Creaking noise coming from bottom case.

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Level 1

8 points

Creaking noise coming from bottom case.

I just got a new macbook pro as a replacement for a lemon about a week ago. Everything seems to be working fine. There is one thing that is worrying me though. When im laying down and have my macbook on my chest I can hear it make creaking noises. At first I thought it was no big deal but its starting to annoy me. I put the bottom of the macbook up to my ear to see what the noise was and it sounds like the bottom case flexes and produces the creaking sound. Is this normal? I am trying to avoid any repairs on this macbook for this issue since I have had bad experiences with repairs in the past. Can anyone confirm if this is normal?

Macbook Pro 2.53 Ghz, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jul 3, 2009 2:44 PM

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Answer 1

Regicide Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 4, 2009 1:09 PM in response to Regicide

I just noticed the laptop creaks when I have it on my lap as well. Anyone know how to fix this? or is apple care the only solution?

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Answer 2

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Jul 4, 2009 1:50 PM in response to Regicide

Welcome to Apple Discussions!

Your best bet is to take it in to Apple and have the creak evaluated. If you are still within the first 2 weeks of ownership of this replacement machine, and there is actually something wrong with the replacement, you may be able to get a third replacement machine. With any new machine, you should still have 2 weeks to check it out and make sure that there is nothing wrong with it.

Good luck!

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Answer 3

Jul 5, 2009 8:35 AM in response to Regicide

Mine makes little noises near the hinge, so if it's the plastic from the back hinge I'd guess that it is probably normal but like others have said....take it to an Apple Store and have it evaluated.

If it's "within spec" (Apple's manufacturing tolerances and specifications), they'll happily document it for you to give you peace of mind.

The best part of bringing it to a store (besides being free) is that you can make an appointment to speak w/ an Apple (employee) technician about your concerns; it's better service than any other computer company if you ask me.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes.

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Answer 4

Regicide Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 5, 2009 9:00 AM in response to Regicide

I went in to the apple store and the genius said that the MacBook pro needs to be on a flat surface. He said it's not a "laptop". He said it has no support underneath and that the fan is right by the case and that's what I'm hearing. I feel that this is probably a design flaw. A MacBook pro is for people on the go who need a portable system. So this means that I have to be at a desk or table anytime I want to use my computer which defeats the purpose if buying a laptop. I felt pretty stupid walking out of the apple store after the genius told me there was nothing wrong with my computer. I guess I will have to put up with the noises.

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Answer 5

Jul 5, 2009 11:42 AM in response to Regicide

' Hey guys (and any gals)!

' I'm using the 17-inch unibody which doesn't have the removable panels etc. that some of you might - so I'm honestly not entirely sure how relevant this is - but I thought sharing this with you might prove useful or interesting anyways...

' AFAIK the story about the fans is a load of bull! The only fans in the Unibody system are right up almost against the screen's hinge and they aren't resting against or too near the casing.
' Even without the panels you have, my system occasionally creaks a little - generally when I have it sitting on a very uneven surface that itself moves and shifts where it's applying pressure to the bottom of the case. From my perspective, and on my machine, it would appear to be nothing other than a little "give-and-take" of the casing (i.e. the metal) itself. It's slight, infrequent, and seems perfectly natural and normal (to be expected) to me.

' Again - this may NOT be what you may be experiencing - I don't know. But maybe this info / perspective / experience helps...

~Menageryl
-Jack of All Trades, Master of Some!-

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