Rattling from Left Speaker on 2019 MacBook Pro 16"

[pw1981]

I am experiencing a crackle or rattle from the left speaker on my MacBook Pro. It occurrs with any sound or music being played. Started out of nowhere a couple of days ago. I do not listen to loud music on the computer that could 'blow' the speaker. I rebooted and cleared the NVRAM and well as the SMC with no effect. Any ideas?

I uploaded a video containing a sample here:

(the music is from an audio test video on Youtube)

 

[chscag]

Is your MacBook Pro still covered by Apple Care? If it is, Apple will replace the speaker. If not, you can buy a replacement speaker on eBay and replace it yourself. The ifixit site has instructions. www.ifixit.com

 

[KaliYoni]

I would also try playing sounds through headphones, external speakers, or AirPlay to make sure you don't have a sound card issue.

 

[pw1981]

Is your MacBook Pro still covered by Apple Care? If it is, Apple will replace the speaker. If not, you can buy a replacement speaker on eBay and replace it yourself. The ifixit site has instructions. www.ifixit.com

It is still covered by AppleCare+ but I was hoping for a solution that would not require me being without my computer for a week.

I would also try playing sounds through headphones, external speakers, or AirPlay to make sure you don't have a sound card issue.

Good point... I tried it with a set of earbuds as well as Airplay to the AppleTV and both of those worked as expected.

 

[John10904]

I am experiencing a crackle or rattle from the left speaker on my MacBook Pro. It occurrs with any sound or music being played. Started out of nowhere a couple of days ago. I do not listen to loud music on the computer that could 'blow' the speaker. I rebooted and cleared the NVRAM and well as the SMC with no effect. Any ideas?

I uploaded a video containing a sample here:

(the music is from an audio test video on Youtube)

I had the same problem and it turned out to be a small piece of hard plastic sitting on the speaker. I took the back off the computer and found it there. I removed it, put the MBP back together and everything sounded great again.

 

[chscag]

It is still covered by AppleCare+ but I was hoping for a solution that would not require me being without my computer for a week.

Have you contacted Apple about it? Depending on where you live and nearness to an Apple Store, replacing a speaker should not take a week. Some stores can do that in house if they have the parts. Call and make an appointment.

 

[pw1981]

Have you contacted Apple about it? Depending on where you live and nearness to an Apple Store, replacing a speaker should not take a week. Some stores can do that in house if they have the parts. Call and make an appointment.

Yes. I have a Genius Bar appointment next Wednesday afternoon... the nearest time available for 100 miles from my house. I have never had a repair they could make in store; they always have to ship it to the depot.

 

[chscag]

I feel for you. 100 miles is a long haul to get to an Apple Store. I'm kind of spoiled since our nearest Apple Store is only 15 minutes away. Hopefully they can repair it while you wait.

 

[miloslm]

I've had issues like this with my 2017 MacBook Pro 15". Keyboard issues, blown out or rattling speakers and they replaced them numerous time. Finally I've had enough and they gave me a new MacBook Pro in 2018 with a renewed three years of AppleCare and the issues appeared again. Luckily I had AppleCare so nothing was charged.

My warranty just ended last month and now my new left speaker just started rattling again. So I recommend getting AppleCare asap and prepare to pay or DIY after the three years are up.

 

[pw1981]

Genius Bar appointment went as expected. They agreed the speaker has failed. Oddly, they said it had to go into the repair center and the entire top case would be replaced. Seemed strange to me given that the speaker module is clearly, well, a module based on iFixit’s tear down video. So I’m laptopless for 3-7 days.

 

[hugojacomeandrade]

Seems so familiar to me, I've experienced that twice in the left speaker, seems not an uncommon issue, and always the left speaker involved:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...macbook-pro-16-inch-2019-model-a2141.2363585/

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Oddly, they said it had to go into the repair center and the entire top case would be replaced. Seemed strange to me given that the speaker module is clearly, well, a module based on iFixit’s tear down video.

Are the speakers attached to the top case with adhesive?