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Loose touchpad makes annoying clicking noises

I have problem from the day I purchased my macbook air.
It is on the left hand side of the trackpad button. It sounds like a "Tick" noise! Sounds like something mechanically is loose in it.
It is very annoying.
(Just Touching the button, not executing it! makes the noise)

MacBook Air MC504LL/A, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jan 27, 2011 12:21 AM

Reply
49 replies

Feb 27, 2017 5:38 AM in response to EmirK

I'll vouch for this solution as well... it worked like a charm. Dust or grim at the very edge of the trackpad prevents the delicate trackpad plate from sitting flat, and causes the plate to buckle up ever so slightly. Cleaning the edge allows the plate to sit flat as it should normally. I found I had to take a razor blade to (very carefully) clean the grim at the very edge of the trackpad groove. Do not decent the blade to any depth, though - just use it to clear the gap.

Jan 27, 2011 5:25 AM in response to carl wolf

I can't return it, because I don't access to apple store or support

It works, but I want know is it happen to other MBA users? (anybody exist that have this problem?)
Is it normal problem on MBAs?
Is there screw that might be loose under touchpad? (loose less than 1 mm)
and if I want repair by myself, how can I do that?

Feb 19, 2011 9:27 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I have the same problem with mine. I'ts an 11 inch air, purchased in December. I just noticed the problem a couple weeks ago, so I'm not sure if it was there from the beginning. The trackpad works just fine, but that slightly loose feeling and the noise is kind of annoying. This is my 3rd notebook from Apple, and this is my first issue. I plan to take it to the genius bar at a local Apple store this week. Only problem is, with all the noise in the store, will they even hear the tiny click sound?

I will report back with my experience. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with this small problem.

Feb 20, 2011 7:10 AM in response to Masiha

just posted another thread on the same...mine used to make an occasional noise when I would move it, or lift/push it in a certain way. Never bothered, but would notice it.

I had to have it worked on for a severe issue where they replace a 'flex cable' -which was preventing system start, and several other errors.

Now I notice I don't hear the occasional crackle from the touchpad/wrist-rest area.


Cheers!

Mar 7, 2011 8:18 PM in response to Masiha

the trackpad on my Macbook Pro just started clicking today. I have had the laptop for about 8 months. As soon as my finger touches the surface, tick. very annoying. I will be taking this to the Genius bar and hopefully they will replace it. But I bet it will happen again 8 months from now. Oh, the illusion of quality.

Jun 23, 2011 8:01 AM in response to Masiha

I took my MBA to the Genius Bar and guess what, I was told that nothing is perfect, each machine has a some problem. He took the Air to the back of the shop and 'tightened' some screws 'just for the heck of it' but 'found no fault'. Was recommended to take it back home as there was 'no fault' and I had lots of guarantee left. The tone used by the 'genius' was not at all friendly. Not sure what to make of it. Any suggestions what to do next if the same problem comes back?

Jul 25, 2011 9:45 AM in response to Masiha

I have the same problem with my 2 days old MB Air 13" on the right side of the track pad. What I have found out is that the back cover is loose and it is making the noise. If I put my hand under the laptop and tap the right side of the tpad, I don't hear the noise. If I suspend the front side of the laptop in the air or just let it sit on the table , and tap the noise is back.


I assume since the backcover is such a large piece and only held by screws around the perimeter the middle is loose and making a noise. Not something I would expect from Apple but I am sure they would come up with a solution....

Sep 2, 2011 9:36 AM in response to Masiha

I've got a similar issue on my MBA 2011. I bought on when they came out in July and noticed the bottom row of keys were sticking on occasion - it felt like they were rubbing against the casing. Took it into the Genius bar. Keys got lifted and the Genius cracked the 'c' key. So in it went for an entire new top case.

Keyboard now works perfectly, but I have arrived home and I have the annoying 'tick' on my trackpad. I'm going to give it a week or so to see if it settles in but otherwise its going to be another trip.

Loose touchpad makes annoying clicking noises

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