Clicking/creaking noise on late 2016 MBP

[itsasin]

Okay, update here: I finally got my 15" MacBook Pro (2016) back from the service department of my local Apple reseller, after I handed it over to them about two weeks ago (they said it would take 4-5 working days, but oh well).

This is the second repair they have done on it. First my top place got replaced because of several keyboard issues. After that the keyboard issue seemed to be fixed, however, the popping/crackling/whatever noise issue became even more noticeable, and so they repaired the machine again.

So I got it back today, and the result is pretty strange and also a big let-down. The note says they replace the top case, logic board, SSD, did a fresh restall... Basically everything (even though the top case already got replaced only months before that - so not sure if that is true?)... Beside the screen. Even though I think that is where the problem either must lie or it is simply impossible to fix and the machine is just faulty. Anyway. I asked whether they found the problem, and the guy only saw the information, so all he could say was like: "well I assume so, since it is ready and they have replaced so many parts", or something.

Came back home. Used the machine for only a bit over an hour, I think. Same crackling noise issue twice during that time period. Still pretty damn loud, and only because I was using YouTube and setting up the machine since everything was wiped. Went back to the repair store pretty much immediately, told them the issue is still just as bad. Guy at the counter went ask a colleague of him, who worked on my MacBook Pro, I think. He said that while working on it he did hear the sound and in a way at least I am really glad for them to recognize my issue, so that made me a lot less mad at that point. However, they said they really thought the issue would be solved by replacing the parts they did, specifically the logic board, as it was such a vital part.

So long story short: they took it in for repairs for a third time because the replacements they did literally did nothing at all to repair the issue. No clue really on when I will get it back. And especially, whether the issue will finally be solved. They told me there was basically nothing left to replace anymore, apart from the screen. But then why did they not consider doing that or at least test if the issue is still there after replacing basically most components of the laptop. At this point I just feel extremely sad and disappointed. I considered to just leave things the way they are, but then again, I have come this far now and I deserve a machine that is not faulty.

 

[_Kiki_]

Okay, update here: I finally got my 15" MacBook Pro (2016) back from the service department of my local Apple reseller, after I handed it over to them about two weeks ago (they said it would take 4-5 working days, but oh well).

This is the second repair they have done on it. First my top place got replaced because of several keyboard issues. After that the keyboard issue seemed to be fixed, however, the popping/crackling/whatever noise issue became even more noticeable, and so they repaired the machine again.

So I got it back today, and the result is pretty strange and also a big let-down. The note says they replace the top case, logic board, SSD, did a fresh restall... Basically everything (even though the top case already got replaced only months before that - so not sure if that is true?)... Beside the screen. Even though I think that is where the problem either must lie or it is simply impossible to fix and the machine is just faulty. Anyway. I asked whether they found the problem, and the guy only saw the information, so all he could say was like: "well I assume so, since it is ready and they have replaced so many parts", or something.

Came back home. Used the machine for only a bit over an hour, I think. Same crackling noise issue twice during that time period. Still pretty damn loud, and only because I was using YouTube and setting up the machine since everything was wiped. Went back to the repair store pretty much immediately, told them the issue is still just as bad. Guy at the counter went ask a colleague of him, who worked on my MacBook Pro, I think. He said that while working on it he did hear the sound and in a way at least I am really glad for them to recognize my issue, so that made me a lot less mad at that point. However, they said they really thought the issue would be solved by replacing the parts they did, specifically the logic board, as it was such a vital part.

So long story short: they took it in for repairs for a third time because the replacements they did literally did nothing at all to repair the issue. No clue really on when I will get it back. And especially, whether the issue will finally be solved. They told me there was basically nothing left to replace anymore, apart from the screen. But then why did they not consider doing that or at least test if the issue is still there after replacing basically most components of the laptop. At this point I just feel extremely sad and disappointed. I considered to just leave things the way they are, but then again, I have come this far now and I deserve a machine that is not faulty.

sounds like these guys are total idiots, is this 3rd party service cooperated with Apple or they doing "own path of success" ?

 

[itsasin]

sounds like these guys are total idiots, is this 3rd party service cooperated with Apple or they doing "own path of success" ?

I bought my MacBook Pro at a local authorized Apple Premium Reseller which also is an Apple Authorized Service Provider/has a repair service. But hey, I kind of calmed down at this stage for some reason, and this guy at the counter was really trying to be helpful and said he was sorry they had to take it back in, but he said it was right for me to receive a properly working unit. So perhaps I should just wait, and they realize they made a mistake or didn't think things through properly enough (especially by replacing my top case twice in a very short time period). Bit of a shame that all my settings and data was lost now, but if I do end up with a non-faulty device, I guess that would be worth it. Not much I can do about it anymore now that it is in for repair again.

