Loose hinge 16" Macbook Pro

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Level 1

5 points

Loose hinge 16" Macbook Pro

Re-starting this post I saw from January 2020, which only received one reply and stated that the 16" MBP owner should take it in for inspection.

I've also experienced my 16" MBP hinge feeling loose, especially when compared to my previous 2014 MBPr. The loose feeling is even more exaggerated with a lightweight plastic cover installed. When the 16" is closed about 30 degrees, it starts to shut on its own. Overall, it feels more fragile and wobbles more compared to previous MBP models.

After I took it into an Apple Store, the rep told me that the hinge was performing as intended, and I guess, is just designed to be looser than previous MBP computers. He also mentioned that there was no way to tighten the hinge, which I found hard to believe.

Can anyone else—any other experienced Apple MBP technicians or users—chime in? I would think it would certainly be possible to tighten up the hinge in the 16" MBP. Otherwise, seems like a step backwards in terms of durability.

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on May 3, 2020 5:07 PM

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Answer 1

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DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

May 3, 2020 5:25 PM in response to bfranksd

"Can anyone else—any other experienced Apple MBP technicians or users—chime in?"

I think you've done your due diligence at this point. Personally I think my 16" MBP's hinge is the perfect amount of firmness. I've had two of them. The first one I bought with 16GB ram and realized I needed 32GB for my work so I sent it back to Apple. My 32GB model is the same as the 16GB model in terms of the hinge. Seems very normal.

You cannot compare older model designs, because they are designed differently. Older MacBooks like the 2014 also had a glass faceplate over the LCD and needed a stiffer hinge to support the weight of that glass faceplate. It was causing stress on the hinge still so Apple stopped using them after 2015. The newer MacBooks like the 16" do not have the glass faceplate therefore they do not need the same stiff hinge.

Since Apple has verified your hinge is fine then you'll need to just get used to it.

BTW, there are no Apple technicians here. This is a community forum like any other forum made up of Mac users sharing help and experiences.

Lastly I would not recommend doing any self modifications to the hinge. You will for sure void your warranty.

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Answer 2

leroydouglas

Level 10

201,190 points

May 3, 2020 5:39 PM in response to bfranksd

bfranksd wrote:

The loose feeling is even more exaggerated with a lightweight plastic cover installed.

And what does it feel like when the "lightweight plastic cover" is not installed.

How does feel and behave to you(?)

It seems this would be the litmus test. The mac probeably is better off without it on anyway, If not for that reason, for better air flow and to dissipate the heat more eficiently.

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Answer 3

bfranksd Author

Level 1

5 points

May 3, 2020 5:38 PM in response to DPJ

Appreciate the reply and input, DPJ, and thanks for pointing out the difference/reason behind the hinge change.

For me personally, the 16" MBP hinge stiffness is tolerable when the computer is bare. However, I wish the stiffness held up better when a lightweight, plastic cover is installed.

And noted on the make-up of the Apple forum community.

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Answer 4

bfranksd Author

Level 1

5 points

May 3, 2020 5:47 PM in response to leroydouglas

Hi leroydouglas, it does feel better without the plastic cover, although, just doesn't give me the same amount of "confidence" like the previous ~2014 MBP models. I'd describe it as tolerable. I know that, as DPJ mentioned, I can't directly compare it to older models.

Slightly unrelated—would the plastic cover on the lid really inhibit airflow? I just checked and the vent airway is unobstructed.

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Answer 5

leroydouglas

Level 10

201,190 points

May 3, 2020 5:56 PM in response to bfranksd

bfranksd wrote:

Slightly unrelated—would the plastic cover on the lid really inhibit airflow? I just checked and the vent airway is unobstructed.

Search these ASC and you will see literally 100's of post, comments, and followups about Macs and very warm if not hot running Macs, especially when the Discreet Gpu is called upon under a load.

I would never recommend a case/sleeve/cover heavy or light.

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Loose hinge 16" Macbook Pro

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