Strange case warp issue near right side USB/display port (see picture)

[bigun66]

Hello all - I have a mid-2011 13" MBA purchased new in Feb' 12. The other day i notice the case has warped in a very strange way. I attached a picture, because it's difficult to describe. The USB port looks to be unusable. I am curious how this could happen, and whether it's fixable under warranty.

Thanks for any insights!

 

[Mrbobb]

Hello all - I have a mid-2011 13" MBA purchased new in Feb' 12. The other day i notice the case has warped in a very strange way. I attached a picture, because it's difficult to describe. The USB port looks to be unusable. I am curious how this could happen, and whether it's fixable under warranty.

Thanks for any insights!

The kids dropped it. See how it's push in slightly and that scrapped paint spot?

Warranty not according to what I read. Metal don't spontaneously "shrink."

 

[TheRealDamager]

That doesn't look like anything that could have happened on it's own. It was knocked against something.

 

[bigun66]

I suppose you guys are right. I wondered whether heat could have done this. I am still having trouble figuring out how this happened. There is indeed a mark on the case near the back, but I don't understand how an impact at that location would result in this type of "warp". Seems you would need to use a special tool to do that. I guess it doesn't matter how - it is clearly my problem to deal with.

I attached a couple other pictures if anybody is curious.

The next question is - is it possible to bend this back into place to regain use of the USB port?

Thanks again.

 

[Mrbobb]

I would...

Try to straighten it out using a c-cramp.

Remove bottom cover and inspect whether it's safe to use cramp without damaging any circuit around it. If so u may have to remove stuff before applying cramp.

Use two pieces of aluminum, at least 3/8" thick top and bottom of the case as buffer/cushion, slightly sand the aluminum pieces where it's going to make contact with the case, this removes any dirt and what not, because when u cramp down, whatever is in there is going to be pressed in and implegnate into the case. Aluminum shafting is OK, matches the Air's case but u don't want anything else

With those two aluminum pieces in place, slowly use a c-cramp, am thinking a 4-5" for strength, and tighten slowly until Air's case is straight again. Careful! if aluminum pieces start to slide, back off and repositions pieces before continuing.

Good luck.

 

[TheRealDamager]

Agreed - you should be able to very carefully bend it back to the point where you can use the USB port (or just use the port on the other side). It won't look brand new, but it should work just fine.

Good luck...

 

[oldtime]

The next question is - is it possible to bend this back into place to regain use of the USB port?

Thanks again.

I don't see why not. Just be careful!