Edit: they did they me they had not seen this issue before though, which kind of worries about whether they know how to handle this, especially because I specifically showed them a video file of my laptop and the issue and put in on the laptop as well, just as a reference or something... And I am being returned the laptop with the issue still completely there.

Do you guys think the problem would be fixed if they replaced the entire display?

 

[_Kiki_]

I bought my MacBook Pro at a local authorized Apple Premium Reseller which also is an Apple Authorized Service Provider/has a repair service. But hey, I kind of calmed down at this stage for some reason, and this guy at the counter was really trying to be helpful and said he was sorry they had to take it back in, but he said it was right for me to receive a properly working unit. So perhaps I should just wait, and they realize they made a mistake or didn't think things through properly enough (especially by replacing my top case twice in a very short time period). Bit of a shame that all my settings and data was lost now, but if I do end up with a non-faulty device, I guess that would be worth it. Not much I can do about it anymore now that it is in for repair again.

Edit: they did they me they had not seen this issue before though, which kind of worries about whether they know how to handle this, especially because I specifically showed them a video file of my laptop and the issue and put in on the laptop as well, just as a reference or something... And I am being returned the laptop with the issue still completely there.

Do you guys think the problem would be fixed if they replaced the entire display?

screen replacement will help buy extra time, but it's a bad design of hinges and Apple should do redesign ASAP

 

[JTMacster]

Ok, got my 2016 15 inch MacBook Pro back from the repair shop. Repair description said that they did in fact replace the display assembly. Can tell this anyway as my top dbrand skin was missing. Got it out when I returned and have been working on it for about 1/2 hour with no issue. Was pretty overjoyed until I read _Kiki_'s comments about a recurrence within a month. Will post results in a few months or earlier if I get a reoccurrence.

 

[itsasin]

screen replacement will help buy extra time, but it's a bad design of hinges and Apple should do redesign ASAP

I got an e-mail today, saying I could pick up my MacBook Pro. At first I was super excited, but then I realized: wait, it only has been, like, two days? And I continued reading the e-mail, and basically it said something like: "You can come and pick your MacBook Pro up. The issue is a known issue with Apple. However, at this point it is not known how to fix it. We cannot help you at this point."

So obviously I freaked out, basically ran over there and was like, well, what is deal here, I mean?!? And they said they basically looked at it again and they were not given a solution by Apple yet on how to fix this, and this is all they can do for me. So I was like: "well I paid goddamn € 2700 for a laptop that is faulty, and you just send me home?". I asked whether I could get a replacement unit, they said no, because it was possible that the same issue(s) would rise again in that unit. I asked if it was possible to get a refund or a way to get a 2017 or something, anything basically, but the reply was "no". I was like: "well what the hell should I do now? just wait while my warranty keeps on shortening?". And the reply I got was: "all you can do at this stage is contact Apple". I thought they were the ones who were supposed to do that.

Anyway. Received the faulty piece of **** back, what other choice did I have? Called Apple a few minutes later. I never contacted them before and to my suprise a guy answered who was very friendly, helpful and understanding. He opened a sort of case for me about the issue, collected some details and then he said he wanted to discuss this with a senior something, idk what it is called, a person who knew basically the most so far I have heard professionally about these MacBook Pro machines and the issue. He then connected me to speak to this guy and handed over the case. He was also very, very helpful. I told him about the previous repairs (top case twice, logic board, SSD)... And he immediately was like: "well they replaced everything apart from what should have been replaced, being the display". Right away he decided to call the store where I bought and got the thing repaired, and he managed to contact the actual guy who repaired my device. Minutes later the Apple guy calls me back, saying basically Apple did know about the issue and recently there has been a fix for the problem, be it replacing the display. He said somehow my local reseller did not receive the information yet on how to fix this specific issue. The same day, I went back to the store again and my laptop will be fixed for the third time.

If the repair department of my local reseller really did not receive that information, I cannot blame them. However, why ok Earth replace my top case twice, and all that other stuff as well if you do not even have guidelines on how to fix it? Also, last time I brought it back that I assumed the issue probably had something to do with the display itself or perhaps the hinge, and the display should be replaced, and they hand it back telling me it cannot be fixed.

To Apple's credit, however. The service I got on the phone was GREAT so far. Friendly, helpful, super quick. Immediately tackling the problem. Recognizing there is a problem in the first place! The guy on the phone told me that I have to let him know whether the problem will finally he fixed after this. He also said that I should pay attention closely to whether issues arise in the first 6 months+ of use. Otherwise, he said that something else had to be done and possibly there could be a replacement after this amount of repairs or a different product. So really great communication with Apple regarding that so far. I am extremely pleasantly surprised and it gave me hope again that this might still work out fine...

