MacBook air 13.3 inch cracking sound

[Willyee3]

Does anyone else get like this small crack sound when they pick up their MacBook air ?... Feels like the bottom plate is shifting a little... Or sounds like the screws are not tight enough... Anyways... Just wanted to know
Of anyone else had this problem. Thanx

 

[kdoug]

Does anyone else get like this small crack sound when they pick up their MacBook air ?... Feels like the bottom plate is shifting a little... Or sounds like the screws are not tight enough... Anyways... Just wanted to know
Of anyone else had this problem. Thanx

Do a search, there was a thread a while back about that same thing. I think the problem was loose screws on the bottom. These are not normal everyday screw heads though.

 

[jfyrfytr25]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1036336/


above is a thread I started a few weeks ago for the same reason. I ended up taking mine back because I dont feel it is acceptable for a machine like this to make creaking noises when touched.

 

[kdoug]

Does anyone else get like this small crack sound when they pick up their MacBook air ?... Feels like the bottom plate is shifting a little... Or sounds like the screws are not tight enough... Anyways... Just wanted to know
Of anyone else had this problem. Thanx

My 13" does the same thing when you pick it up from the front in the middle. I'm sure this is normal because when you squeeze the lid and body together, you can see the bottom of the computer flex inward. When it's released you hear a little bit of noise. I'm not concerned at all. Aluminum WILL flex.

 

[jfyrfytr25]

My 13" does the same thing when you pick it up from the front in the middle. I'm sure this is normal because when you squeeze the lid and body together, you can see the bottom of the computer flex inward. When it's released you hear a little bit of noise. I'm not concerned at all. Aluminum WILL flex.

Im glad it does not bother you, however, It is not normal. I have found several display models that do not make this noise. They are solid and there is no flex on the bottom plate at all. I would not accept it but if it is no worry for you then thats good.

 

[kdoug]

Im glad it does not bother you, however, It is not normal. I have found several display models that do not make this noise. They are solid and there is no flex on the bottom plate at all. I would not accept it but if it is no worry for you then thats good.

I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree. I have 2 late model 13' MBA'S and they BOTH do this. You have to understand, these are not "rigid" cases like the MBP, which I also have 2 of. Apple designed these computers to be light and ultra portable. I'm also going to disagree with you on the display models because every 13" display model at the Apple store the bottom would also flex when squeezed when picking it up. In my opinion the noise people are hearing when squeezing the bottom is from the battery being pushed up against the track pad. Lastly, if you did return your MBA and the one's on display didn't flex as you say, why didn't you return it for a different one?
Odd...........

 

[BENJMNS]

I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree. I have 2 late model 13' MBA'S and they BOTH do this. You have to understand, these are not "rigid" cases like the MBP, which I also have 2 of. Apple designed these computers to be light and ultra portable. I'm also going to disagree with you on the display models because every 13" display model at the Apple store the bottom would also flex when squeezed when picking it up. In my opinion the noise people are hearing when squeezing the bottom is from the battery being pushed up against the track pad. Lastly, if you did return your MBA and the one's on display didn't flex as you say, why didn't you return it for a different one?
Odd...........

agreed, plus apple stores are much louder than your private living space.

they all will crack (remember it's a tiny crack noise so if youre playing music you likely will not notice)

 

[jfyrfytr25]

I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree. I have 2 late model 13' MBA'S and they BOTH do this. You have to understand, these are not "rigid" cases like the MBP, which I also have 2 of. Apple designed these computers to be light and ultra portable. I'm also going to disagree with you on the display models because every 13" display model at the Apple store the bottom would also flex when squeezed when picking it up. In my opinion the noise people are hearing when squeezing the bottom is from the battery being pushed up against the track pad. Lastly, if you did return your MBA and the one's on display didn't flex as you say, why didn't you return it for a different one?
Odd...........

I returned it and then repurchased a few days later. I now have one that does not do it. So, they are out there. it is not a the battery pushing against something, because when they genius took the back cover off he said there was nothing that was rubbing that could make that noise. just because most of them do it does not mean that is the way it should be. the first gen unibody macbook (before they were called pro's) had weak magnets that would allow the lid to open in a bag. THEY ALL DID IT, but it was still a flaw. One that they fixed in a subsequent iteration.

