Periodic "tink" or click sound from inside new Macbook Pro

I've had this same thing happen with mine ever since I've had it.... it's a year old now. Everything works like a charm, but I've often wondered about it... fans? HD? what is it?

Usually the source of a sound like that is the hard drive.

it's the hard disk: the read/write heads keep going in the parking position to avoid "crash landing" on plates.

Yep, I have the latest 17" Macbook Pro and it did it form day one and thought it must be something to do with some internal switching or something. But over the last wee or two has got worse and a bit annoying. I've discovered it is the case itself making the noises when I squeeze it it makes the noise. Really weird though, strange "tink" sound and doesn't take much movement to make it make the noise. Very strange.

Is this the answer?
http://tenonedesign.com/blog/fix-your-macbook-pro-like-a-champ/

I have a brand new MBP 15" (got it on Friday) and didn't have a chance to really use it until last night. Heard "tinks" and was trying to convince myself it wasn't my brand new computer (until I heard the youtube video which sounded exactly like the "problem" I have now).

Annoying yes, but if it isn't harmful, I'll live with it until I'm ready to open it up.

I too have noticed this strange and very annoying "plink" noise with my new 17" MBP originating with the slightest movement whenever the computer is on my lap or any uneven surface. I took it to my local Mac service center today and mentioned the various internet threads describing this issue (although they didn't seem to be interested in that information). When I hear back, I'll post the results.

I look forward to hearing your results. I know this can be fixed by the user, but I'm curious to see if Apple will address it. I don't want a new/exchanged computer. I just want that annoying noise to stop. If I have to wind up removing the part myself, so be it....

Message was edited by: Eeeeeeeeeeee

Just got the computer back from Mac Service. They did a visual inspection (removed the bottom cover) and said they could not "replicate" the plink/tink noise. While I was initially very frustrated (as I was able to "replicate" the noise every time I used the computer), when I got home and fired up the MBP, the noise was gone. Go figure. I'll keep you all updated if it returns.

It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you all that the annoying noise is back and I am at a "total" loss on what to do.

I've been experiencing this noise since day 1. Unfortunately I under-estimated how annoying it would get, and the 2 week DOA period lapsed before I decided to follow it up. It just kinda sounds like a messed up hard drive - I'm quite certain that it's not the S.M.S parking the hard drive head, I've replicated that sound and compared it to the periodic sound coming from the machine, they sound very different.
I've never had any problems like this on my previous notebooks, none of which were apple though. I don't think I'll be buying another mac, depends on how/if/when they can fix the noise.

http://tenonedesign.com/blog/fix-your-macbook-pro-like-a-champ/

I just did this last night and I'm happy to say, the f'ing noise is gone! Either the geniuses are completely stupid in this case, or they're well aware of the problem (how can they not be, since a simple Google search finds not only the problem, but a youtube audio of the noise itself) and have been told to say they can't find anything.

I've been hesitant to try the noise "fix" not knowing the consequences of removing this part from the computer. However, after several hours of listing to the little coke bottles rolling around inside my MPB pro last night and along with what appears Apple's ignorance of this problem, I'm ready to try the "fix" myself and deal with any consequences.

The 'fix' is reportedly to remove the grounding connector shown in the previous link. Since it has a purpose or else it would not be there, has anyone thought about applying some conductive grease to the offending connector? The squeaky wheel ... 🙂

Well... so far, no consequences. I'm sure the machine has multiple grounding connectors. Secondly, Apple has not been fixing this problem at all, from what I've been reading. They are either:
a) Not "finding" the issue.
b) Replacing MBP and the replacements also have the issue.

I can honestly say, my MBP is as quiet now as the 2006 one it replaced and I'm very happy.

For those who don't understand, THIS noise ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJmpervXe9M) is unacceptable on a $2500+ machine.

Thanks for the feedback Eeeeee.. I'm going to remove the offending part after the 4th festivities. I totally agree, a $2,500+ machine should not have this problem. I wonder if most MBPs make this noise and their owners accept/ignore it or are we the unfortunate few who fall within apple's percentage of acceptable defects.