Late 2016 Macbook Pro TB Hinge Noise

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Late 2016 Macbook Pro TB Hinge Noise

I've had a few Macbook Pros so far (Late 2016, 13", Touch Bar). On all three of them, I've noticed that the hinge makes a clicking sound from the right side when I close the computer. It sounds like a light tick that becomes audible once the lid is roughly an inch from closing. I used a sensor to find where the noise was loudest, and it seems that the source is the right side hinge (facing). I'm also curious if it's actually a sound from the new spring mechanism that reveals the display connection, and maybe the sound seems to be coming from the right side because that's near where the vents are.

https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2mWFtdOqdf41Lfkp.huge

https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/KMYgaKHPYwRtHNoP.huge

The noise is also louder when I'm first opening the computer while it is cold. It does this variably, which leads me to believe it must not be purposeful. The tick/click sound while closing the device is also variable, sometimes with one click, and sometimes with two clicks, the second click coming from the left side.

I find it very strange that all three Macbooks the sound is present. Should I be concerned? I don't think it's reasonable to get another replacement if the next one will have the same issue. But at the same time, if it's so frequent that I, of millions of consumers, would have three in a row with the same problem, then it's even more strange that I cannot find any information about this online. I can't seem to find a single forum with this issue.

Does anyone else have this issue?
What should I do?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, Mac OS X (10.1.x), 13" 2016 Macbook Pro (touch bar)

Posted on Jan 7, 2017 3:26 PM

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Answer 1

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macOS11

Level 3

931 points

Jan 7, 2017 4:20 PM in response to nathanhelms

Hi.

I've had this clicking/cracking sound for a few weeks as well on the MBP 13-inch w/ Touch Bar. I've been able to partially locate the sound: it seems like it's coming from the right, actually from the bottom of the right speaker grill.

Though, I have absolutely no idea whether it's coming from the case itself, the speaker or internal components...

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Answer 2

nathanhelms Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 7, 2017 4:26 PM in response to macOS11

I'm glad to hear that I'm not crazy! Haha. I haven't found anyone else with the same issue. That's interesting, I'll have to investigate that. It's also worth noting that I had this same issue on the function key model as well - 1 F-key model, and 2 TB models.

Are you in a colder-climate area? I'm in Michigan, and I wonder if that has any sort of impact. I usually just keep it inside in 68-70 F temperatures, though. I've only carried it to my car twice (once when buying it of course), which is only less than 30 seconds of exposure to the cold.

How much does it bother you? Do you think it's worth ignoring or even normal? I'm a little worried that if I get AppleCare that Apple will think I abused the hinge or something if this goes badly later on.

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Answer 3

macOS11

Level 3

931 points

Jan 7, 2017 4:55 PM in response to nathanhelms

There are others discussions on Apple Support Communities in which users are reporting cracking/clicking sounds using their brand new 2016 MacBook Pro. You're not alone!

I've been both in Paris and in the Alpes lately (mountains in-between France and Italy) and I've undergone normal to very low temperatures. I didn't notice any difference with the clicking sound "issue" though.

To be fair it doesn't bother me that much. I'm just curious about where this sound is coming from and why. Maybe it's just the speaker making weird sounds, and it could thus be corrected with a future update.

But if it is ever found to be a major design flaw which could/would worsen overtime, I'm not really worried since Apple's warranty would apply and cover the issue.

I suggest that you look for other similar discussions on Apple Support Communities and see if any describes what you're experiencing and adds new elements. You can also stay in touch with Apple Care if it really bothers you.

Cheers.

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Answer 4

agcty

Level 1

9 points

Mar 26, 2017 2:54 PM in response to nathanhelms

I don't think it is a design flaw as i experience these clicking noises on the left side of the display. It actually got worse over time, I remember the first weeks when I had my 15'' Macbook Pro (late 2016) there weren't any problems at all, but after some time these noises started to get worse and worse, now pretty much on every movement a noise pops up. I've already spoken to an apple representative and they said I should have it checked. I think it's a pity that when you buy a laptop from a renowned company like apple for well over 3000€ it isn't working flawlessly.

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Answer 5

nathanhelms Author

Level 1

15 points

Mar 26, 2017 3:08 PM in response to agcty

I get it most frequently on the right side, but sometimes it's both. My friend has had his tbMBP longer than I have and his doesn't make any sounds at all (purchased from a different vendor; I got mine from Apple Store, his from Best Buy). I'm having a crazy number of problems with this machine. Last night my E key broke. When the CPU goes above 45 C, the keys sound different and make high pitched noises. It wasn't very hot, I was just watching a YouTube video (CPU was at 47 C) and I noticed that the E key wouldn't press in at all. I also get graphic artifacts and the speakers make a loud static-sounding click randomly, usually every 20-30 minutes. I think it's static discharge. I'm taking it in Tuesday. I'm considering requesting a refund. I'm starting to deeply regret spending $2,000 on this thing.

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Answer 6

Mar 29, 2017 5:19 PM in response to macOS11

I am getting the popping noise too. This is now my third MBP 15' TB. The first one had a problem with the logic board. The second one had the popping of the screen hinge and now the third one had the hinge popping again. I've had a terrible experience with this new MacBook Pro TB.

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Answer 7

Vslow

Level 1

8 points

Mar 30, 2017 12:07 AM in response to nathanhelms

I saw information about this topic on other forums/social networks.

Here is an example:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/clicking-creaking-noise-on-late-2016-mbp.20 16030/page-3

I would love to know Apple position on this topic. Should I be concerned? Will this become worse with age? If this is some factory defect may be I should change it. I would not call this expected behaviour anyway, this wasn't happening with my previous machine.

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Answer 8

Ck10065

Level 1

9 points

Mar 26, 2017 3:15 PM in response to nathanhelms

This definitely seems like it happens when the hinge is cold. Its been happening on mine and it happens ever time that I keep the MacBook on a desk near my window.

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Answer 9

Mar 8, 2017 10:31 AM in response to nathanhelms

I have the same issue. Any possible solution? The noise happens when opening and closing the lip.

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