macbook pro retina creaking

Hi Mathias78,

I am interested to hear how your problem gets resolved. The screw on mine worked its way loose again and the creaking is back. I wonder if the folks at the Apple Store use Loctite on the threads.

Regards,

Harvey

Hi Harvey,

I will report as soon as I have been to the Apple Store again (maybe it will take some weeks...).

Looking onto the picture in this eBay auction ( http://www.ebay.de/itm/Schrauben-Satz-Apple-MacBook-Air-A1370-MC506-MC505-Gehaus e-Case-Screw-10-Stuck-/251138210221?pt=DE_Computer_Sonstige&hash=item3a7900f9ad# ht_4191wt_1156 ) it seems like Apple is using a kind of lubricated that is already placed on new screws. Other manufactures like Lenovo to so, too.

To have the screws fixed securely I guess that it is actually necessary to replace every used screw after maintenance. But I don't think that Apple is doing so (like Lenovo neither does that when doing onSite-Support on Thinkpads).

Mathias and Harvey,

That is not grease. It is one of many types of lock-tight. Some lock-tight will take extreme amounts of pressure to move the screw and others light pressure. If you use the wrong type is almost like using super glue.

Lock-tight makes sure the screws do not come loose from normal movement and vibration. The alternative is to torch the screw down hard but that can cause it to strip out the screw head or threads.

I wouldn't worry about puting any additional lock-tight on the screw. Apple puts enough and you may get the wrong kind. The best thing is to use the correct screw drive, not to small and not to big. I believe the screws on the bottom of the MBP are Phillips 00 also written as PH00. If you are unsure and want to be save you can purchase a tool kit from OWC - Other World Computing, a.k.a. macsales.com and it will work fine.

Hi Kevin,

of course it is not a kind of grease. I used the wron word. It is a kind of nylon coating that is actually used as lock-tight by many notebook manufacturers.

Looking into a hardware maintenance manual for Lenovo Thinkpads I have found out that they recommend special torques for the different screws. I wonder if Apple does also - never seen an Apple maintenance manual yet...

I won't try to fix the issue by myself for now and I will give it a second try to have it fixed by the Apple Store.

But I wonder if they will use new screws for all positions or just for the position of the screw they destroyed the last time....

I would like to order a genuine screw set by myself but where to order and to be sure that it is genuine. Are certified Apple Servicepartners able to order or aren't they allowed to sell the screws then?

I too had this problem had this problem with the retina macbook pro. I took it in to the Apple store (5th Ave. New York City), the genius bar guy lifted it up and listened to it, so he heard the creaking noise. He said he had never heard of this complaint before but he replaced my macbook retina for a new one without hassle. My new one now does not have this creaking noise at all, and seems all around better including how fast it runs.

I think it's also important to note that my MBPretina was still within the 14-day return period so that may have had an affect on how easily/willing they were to give me a new replacement macbook.

Above all, get the **** thing replaced. There's no way we should pay this much money and have it creak and pop and crack.

Terrible Apple service & MacBook Pro makes creaking sound

I first got my MacBook Pro Retina in mid July, however, I saw there were two little dents on the bottom casing. I then went to Apple Store to get the bottom casing replaced. After getting it fixed a few days, I noticed it was making the creaking sound. I went back to apple store to get it fixed. From what I know, they re-screwed it. It worked fine for a few days, then, the creaking sound came back again. I've been going to apple store once a week since my first day purchase. After going to apple store about 6 times to attend the Genius Bar appointments, I started getting sick of it and wanted to get a replacement but apple store denied my request due to their 14 days policy. Because of my trust to Apple/Genius, I didn't get a replacement at first. I'm so disappointed on apple service. What should I do? Is that because of the passing of Steve Jobs? The core and quality of apple have slipped?

What a pity that Apple isn't able to offer sufficient support for the problem. I suppose new screws with a fresh nylon coating could help. You might want to ask at the Apple Store to have them ordered for you to get them replaced.

