Creaking sound when pressing MacBook Pro bottom

[coldwaves]

It is a Retina MacBook Pro 15" without touch bar. It is the non-touchbar 15" version sold by Apple now but I believe it is actually a mid-2015 model.

I noticed that when pressing the bottom case, especially in the middle, there is a creaking sound. It sounds exactly like this video:

What could be the cause of this? As shown in the video, it does not sounds like loose screws. I found this video that shows a potential fix for creaking sound. Anyone has experience with this problem? How did you fix this? I don't have a pentalobe screwdriver now but am tempted to try this fix:

 

[coldwaves]

An update here. Since posting this thread in 2018, I have had two MacBook Pros, one 2019 16 inch MacBook Pro and one 2021 16 inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip. Both have this issue to some extend. The 2019 MBP makes only a very slight creaking sound when pressed on the bottom. The 2021 MBP's creaking noise is much louder and the noise only occur when pressing the bottom cover near the Q or A or Z key area. I guess it is the pogo pins there that make the noise. Pressing on other area does not make the noise even though there are other pogo pins on the mother board. The sound is exactly like what's shown in the first video. Taking off the bottom cover and trying to push the pogo pins does not totally remove the noise although it improves it a little bit. In other threads. people suggest retightening the bottom cover screws. I doubt that it will help this issue as the noise in this case comes from the pogo pins, not bottom cover rubbing the unibody frame. However, the noise does not hurt any functionality of the computer so no need to worry about it. I would caution opening the bottom cover as both the 2019 and 2021 MBP's bottom cover are not easy to take off and put back.

 

[sekoitus]

An update here. Since posting this thread in 2018, I have had two MacBook Pros, one 2019 16 inch MacBook Pro and one 2021 16 inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip. Both have this issue to some extend. The 2019 MBP makes only a very slight creaking sound when pressed on the bottom. The 2021 MBP's creaking noise is much louder and the noise only occur when pressing the bottom cover near the Q or A or Z key area. I guess it is the pogo pins there that make the noise. Pressing on other area does not make the noise even though there are other pogo pins on the mother board. The sound is exactly like what's shown in the first video. Taking off the bottom cover and trying to push the pogo pins does not totally remove the noise although it improves it a little bit. In other threads. people suggest retightening the bottom cover screws. I doubt that it will help this issue as the noise in this case comes from the pogo pins, not bottom cover rubbing the unibody frame. However, the noise does not hurt any functionality of the computer so no need to worry about it. I would caution opening the bottom cover as both the 2019 and 2021 MBP's bottom cover are not easy to take off and put back.

I've had this same issue with 2016 MacBook Pro 16", Late 2019" MacBook Pro 16", M1 Max MacBook Pro 16", and now with M2 Max MacBook Pro 16".

I returned the M1 Max (which also had display uniformity issues) and M2 Max. I'm not going to give Apple big bucks for such a low level build quality.

Can't believe they are not able to construct a machine that doesn't have annoying creaking sounds.

 

[coldwaves]

I've had this same issue with 2016 MacBook Pro 16", Late 2019" MacBook Pro 16", and now with M2 Max MacBook Pro 16".

I returned the M2 Max. I'm not going to give Apple big bucks for something this ****** build quality.

Can't believe they are not able to construct a machine that doesn't have annoying creaking sounds.

It seems to be a persistent and widespread issue over generations of MacBook Pros. Although there is no harm to the function of the laptop, it can be annoying. It seems to be hit and miss. But good luck. Hope you get one that does not creak!

 

[Fishrrman]

(sigh....)

It "creaks" when you press the bottom at that specific location?
Then...
Don't press there, and it won't creak...!

 

[sekoitus]

(sigh....)

It "creaks" when you press the bottom at that specific location?
Then...
Don't press there, and it won't creak...!

Geez. When you pay the premium Apple charges, you are allowed to expect a non-creaking device, even if it requires pressing on a certain part.

And actually, in my case, the experiences I mentioned above didn't even require any certain specific pressing, I could hear the creaks and pops in normal handling / picking up of the machine.

Are you the kind of fella who buys a Tesla, it has a panel gap, but since it doesn't affect the actual usage of the product, you just show a blind eye to it and go about your day? If so, good for you, but don't judge those who aren't like you.

 

[coldwaves]

(sigh....)

It "creaks" when you press the bottom at that specific location?
Then...
Don't press there, and it won't creak...!

Well, I do not purposely press that area, but when I need to pick up the laptop to put it in the backpack or sometimes when I use it on my lap, I can hear the creaking noise. Not a big deal but a little bit annoying.

 

[sekoitus]

I've had this same issue with 2016 MacBook Pro 16", Late 2019" MacBook Pro 16", and now with M2 Max MacBook Pro 16".

I returned the M2 Max. I'm not going to give Apple big bucks for something this ****** build quality.

Can't believe they are not able to construct a machine that doesn't have annoying creaking sounds.

I caved and decided to try my luck once more.

This second M2 Max machine is flawless, no creaking, no popping, no handling noises.

So it's possible to get a high quality feeling machine, but can't trust Apple QC to get it first... or second try.