Loud clicking when insert CD or DVD

Adam,

We haven't quite figured that out. Here's what happens. I put a Cd in to import - fine format, all compatiable, etc. and then after a minute or two - it just stops running.....*****.

update: I called Apple Support who said it did not sound right. So I have exchanged my MBP at Dixons where I bought it. The new machine makes the same click noises. And the display model in the shop also. I reckon it is normal.
FYI: I found this video clip showing the issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-3CcjA6o

A very loud click on a disc insert is normal, unfortunately. Mine makes this sound and I thought it was broken, so I went to my Apple Store and inserted discs into a bunch of C2D MacBook Pros. They all made that sound. Still not convinced mine was normal, I strong-armed Apple into giving me a new optical drive. They did, but guess what — the new drive makes exactly the same sound.

It's disappointing that a $385 part sounds so clunky, but I have heard enough of them to be convinced it's normal. I do have friends with quieter optical drives, so I don't think all of them are equally afflicted, but it seems a normal drive can make these "abnormal sounding" clicking sounds.

Does it click 3 times when you insert the disc and once when you eject it? Is it really very loud as if the drive is going to pop out? I would really appreciate your response.

Honestly I don't recall, but I'll give it a listen when I get home tonight and report back.

The recording quality is very bad because I used my iMac, but here are recordings of my C2D MacBook Pro inserting and ejecting a DVD. The poor recording quality makes it sound worse than it really is, but not by much.

I believe this is the LG drive that is known for being noisy and appears in most recent MBPs. I thought it was broken at first so I had Apple replace it, but the new drive sounds exactly like my old one, which sounds like all of the MBPs I played with at my local Apple Store.

Yes, somebody finally did it. What a great service you have provided for all of us who are wondering if we got a bad drive. I thougth I did, but was convinced by Apple Care that it was normal. Now, normal might be a bit stange, but, we can all now rest assured that it is indeed normal. Mine sounds exactly the same, and has for 2 months now. Thanks for making the recording. Great work. You will help many people sleep better.

Adam

Thanks a lot for the recording.....it's a great idea.... I really appreciate it....
You have definately pinned it down.... so many of us out there can be more comfortable with the drive...
I hope we don't have further issues with the MBPs..

I think it's normal. Mine went ca-clunk clunk when I first inserted a CD. I thought I'd broken it already. I guess it's just the way it is. I was wondering how to get a disc out if it does become stuck. The old G3/4s had the emergency pin hole. I'm currently just using my external while at home to save wearing out the inbuilt one.

Thank you SOOOOOO much Derekasaurus!

You have put my mind at ease! I just couldn't believe this much noise was normal, but after listening to your recordings, I can now breath easy and know that a replacement drive will make no difference, as mine sounds identical!

You have saved me many hours of stress and wondering, so thank you again!

MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Glad I could help, and welcome to the forums. 🙂