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rMBP, to long screws? Creaking

S

Sound Evolution

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 30, 2007
414
0
Netherlands
Did anyone with a rMBP had a similar situation? Creaking get worse especially when the unit warms up, and is caused by wrong/to long screws and/or damaged screw treads in the case.

I finally received the pentalobe screw-driver, however for some odd reasons the screws at the middle (at the air vents) are to long and can't be further screwed. This cause the whole unit to flex, hence the loud popping/creaking sound. See also how misaligned the bottom-plate is. It also seemed that by manufacturing the thread in the unibody aluminium is broken.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGm7AG2yOZE&feature=youtu.be
 
I've also noticed the creaking happens more often as the machine warms up, usually on battery. It's most likely because the heat from the battery makes the parts and case expand somewhat. After I brought mine to the Apple Store the 2nd time, I used it plugged in for two weeks....no creaks. I finally used it on battery and it turned back into the Creakbook Pro that it is. Really annoyed. Not only that, but my pentalobe screws look like they are getting stripped. I think I will bring it back for them to change out all the screws. However I heard the stores don't have the updated screws for the rMPB...they only have the short two that screw in under the screen.

Have you tried to realign and screw the bottom plate again. My bottom plate does not move like that when tightened. Also, when the screws are over tightened, I seem to get more creaking.
 
illmatic41 said:
Have you tried to realign and screw the bottom plate again. My bottom plate does not move like that when tightened. Also, when the screws are over tightened, I seem to get more creaking.
Click to expand...

Yes I tried to re-screw all screws. the screws simply seem to long. It doesn't go deep enough, therefor doesn't hold the bottom plate in place at the vents.

See my youtube video. The screw doesn't get any deeper then this. If I would use more force I probable will break the screw or chip it.

I am in my last day of returning period, I consider sending it back, and might exchange it for gift-cards, and wait a few months to see if issues are resolved.
 
Get it swapped but your return period elapses. It will continue to bug you no end.
 
noteple said:
Get it swapped but your return period elapses. It will continue to bug you no end.
Click to expand...

It doesn't really bug me, but it is become chain of events now. Suddenly pixels start to die.

I posted this with as goal to see if my situation is rare, or more people have rMBP's with wrong screws like in my Video?
 
Update,

Called Apple-Care bout the issue. They want me to send the unit back and get a replacement. I asked them if it is okay to replace the screws myself and they send me a right screw-kit. But that was out of the question and would void my warranty.

She said "This are special screws not replaceable by the user...." :D :D Oh yeah... :D

According to Apple this is seen as a "hardware" defect and I get a new machine. I am not sure yet if I am happy about this, since I have a Samsung screen now. However I am very stunned with Apple's care and response and good will.
 
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