MacBook Pro Mid-2012 Bottom Case Creaking

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Level 1

2 points

MacBook Pro Mid-2012 Bottom Case Creaking

Hey guys, I've got a bit of either an issue or just nothing. Well anyway, I previously had a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro (NOT RETINA) that had a creaky display hinge, so after here and there, Apple replaced it for me. I'm very grateful for them replacing the laptop for me, but now a few weeks after having the replacement, I've ran into another issue of the creaks. Today, as I was carrying the laptop, I noticed that when I held the bottom case, it started to make a creak sound, and as I am typing this right now, if I put pressure on my right palm rest, I can hear the creak sound. I've read of other people saying it's nothing, others having it replaced, but I'm not sure where to go since I just got this computer replaced. Keep in mind tho that my first laptop was a baseline with a 750GB, and after the 2013 conference, they stopped having that baseline, which had to make the replacement a custom-build with a 1TB harddrive. If you guys have experienced this, or know something about, that'd be very appreciated. Thanks!

MacBook Pro

Posted on Mar 22, 2014 4:06 PM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:14 PM in response to Lockbox30

One day after reinstalling the bottom cover of one of my MBP's, there was a slight creaking noise. A few small adjustments of the torque on the fasteners by the hinge eliminated it. You might try that.

Use a #00 Phillips driver.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Lockbox30 Author

Level 1

2 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:24 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

OGELTHORPE, as good as that sounds, going near the hinges will be a nightmare for me since what happened with my last laptop. I'm starting to go towards the fact that something might've went wrong when they made this a custom-build, since the previous laptop did not have any bottom case creakings...

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Answer 3

Mar 22, 2014 4:25 PM in response to Lockbox30

Lockbox30 wrote:

Today, as I was carrying the laptop, I noticed that when I held the bottom case, it started to make a creak sound

100% normal.

bottom plate creak from either A: lifting it from one edge or

B: having on an uneven surface.

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Answer 4

Lockbox30 Author

Level 1

2 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:32 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Plotinus, I've noticed that people are saying that it's 100% normal, besides someone saying that they tested the display MBP at an Apple Store, and it didn't do this. My only question is that why didn't the previous laptop do this?

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:33 PM in response to Lockbox30

A 'custom build' MBP will be fundamentally no different than a 'standard' one. There may be a larger capacity HDD, a SSD or additional RAM, but that will have no affect on the formfactor of the MBP itself.

The fastenings are easily accessible and you are not taking off the bottom cover, just adjusting the screws. If you are nervous about doing it yourself, then do make an appointment at an Apple store genius bar. Let the technicians deal with it. After all, they have taken MBPs apart lot more than I have. 🙂

Ciao.

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Answer 6

Lockbox30 Author

Level 1

2 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:37 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks for all your help guys. I'm gonna see if it worsens, because right now it is kind of bearable. I'll make sure that when I do take it in/chat with AppleCare, i'll mention that the last one didn't do this, or if the technicians installing the new HDD may have touched something. But anyway, thanks for everything guys, and awesome quick responses.

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Answer 7

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:44 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

PlotinusVeritas wrote:

Lockbox30 wrote:

Today, as I was carrying the laptop, I noticed that when I held the bottom case, it started to make a creak sound

100% normal.

bottom plate creak from either A: lifting it from one edge or

B: having on an uneven surface.

I can only relate the experience with My 3 MBPs; The only 'creaking' sound that I have encountered was with the lid (display) opening and closing which I solved with adjusting the torque on the fasteners (as mentioned previously).

Never have I experienced and sounds emanating from the MBPs in picking them up, by one edge, two edges or in the middle. If I did, I would consider that to be abnormal. You are welcome to form your own opinion.

Ciao.

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Answer 8

Lockbox30 Author

Level 1

2 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:47 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Will do. I hope this discussion gives some future viewers some insight if they're having problems like this.

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Answer 9

Mar 22, 2014 4:55 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

OGELTHORPE wrote:

Never have I experienced and sounds emanating from the MBPs in picking them up, by one edge, two edges or in the middle. If I did, I would consider that to be abnormal. You are welcome to form your own opinion.

Ciao.

Ive heard at least a dozen macbooks creak in this way if picked up from the edge

The weight of the chassis and its internals rub against the bottom plate as the alloy chassis flexes a hair under its own weight against the bottom alloy plate.

the newer Pros, Ive noticed, are harder to do this since they dont weigh nearly as much.

The OP said:

, I previously had a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro (NOT RETINA)

which = heavier beast.

Certainly better by 100% than all the other junky mfg. plastic laptops out there that creak like a haunted houses door hinge by comparison.

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Answer 10

Lockbox30 Author

Level 1

2 points

Mar 22, 2014 4:56 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Oh, sorry if I didn't mention this, but the replacement is basically the same laptop, just with a 1TB HDD. It's NOT RETINA too.

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Answer 11

Mar 22, 2014 5:04 PM in response to Lockbox30

You did mention it.

older non-retina are heavy and creak bit more.

no customer support fix for gravity . 😊

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