Just rang the AppleCare support and they said it's not likely they would get mine replaced. However, after I sent the images to them, the guy said some of the screws/nails are damaged. However, I just got my laptop back from repair today a few hours ago. They would have fixed it if they checked it. I'm doubting the quality of the people who repaired it. Therefore, the conclusion is I've to go to apple store again tomorrow:( cant imagine

Have same problem. Creaks like cheap plastic. I was horrified at first and thought it /was/ plastic. Of course, it's not. But fo $2,999 it's unacceptable. I heard it when typing, even lightly resting my hand on it, when you pick it up, like other posts. I should say I 1) either don't notice it any more or 2) it has subsided.

I do feel that when I type the unit still feels flimsy / hollow. Still getting used to that. I type all day, every day.

Either way the real problem is that non of my apps work with Retina and I would recommend that nobody buy one until they have more support. If you buy a $3000 Laptop to surf the web you're fine (and crazy). But if you use a third-party mail app, skype, any office products -- none work with the high-res. I'm using my old MBP for spreadhseets, mail and skype as at least they are not fuzzy.

I'm on my second MBPR and it still creaks. Drives me crazy! The only solution I've found is using a hard shell plastic case. This computer has been a bad investment. The graphics are sluggish and jumpy and the OS freezes a lot. In comparison, I've NEVER had windows 7 freeze.

I agree with everyone else - if you pay $3k for a laptop, you shouldn't have to cringe every time you move it. For that price, I could have bought a new PC every year for the next 5 years and still saved money. This is my first apple computer, and my last. I'm beginning to think that Apple owners are willing to just look the other way with all the problems because of how trendy they feel with their apple...

Apple has finally decided to give me a brand new Mac, and I'm so happy right now!!! I'm glad that I've gone with Apple. My love to Apple has come back!!! I love Apple:)

I think the springs prevent something from touching the bottom plate. I noticed that when I was putting my rMBP on the bag and it received some pressure in the bottom, the computer was not able to start at all in none of the common ways. I received the gray screen with "Restarting the computer due to a problem" when this happened.

Applying a mild pressure in the keyboard in the area between the letter O, K and L restored the issue and the computer started with no problem at all.

Unfortunetly the problem cannot be reproduced as I would wish in front of the Genius guy, but when it happens, applying the pressure in the keyboard resolves my issue.

The only thing that could demonstrate the issue is the kernel panic produced on the failed reboot.

I hope someone makes sense of this.

Regards

hi there, i had the same issue with mine and i can say the problem is solved for me.

sorry, my english isn´t perfect but i try to tell you what i´ve done:

the creaking sound don´t come from the metal springs inside. it is the backplate in combination with the pentalobe screws (in english clamping?). i´ve bought the i fixit 54 bit driver kit including the pentalobe screwdriver size 5. i just take out the screws from the backplate (i don´t take the plate off) and screw them in again. i´ve tested around and now i know the 2 screws on the left and right middle from the plate are the "bad" ones. i put them in too but not so tight than the others (half rotation left).

now there is nothing ceraking anymore! really nothing!

maybe this is the sollution for someone else.

regards

ps: what i´ve to say>before i try to fix it by myself i spoke to some guy @ the apple retail store in my city but he told me that there is no solution for that!? he can´t help me and i should call the apple support. when i called the apple support they told me i should go to the next apple retail store........... to do something by my own is sometimes the best isn´t it? :-)

I also have creaking, crackling, and popping sounds when I put pressure on the palm rest. The springs are quite smooth and don't make any noise. The root cause of the issue, for me, seems to be the black "tape" that they use. It's placed along the bottom edge, just under the batteries. You can see it in this pic

http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/VJwAbsvIFxxcAATx.huge

The "tape" is really more like paper (think newspapers). Then the bottom lid presses against this tape it makes a lot of noise. The very bottom edge of the tape is on top of empty space with nothing underneath it. The solution is to press the tape deeper in to keep it away from the bottom lid. Seems to solve the issue 100%.

All I did was slightly loosen the screws that hold the bottom plate and the creaking went away. Before that, I tried making them tighter and the noise got worse. Of course, you're going to need the pentalobe screwdriver to do this, but they're easy to find on ebay and pretty cheap.