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MacBook Pro 16" hinge cracking sound

I own a 2019 MacBook Pro 16" and every time I open it the hinge on the left side (ESC key side) cracks or pops. I went to the apple store last week and tested the same models on display and both cracked. I tried opening and closing the 13" but it doesn't seem to have the same problem. I can only assume the weight of the screen on the 16" is causing the hinge's mounting points to flex. I found that if you close the screen while putting some pressure in the z-direction, it prevents that cracking sounds.

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Aug 15, 2021 6:03 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Aug 16, 2021 6:36 AM

apasilla wrote:

I own a 2019 MacBook Pro 16" and every time I open it the hinge on the left side (ESC key side) cracks or pops. I went to the apple store last week and tested the same models on display and both cracked. I tried opening and closing the 13" but it doesn't seem to have the same problem. I can only assume the weight of the screen on the 16" is causing the hinge's mounting points to flex. I found that if you close the screen while putting some pressure in the z-direction, it prevents that cracking sounds.


You will have to take it in for your hardware issue/inspection—


In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"—

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country




Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)


Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232



3 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Aug 16, 2021 6:36 AM in response to apasilla

apasilla wrote:

I own a 2019 MacBook Pro 16" and every time I open it the hinge on the left side (ESC key side) cracks or pops. I went to the apple store last week and tested the same models on display and both cracked. I tried opening and closing the 13" but it doesn't seem to have the same problem. I can only assume the weight of the screen on the 16" is causing the hinge's mounting points to flex. I found that if you close the screen while putting some pressure in the z-direction, it prevents that cracking sounds.


You will have to take it in for your hardware issue/inspection—


In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"—

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country




Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)


Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232



Aug 16, 2021 7:26 AM in response to leroydouglas

I took it for an inspection back in march before my one-year warranty. I demonstrated the issue and they agreed that there was a problem. The Apple salesperson took it to the back of the store and told me that they opened it and found nothing unusual and that they tightened the screws on that side. That fixed the issues but only for a few weeks. As I mentioned, I believe this is a mechanical issue where the hinge is flexing due to the weight of the screen. I had a similar issue with a 16" HP laptop where the plastic chassis cracked from the keyboard surface. A simple solution I suggest for Apple engineers is the use of lock tight.

Aug 16, 2021 7:28 AM in response to apasilla

apasilla wrote:

I took it for an inspection back in march before my one-year warranty. I demonstrated the issue and they agreed that there was a problem. The Apple salesperson took it to the back of the store and told me that they opened it and found nothing unusual and that they tightened the screws on that side. That fixed the issues but only for a few weeks. As I mentioned, I believe this is a mechanical issue where the hinge is flexing due to the weight of the screen. I had a similar issue with a 16" HP laptop where the plastic chassis cracked from the keyboard surface. A simple solution I suggest for Apple engineers is the use of lock tight.



you can submit your Apple Feedback http://www.apple.com/feedback


MacBook Pro 16" hinge cracking sound

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