Problems with Hinge repair and Authorised repairer

[Deep_Thought]

Hi,

Need some ideas on how to proceed...

My MBA has developed the floppy lid hinge issue, took it to my local Apple authorised repairers (there are no Apple Stores in Jersey and only 1 authorised reseller/repairer) and told them the problem and showed them the kbase. They took it for 2 days then rang me to confirm it had been fixed. My fiance picked it up for me.
When I got home and looked at it the hinge was still lose - I rang the store and they told me that it was jsut a bit lose and they tightened the screws.

As it happened I was going to the UK that weekend so arranged to see a Genius to get a second opinion - he looked at it and confirmed my original thoughts that it was not repaired correctly and that the whole display should be replaced as its a sealed unit. I have AppleCare so it should not a problem at all.

So, I return to the store with this information, explaining that I'd spoken to a Genius and he had advised that the whole display should be replaced. They said ok and took it off me again.

Three days later I get a phone call from the store that they weren't going to replace it as it was not defective, they have 2 other MBA's in that are exactly the same...

I then rang AppleCare and they have tried to contact the store for 4 days, eventually getting through. Apparently Applecare cannot force a store to do a repair but suggest I get some photos of the play to send to AppleCare and they will review the case.

I'm getting photos and a video sorted out now, has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Thanks

Phil

 

[Haribokart]

I had a loose hinge and got my whole display replaced last week (Southampton Store) on a V3 Air that was just out of warranty, no reason that you shouldn't either. Speak to the manager.

 

[Madgenius]

The hinge (Clutch) problem is a known publicly cited issue admitted by Apple. Go Here
This is an out of warranty repair.

Some apple Stores do repairs in house, so you may have to do some arguing to get them up to speed. Also deal with apple directly, they will ship you a box and send it to one of their repair centers.

It is an issue, the play is not normal. I find it totally ridiculous that they would compare it to other broken machines and say it's normal. Normal is how it came out the box brand new. Use a store display model as a reference. The issue is so wide spread I'd say well over half Macbook Airs have this problem.

 

[Deep_Thought]

The problem I have is that being in the Channel Islands Apple can't fix it for me - they wont send to Jersey...

Its now being escalated at Apple to a Senior Engineer who is looking at the pictures and video I've taken to show them the extent of the play. I should hear back by Monday/Tuesday..

 

[Alkiera]

I ignored the extra play in my Rev A MBA until finally the hinge clutch broke, cracking the external plastic and making this loud clicking noise when the screen was opened or closed.

Was still in the AppleCare warranty period, took it in (Fortunately, there's an Apple Store in Victor, NY), and they replaced the whole screen/lid/hinge combination. Much stiffer now, and no scary noises.

 

[Spacekatgal]

That's just crazy. Why would a shop turn down a repair that would make them more money? It's not like they make money off denying you repairs.

It's a dumb question, but has it broken yet? Is it about to break? You might just have to wait for the worst.

If I were in your shoes, I'd just take it somewhere else. Jersey must have other authorized dealers.

Bri

 

[gri]

Can't you take it somewhere onto your main big island and arrange for a friend to pick it up and ship via FedEx to you? Or is FedEx/UPS/DHL/SOMEOTHERPARCELSERVICEISURELYFORGOT not delivering there either. In that case - move. Though I hear it is a nice place...

 

[ghileman]

got my entire screen replaced at Covent Garden

just moved over from the U.S. to the U.K. had the floppy hinge issue on my Air and the hinge even started to crack.

Covent Garden Apple store gave me a brand new screen/hinge. i thought i was just going to get the hinge replaced so that was a nice surprise. my Air was 2 years old and I still had a year of AppleCare.

Covent Garden is great in general. just got a nice fix from them on an iPhone problem that i didn't expect to get help with.

good luck.

 

[ghileman]

I ignored the extra play in my Rev A MBA until finally the hinge clutch broke, cracking the external plastic and making this loud clicking noise when the screen was opened or closed.

Was still in the AppleCare warranty period, took it in (Fortunately, there's an Apple Store in Victor, NY), and they replaced the whole screen/lid/hinge combination. Much stiffer now, and no scary noises.

ditto

 

[azzarocks86]

ditto

Any idea how much the repair will cost as an out of warranty repair? I've had my MBA since the week after they were released and will need to replace the hinge sooner rather than later...