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User profile for user: Etuj
Etuj Author
User level: Level 1
41 points

Something loose sliding left-right inside Macbook Pro retina 2015

We have an early 2015 Macbook pro retina 13" and upon moving the laptop the other day I could feel and hear something sliding side to side, it feels like something solid and is towards the back where the hinge is located. I don't think it could be the battery as these are towards the front and stuck down with tape having seen various pictures. I thought it could be the screen itself but there is definitely no movement there, I am now thinking it could somehow be the hinge mechanism itself?


The noise is also more noticeable when the device is open with the screen up, not so much when closed.


All I can say is that everything works fine, including the hinge, but this noise is bugging me. I have booked an appointment but the earliest is in six days time. I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this. The Macbook is only three months old and not had much use - my wife primarily uses it and is a teacher and it's been the summer break.

iPad (4th gen) Wi-Fi, iOS 7.0.2

Posted on Aug 29, 2015 2:19 AM

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21 replies
User profile for user: jQry
jQry
User level: Level 1
4 points

Dec 31, 2016 9:11 PM in response to zoomich

Hi, Im also having rattling sound or loose object when screen is open and gently shaking the MacBook Pro 13 2016 non TB, but if it's close, all is good. I can't figure out where it is as I can feel it on the bottom and the screen itself and also the keyboard issues on the small keys (function keys and up/down arrow keys), it's not registering sometimes on light or normal pressed especially the up and down arrows.

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User profile for user: coffeeseller
coffeeseller
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jun 22, 2017 1:15 AM in response to Etuj

This is the problem inside of macbook retina screen. Hold one hand at the bottom hold one hand in the screen side. shake it. You will feel the shack is from screen. Something inside the screen is losing. Of course, apple don't want to open your screen and does not want to replace it (to open it, you will need heat gun, glue, and some headache... ). Problem was never solved since it does not seems to reduce performance and does not effect usage. The way i see it, it happens over time of usage(maybe glue no longer sticking inside?), drop may cause the problem like this. This maybe a defect since it does not design like this.

But hey, it is macbook, we love it and it does not seems to have effect on anything else than have rattling noise when you shack it, shack it.

now on, you macbook has one more function------Maraca.

Hope this help.

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User profile for user: expat74
expat74
User level: Level 1
4 points

Aug 30, 2015 10:34 PM in response to Etuj

I've had mine about two weeks and have the same issue. It feels clunky. I can shake it left to right and hear something rattling around. Since Apple isn't known for substandard design, I assume it's a manufacturing deficiency. Possible one of their supply lines was bad and they didn't catch it before some units went out the door.


Would love to hear what your resolution is. I'll be taking mine in as well.

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User profile for user: Etuj
Etuj Author
User level: Level 1
41 points

Aug 31, 2015 2:22 AM in response to expat74

Given the numerous posts I have read, and that they have been posted by people who have had their computers from months to a few weeks, I'm starting to wonder if this is what Apple would say is 'expected behaviour' - I've read of people getting replacements with the same 'feature'.


There are lots of threads I've stumbled across (and then can't find again!) describing this, one guy has put this short video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmL7KXCMfxU


Here's another thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/applehelp/comments/3apytg/loose_parts_inside_mbpr_13_ea rly_2015/


I posted something on ifixit but because I alluded to the fan being a possible culprit, I've had responses saying the fan is faulty - I'm now leaning away from that 'theory' as the sound can be on the left as well as the right as I noticed yesterday (I only have one fan on the right), and the fan works perfectly with no unusual noise when operating.


I would love to open this up, but a bit risky as it's still under warranty. It's very annoying that the earliest appointment with Apple I could get is a week away.

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User profile for user: Etuj
Etuj Author
User level: Level 1
41 points

Aug 31, 2015 4:46 PM in response to alberto209

After much much reading there is a sheet of clear plastic which sits at the back of the display, and this looks thick enough to be making the noise we hear. It doesn't look glued down and is placed behind other thinner sheets of material behind the lcd.


Look at step 13 second picture:

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+Retina+Display+Teardown/9493

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Something loose sliding left-right inside Macbook Pro retina 2015

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