 

[BENJMNS]

I returned it and then repurchased a few days later. I now have one that does not do it. So, they are out there. it is not a the battery pushing against something, because when they genius took the back cover off he said there was nothing that was rubbing that could make that noise. just because most of them do it does not mean that is the way it should be. the first gen unibody macbook (before they were called pro's) had weak magnets that would allow the lid to open in a bag. THEY ALL DID IT, but it was still a flaw. One that they fixed in a subsequent iteration.

i'm betting over time as the metal expands and contracts those bolts will get loose. mine didn't make the noise at first. good luck with it.

 

[wirelessmacuser]

My first one did this. I took it to a genius, he confirmed it and happily gave me a new one.

 

[kdoug]

I returned it and then repurchased a few days later. I now have one that does not do it. So, they are out there. it is not a the battery pushing against something, because when they genius took the back cover off he said there was nothing that was rubbing that could make that noise. just because most of them do it does not mean that is the way it should be. the first gen unibody macbook (before they were called pro's) had weak magnets that would allow the lid to open in a bag. THEY ALL DID IT, but it was still a flaw. One that they fixed in a subsequent iteration.

What do weak magnets have anything to do with a flexing aluminum case? So you're basically saying Apple should recall the aluminum MBA case that the Genius Bar couldn't find a problem with because nothing could produce that noise.
Classic!

 

[Willyee3]

so if i take this to the genius bar, do u think they would tighten the screws for me to get rid of the creaking sound?

 

[kdoug]

so if i take this to the genius bar, do u think they would tighten the screws for me to get rid of the creaking sound?

I would take it to the Genius Bar and ask them what's causing it and if it's normal. And please, post back so we can all settle this.

 

[KPOM]

I don't notice any creaking sound. It could be as simple as a loose screw, so I'd have it checked out.

 

[jfyrfytr25]

What do weak magnets have anything to do with a flexing aluminum case? So you're basically saying Apple should recall the aluminum MBA case that the Genius Bar couldn't find a problem with because nothing could produce that noise.
Classic!

I'm not arguing with you. think what you will. obviously you are willing to swallow everything that is spoon fed to you by jobs.

I require my opponent to have a certain level of intelligence before I will argue, so I not going to.

 

[Willyee3]

i was wondering if this creaking will eventually give me problems with my actual device.. like the logic board cracking or wahtever...thanx if anyone knows.... i dont want to not fix this problem and then 1 year later exactly... something fails internally due to me ignoring the sounds

 

[T4R06]

its ridiculous that someone said "its normal" you paid a thousand bucks and all you get is creaking sound? i bought mine after a few hours of owning the MBA and genius apologizes for the inconvenience..

bring back and they will swap it out. just bring the box and charger.

 

[JimKirk]

Mine no longer does

I brought it in and they reseated the bottom case.

Recommended

 

[gonzoguy24]

I brought it in and they reseated the bottom case.

Recommended

Brought mine in and had it reseated. This did not resolve the problem for me. It may have slightly reduced creaking...but it is definitely still there.

 

[Willyee3]

i guess i gotta take mine in sometime.. but mine is a custom one.. with 4 gigs of ram.. so if they decided to jsut replace the whoel system... will they have those in at their store?... also back the question about the creaking damaging the computer internally in the long run.. ... will it? and should i be worried?

 

[gonzoguy24]

i guess i gotta take mine in sometime.. but mine is a custom one.. with 4 gigs of ram.. so if they decided to jsut replace the whoel system... will they have those in at their store?... also back the question about the creaking damaging the computer internally in the long run.. ... will it? and should i be worried?

As far as bringing in you 4 GB Ram model. I was the same case. They will not have in the store 99& of the time. SO, the store made a note in my account what the issue was and that they think it should be replaced. Then you gotta call Apple Care. Here is where they will have you ship back your machine. Unless you demand that you need your computer they will have you ship out the Air frist then once they confirm you sent it, they wills end out a new one. I need my computer at all times so I demanded they ship one out to me and THEN I will ship mine back. If this goes down you need to basically pay for another Air (I just put it on my credit card since I do not carry a balance) and they will then refund you the new purchase once they receive your creaking Air.

Hope this helps you. Kind of a pain in the butt but in the end hopefully Apple will get you what you deserve (a solid built Air).

Final point, Apple's customer service is top notch. They will take care of your needs.

 

[Willyee3]

but does the creaking.... hurt your comp in any way? like internally? or is it just annoying

 

[T4R06]

but does the creaking.... hurt your comp in any way? like internally? or is it just annoying

it does not hurt or affect the performance.. the question is, how about you? are you ok with it? it seems you are pretty annoy what is going on with your precious little thin jewel...

call apple, im sure they will arranged something for you