MBP 14” air vent squeaking

[jvlfilms]

Hey all

I have a 14” MBP and was wondering if anyone noticed any creaks when squeezing the bottom casing towards the air vents. It seems when I squeeze that area, I can see it move a little bit causing some creaks.

Not a huge deal, but wanted to see if this was a normal occurrence. It might just be a result of having an opening there and the casing hitting the vents.

 

[wilberforce]

No obvious movement or creaks here. Well, if I push hard it flexes slightly, but that would be expected.
Check the pentalobe screws underneath aren't loose. (Don't attempt to tighten without a pentalobe tool)

 

[jvlfilms]

No obvious movement or creaks here. Well, if I push hard it flexes slightly, but that would be expected.
Check the pentalobe screws underneath aren't loose. (Don't attempt to tighten without a pentalobe tool)

I actually bought a kit to try this, should arrive tomorrow. I’m thinking it’s the screws causing the creaks.

And I also have the flexing when applying pressure (which I guess is expected). When using my older machines (2013 and my 2017 work MBP) there’s no flexing in the bottom panel at all. But it could be since it’s a thinner bottom plate it can flex easier (and also the vent opening is larger)

This issue seems similar to what others have posted about on here involving creaking from these bottom screws so hoping it’s that.

 

[barkomatic]

Occasionally when I pick up my 14 MBP there is a creak but most of the time it's fine.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

My first 14 MBP had a screw/frame issue... bottom case was loose by the vent and made popping noise when held in that area. Probably stripped frame, screw, or warped bottom case.

I've had 3 or 4 M1 Pros... out of those, only one had bottom case issues.