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2012 Macbook air 13inch Clicking noise??! (video)

K

ketchup4life06

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 31, 2010
39
5
Hey guys,
I have searched pretty much everywhere, but have not seen anyone with the exact problem as I am having. Well, I don't really know if some would consider it a "problem" as the machine works perfectly fine. So when I lift the computer from anywhere on the bottom right, after clicking the trackpad, there is a secondary clicking noise. I don't know if that makes any sense...so I made a video. It is pretty apparent and pretty much every time I go to close the laptop it makes the noise. Initially I thought it may have been the hinge, but now I think it may be a loose trackpad? Anyways here is the video....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7-Y46DqBMM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
 
I just noticed this on mine not 5 minutes ago, so it's safe to say they have it i think.
 
ketchup4life06 said:
Hey guys,
I have searched pretty much everywhere, but have not seen anyone with the exact problem as I am having. Well, I don't really know if some would consider it a "problem" as the machine works perfectly fine. So when I lift the computer from anywhere on the bottom right, after clicking the trackpad, there is a secondary clicking noise. I don't know if that makes any sense...so I made a video. It is pretty apparent and pretty much every time I go to close the laptop it makes the noise. Initially I thought it may have been the hinge, but now I think it may be a loose trackpad? Anyways here is the video....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7-Y46DqBMM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Click to expand...

Dude, the video is private....nice!
 
I also have a 2012 13"...do not have this issue here.

In addition, I'm not sure MBAs with SSDs utilize the sudden motion sensor, considering there are no moving parts in an ssd, there really isn't any point.

EDIT: Just checked using 'sudo pmset -g' in terminal, and I can confirm that if there is an SMS, it isn't being used. However the value doesn't even show up in the returned list, which makes me believe that my hypothesis was correct.
 
Well, after searching a bunch on Google I have found a few forums relating to the same type of problem but in the unibody Macbook Pro's with ssds. They believe it is a design flaw of the mounting brackets on the underside near the trackpad that are loose. I will still end up going to the genius bar to see if they can check it out and if is normal or not...I'll post again when that is done!
thank for the replies!
 
ketchup4life06 said:
Thanks for the quick reply ggj. Just another question, reading the second link you provided; it says that SMS is available in the MacBook air but then notes that ssds do not have this feature. Does the MacBook air have this feautre do to the Intel processor ? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
You're absolutely right. I missed that it's an MBA and not an MBP. The only thing that should make noise on the Air is the fan, as it's the only moving part.
 
So, I took it to a local Apple store. The genius was just as confused as I was and took it apart and removed and reset the battery and replaced the back casing. The sound seems to have disappeared and I have not been able to replicate it since I came back. Maybe the backing was loose? Anyways glad it's gone and if it comes back in the next week, I will probably try and return it as I am still within my 14 days! Thanks for all the replies everyone.
 
Any follow up on this? I noticed mine could do that, but I'm trying to see if I can do it again and I can't replicate it. Is it a cause for concern?
 
Izick said:
Anybody?
Click to expand...

I do not think it is a cause for concern if you can't replicate it anymore. I ended up replacing mine since it came back and it was ridiculously noticeable. Honestly if you are in the 14 day window and it still bothering you, just get it replaced. If not, then it persists just keep bring it back to the genius bar until they can fix/replace it themselves.
 
I can still hear it and it's pretty annoying. Thing is that I bought it at a Best Buy, not an Apple store, so I'm not sure what they'll do.
 
Izick said:
I can still hear it and it's pretty annoying. Thing is that I bought it at a Best Buy, not an Apple store, so I'm not sure what they'll do.
Click to expand...

If you are still within the return window of Best Buy; then they should return/replace it! Good Luck!
 
Izick said:
I can still hear it and it's pretty annoying. Thing is that I bought it at a Best Buy, not an Apple store, so I'm not sure what they'll do.
Click to expand...

Doesn't matter where you bought it. If you are with in your apple one year warranty have the apple store take a look at it if they can't fix it in most cases they give you a replacement.
 
can't say this issue is normal, but it's pretty widespread. Haven't seen a post on this for some time now (~6 months), but there used to be tons of "my MBA has creaking/cracking noise when I lift it up/close the lid etc". My 2010 MBA has it too. The solution is to reseat the bottom plate. You'll need a 5point pentalobe screwdriver (can get it from ifixit.com), but if you're currently under warranty and have an apple store nearby, go out there and ask for assistance.
 
Hm, thanks for the advice so far. I guess I'll call BB then try to return it today or tomorrow (I got it on the 28th I think so I still should be good) for a new one I guess. I would go to an Apple store, but I've never been to the closest one by me, which in actuality is like about an hour away or so, maybe a bit less.

So do you all say just take it back to BB?
 
s2dio said:
can't say this issue is normal, but it's pretty widespread. Haven't seen a post on this for some time now (~6 months), but there used to be tons of "my MBA has creaking/cracking noise when I lift it up/close the lid etc". My 2010 MBA has it too. The solution is to reseat the bottom plate. You'll need a 5point pentalobe screwdriver (can get it from ifixit.com), but if you're currently under warranty and have an apple store nearby, go out there and ask for assistance.
Click to expand...

My laptop has been apart twice and it still intermittently clicks. I doubt reseating the bottom is an exhaustive solution and perhaps there are different causes.
 
I don't know, I'll call Best Buy and see. My only worry is that I'll get a MBA that is faulty in another way, like dead pixels or a screwed up trackpad, and possibly have a creak as well.
 
Izick said:
I can still hear it and it's pretty annoying. Thing is that I bought it at a Best Buy, not an Apple store, so I'm not sure what they'll do.
Click to expand...

Hi, i bought my 2013 MBA with the same creaking/clicking noise when i pick it up. i am still in the 15 day return period, if i bring it to apple will they replace it with a new one?

just going by your post, wondering if you went back to best buy. thanks
 
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