of course), the 15" easily has twice the hinge resistance. With that kind of test, weight isn't a significant factor -- that 17" hinge on a 15" laptop would probably cause the screen to come crashing down, too.

There were a few people in these forums who said their 17" was actually too tight (wish I had that problem!). It seems like a quality/consistency problem that could easily be fixed by A) measuring the force required to move the screen back and forth before screwing the case together, and B) making the hinge tension adjustable.

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Answer 3

iVmichael

Level 6

13,746 points

Jan 20, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Ranger_One

B) making the hinge tension adjustable

That would be the most obvious solution, but I'm guessing that would cost slightly more to produce and we all know how fond Apple are of their margins ...

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Answer 4

Jan 20, 2008 4:36 PM in response to Ranger_One

I had the same problem and ended up taking off the top case per the instructions on ifixit.com and tightened only 2 screws holding the display to the base of the computer. real easy fix.

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Answer 5

Feb 7, 2008 3:30 PM in response to Templeton Peck

Templeton,

I looked for the ifixit article but could not find it. Would you mind providing a link to it?

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Answer 6

Feb 14, 2008 2:54 PM in response to stevenstill

I need to tighten my display also. I checked out ifixit.com and found this for my Macbook Pro 15'' http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-Duo/Display/85/14/

This article is for replacing a display but, if you get to the last steps it shows where the two main screws are attached. I'm gonna try it later.

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Answer 7

MeanChad

Level 1

5 points

Feb 16, 2008 7:04 PM in response to _rustedshut_

This is normal for it to not be as tight as a 15" monitor I have spoke with several techs and they have all agreed that the screen is heavier Apple should come up with some stronger hinges

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Answer 8

Targon

Level 1

80 points

Mar 11, 2008 8:09 AM in response to _rustedshut_

Anyone else tried this tightening fix?

Any success stories?

Please report back.

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Answer 9

Mar 21, 2008 1:02 PM in response to Ranger_One

I sent my new MBP 17" in to apple to get the hinges tightened. As far as I can tell they didn't do anything to it. It's still impossible to use in bed or with my knees up even slightly. It's very annoying to have a laptop that can't actually be used on my lap.

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Answer 10

Targon

Level 1

80 points

Mar 26, 2008 1:55 AM in response to EricBergen

I just received my second MBP 17" with the same problem. The first one was sent back and declared DOA because of this. So this unit is going back as well. The machine is not useable in any position other than on a flat desk. My usage is 80% on my lap laying down.

I have two G3 Powerbooks and two G4 Powerbooks and the display is FIRM on all those machines. The displays do not move at any angle.

The MBP display drops down at about 45 degree angle.

Sending back, probably request a refund instead of having my time wasted on waiting for new machines with the same problem.

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