another "creaking" MBA thread

Hello everyone.

I've received my ultimate 13" MBA. Everything is so great with it, except for the creaking sound occasionally coming from the right corner of the laptop, where I put my palm when typing. It also creaks sometimes when I lift it up from the right side.

I know its not a major issue, but for me it's annoying and distracting. I cannot feel the joy of a newly bought macbook air which I've wanted badly, because of that creaking.

I've seen various threads on this forum regarding that, and I would like to ask once more, could I be eligible for a replacement because of that "minor" issue? Or could it be repaired (the screws tightened)?

I bought it while I was in Singapore and now I'm in Europe and my country doesn't have a "real" Apple Store like the UK and the States, but we have authorized retailers. I went to the retailer yesterday and he advised me to call apple support for my country, because he thinks it will be more effective (retailers also get rejected sometimes).

The warranty is worldwide so I guess there shouldn't be trouble with that. The question is whether this issue is known to Apple and acceptable for them to take measures. I'm a bit afraid to get a response like "this is not a defect, live with it".

It would be great if the guys who got theirs replaced to tell their experience, and the ones who called the support.

Thank you in advance and sorry for the repeating thread subject.

superdudeo said:

if you're getting a creak from just laying your hand on it, then replace it. I have to pick mine up for it to creak and it annoys me. still can't decide if it's bad enough to return it though or if it's to be expected with a machine made of aluminum and this thin.

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sorry, forgot to mention that it also creaks when I lift it up from the right side.
it's not that bad and doesn't happen all the time, but every time I put my hand on it or lift it up, I'm waiting for it to creak. And that gets me really disappointed.

I feel the same, superdudeo. Can't decide whether it's bad enough to start the whole support calling process. But I guess it is, because it distracts me and makes me feel disappointed.

superdudeo said:

yes I've just noticed the same thing. at the front on the right corner. in fact after a little playing with it I think mine is a little loose. at this price I expect better. may have to book genius appt.

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it's a great thing to have a real Apple Store with a genius around. Please post your experience later. And I would have to call the phone support.


Anyone else, people? Please post your experiences and thoughts on this issue. Thank you.

gonzoguy24 said:

I have had the same issue. Mac Genius agreed but told me my replacement would probably do the same. It didn't. My new air probably creak one out of every ten times i pick it up in the corner and it is a softer less noticeable creak. Before it was every time. The hinge now seems tighter also.

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thanks for your feedback, gonzoguy24. Well, mine also doesn't creak every single time when i put my hand or take it from the right side, it's like I said, occasionally. So the new one could also be creaky.. disappointing. Have you checked the new on in the store and tell the genius about it?

The hinge seems alright, but the occasional creaking annoys me. I'd LOVE to get rid of it and get 100% satisfaction of my new Mac.

LS1 said:

I got a creak too, but I'm trying to ignore it. It's a hassle to get a new one that may have other problems and will probably creak down the line too. Mine made no sound for the first few weeks. It's not that big of a deal and with how slim this thing is it seems like it can't be that solid. It's still an amazing computer and worth the money.

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Looks like exactly my situation. Trying to ignore it, but on the other hand, I'd be happy as can be if the creaking problem was solved.

The replacement could have other problems, but anyway, there should be a lot more "right" laptops out there. Couldn't be that each 2nd laptop is defected in some way!