Macbook Creaking Hinge

Question

Level 1

11 points

Macbook Creaking Hinge

Hi,

I have this weird situation, whenever I open my laptop screen, the right hinge is making a sound. The sound is similar to lets say if you have a screw tightened and left for a long time then when you try to open it, it makes a sudden noise. That is what my hinge makes every time I move the screen.

I am very certain that my laptop hinge is gone dry and needs lubrication since it's over 2 years old and gets opened/closed several times every day.

Initially I was looking at using WD40 at the hinge however I am not sure it is the best product to use since it is normally associated for use with vehicles and other metal contacts where high precision is not required and I fear that it may wear-out my hinge very quickly.

Is there is a laptop hinge specific lubricant or something similar that I can use?

Thanks

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Jan 16, 2015 9:13 AM

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Answer 1

bobby_d

Level 3

851 points

Jan 18, 2015 10:06 AM in response to Xkam1x

Hello Xkam1x,

Based on the information you have provided, it appears your MacBook needs to be serviced. The following link should help you get started with the process and has links with additional information on topics such as warranty and service pricing, battery replacement, and express replacement service.

Apple - Support - Service Answer Center

Thank you for contributing to Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

BobbyD

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Answer 2

spudnuty

Level 5

7,128 points

Jan 18, 2015 2:02 PM in response to Xkam1x

Yup don't use WD40 on it.

"Is there is a laptop hinge specific lubricant or something similar that I can use?"

Yes but only available to Apple Techs. Also the hinge has changed and I'm unable to see how they work on anything after 2010.

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Answer 3

Xkam1x Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 24, 2015 2:40 PM in response to spudnuty

Here are the images of the hinge used in my laptop's model. Curtesy of ifixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+Retina+Display+Teardown/9493

Let me know what you make of these photos.

I would really like to not have to send the laptop for servicing and do it myself as it will save me almost 90% in cost. I have experience with laptops repairs however I am clueless regards to what chemical composition of the fluid and it's viscosity would serve best here.

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