MacBook Pro 14" screen lid to case alignment

[pendragon1984]

So, my first MacBook Pro 14" had a creaky and flexible bottom case. I am returning it and just bought another locally. The new one does not creak, but I noticed that the screen lid is misaligned with the case by about a fingernail's width when closed.

It's a very miner cosmetic issue. Pretty hard to even notice with your eyes. I checked my old model and it's similar but maybe a little better. They are both probably within tolerances I suspect.

I was just curious whether this is just normal. Test by running fingers over the side of the computer to feel for a difference.

Anyway, I know this is a picky issue, and I don't plan on another return. This issue is too miner and I need to get on with my life! LOL

 

[misiektoja]

Well, we all know you will return it. I would.

 

[pendragon1984]

Well, we all know you will return it. I would.

Part of me wants to, but with the covid lockdowns in China I kind of doubt I can easily do so. The replacement coming from China was delayed till June. I had to buy what they had locally to get a replacement for the creaking one. Had to get a different model too. So, at this point I think this is the best I'm gonna get before I have to move overseas.

 

[Mlrollin91]

I have the misalignment on the right side. The right side overhangs by a hair. You can feel it when rubbing your finger over it. Things like this typically bother me a lot, but because my laptop is open 99% of the time, I don't see it.

 

[pendragon1984]

I have the misalignment on the right side. The right side overhangs by a hair. You can feel it when rubbing your finger over it. Things like this typically bother me a lot, but because my laptop is open 99% of the time, I don't see it.

Mine is on the right too. My first purchase was the same.

 

[pendragon1984]

I took the back case off to see if I could access the display screws but they are covered by an aluminum piece. It looks like I need to remove the wifi antenna to get the covers off. I don't have the proper screwdriver.

but I think in theory the small misalignment of the screen can be fixed.

 

[pendragon1984]

Ordered some tools. I think I just have to remove the WIFI antenna to get to the screen hinge screws. Is that right?

Anyone have any advice on adjusting the screen?

 

[pendragon1984]

There doesn't seem to be much interest in this.

Anyway, I got the fixit tool kit and watched some videos, then I decided to get my hands dirty. I wanted to disconnect the battery first. After this I unscrewed the wifi antenna to get to the screen hinge. I did not have to unplug the wifi antenna just loosen it to get the hinge protectors off. I then loosened the hinge screws and tried my best to align the screen. I had my wife hold the screen in place while I tightened the screws.

When connecting the battery back there is a small little cable that I could not get connected easily. I used a plastic pen cap I whittled down to push the connector in (did not have the official tool). Anyway, after I put it all back together I had a moment of shear panic, because the computer would not turn on. It took me a few minutes before I tried connecting it to the MagSafe power. It then turned on no problem. I guess after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery you need to connect to power before it'll turn on. I might remember my old computer being the same way.

The screen is better aligned now, although I couldn't get it perfect just using my hands. It's now within acceptable tolerances for me though.

If anyone else wants to align their screen I'd say it's doable, but the process did take me 2 hours. It was also kind of scary. But I'd say I'm happy I had the guts to try it, even if it might have been kind of dumb.

I feel more connected with this laptop now. I've been inside it.

 

[Mlrollin91]

You are far riskier than I am. Knowing my luck I would have broken the machine. I'm glad it all worked out for you!

 

[pendragon1984]

You are far riskier than I am. Knowing my luck I would have broken the machine. I'm glad it all worked out for you!

I'm pretty sure you could just take it to an apple store and ask them to adjust it. There is definitely a decent amount of adjustability in the hinge.

 

[estabya]

Interesting thread. I did the same as you, taking apart and realigning the hinges, with my 2016 MacBook a few years back. I think Apple’s manufacturing tolerances are slightly more lenient than my tolerance ?

 

[pendragon1984]

Interesting thread. I did the same as you, taking apart and realigning the hinges, with my 2016 MacBook a few years back. I think Apple’s manufacturing tolerances are slightly more lenient than my tolerance ?

Yea, they're not up to my standards either. However, I find that today most stuff I buy has faults or develops faults. Watches with dust under the dial, computers that creak (see my other thread), gaming controllers where buttons fail.

I just think everything is made just good enough that most people won't complain or it'll last just long enough for the warranty to run out.

So, it's really handy to learn how to repair things on your own.