 

[_Kiki_]

I got an e-mail today, saying I could pick up my MacBook Pro. At first I was super excited, but then I realized: wait, it only has been, like, two days? And I continued reading the e-mail, and basically it said something like: "You can come and pick your MacBook Pro up. The issue is a known issue with Apple. However, at this point it is not known how to fix it. We cannot help you at this point."

So obviously I freaked out, basically ran over there and was like, well, what is deal here, I mean?!? And they said they basically looked at it again and they were not given a solution by Apple yet on how to fix this, and this is all they can do for me. So I was like: "well I paid goddamn € 2700 for a laptop that is faulty, and you just send me home?". I asked whether I could get a replacement unit, they said no, because it was possible that the same issue(s) would rise again in that unit. I asked if it was possible to get a refund or a way to get a 2017 or something, anything basically, but the reply was "no". I was like: "well what the hell should I do now? just wait while my warranty keeps on shortening?". And the reply I got was: "all you can do at this stage is contact Apple". I thought they were the ones who were supposed to do that.

Anyway. Received the faulty piece of **** back, what other choice did I have? Called Apple a few minutes later. I never contacted them before and to my suprise a guy answered who was very friendly, helpful and understanding. He opened a sort of case for me about the issue, collected some details and then he said he wanted to discuss this with a senior something, idk what it is called, a person who knew basically the most so far I have heard professionally about these MacBook Pro machines and the issue. He then connected me to speak to this guy and handed over the case. He was also very, very helpful. I told him about the previous repairs (top case twice, logic board, SSD)... And he immediately was like: "well they replaced everything apart from what should have been replaced, being the display". Right away he decided to call the store where I bought and got the thing repaired, and he managed to contact the actual guy who repaired my device. Minutes later the Apple guy calls me back, saying basically Apple did know about the issue and recently there has been a fix for the problem, be it replacing the display. He said somehow my local reseller did not receive the information yet on how to fix this specific issue. The same day, I went back to the store again and my laptop will be fixed for the third time.

If the repair department of my local reseller really did not receive that information, I cannot blame them. However, why ok Earth replace my top case twice, and all that other stuff as well if you do not even have guidelines on how to fix it? Also, last time I brought it back that I assumed the issue probably had something to do with the display itself or perhaps the hinge, and the display should be replaced, and they hand it back telling me it cannot be fixed.

To Apple's credit, however. The service I got on the phone was GREAT so far. Friendly, helpful, super quick. Immediately tackling the problem. Recognizing there is a problem in the first place! The guy on the phone told me that I have to let him know whether the problem will finally he fixed after this. He also said that I should pay attention closely to whether issues arise in the first 6 months+ of use. Otherwise, he said that something else had to be done and possibly there could be a replacement after this amount of repairs or a different product. So really great communication with Apple regarding that so far. I am extremely pleasantly surprised and it gave me hope again that this might still work out fine...

this service is useless, if next time will be something wrong with the laptop, you should go directly to nearest Apple Store (appointment you can book online)

 

[itsasin]

this service is useless, if next time will be something wrong with the laptop, you should go directly to nearest Apple Store (appointment you can book online)

There is only one Apple Store in my country, I am not going to travel there, an Authorized Service Provider should be able to fix this, it is not my job to cross half the country for that imo.

Anyway, at least Apple made a case about it, and the guy on the phone who contacted me gave me his contact details and he really seemed to be willing to get this problem fixed till the last bit of it. If I get the machine back for the fourth time and it is faulty in any way that is not my fault (which it obviously isn't since they replaced everything basically), I will keep going to get what I paid for: a premium device that works like it should work. I am not having a lot of trust in that store/repair unit of them anymore, but for once things seem to go in the right direction and luckily it sounds like in the end, Apple has got my back somewhat on this one if it fails again. At least I hope.

 

[JTMacster]

Am on my second day after display replacement and the popping noise has not reoccurred.

 

[_Kiki_]

Am on my second day after display replacement and the popping noise has not reoccurred.

2 days it's to short time to occur popping, maybe 2 weeks depends of usage, I doubt the Apple redesigned hinges

 

[MVallee]

I just had this happen to me last night. Was installing Photoshop and Lightroom so the computer was running warm and the popping noise happened about 4-5 times. Sounded like it was coming out of the left side and was loud enough to hear over the TV.

This is on a 2017 TB 13" MacBook Pro. It's the fourth one I've had this month because of issues with uneven tint on the display, but this is the first time I've come across this issue. If replacing the display is the solution I think this one will be going back for another exchange.

 

[cinglez]

I just had this happen to me last night. Was installing Photoshop and Lightroom so the computer was running warm and the popping noise happened about 4-5 times. Sounded like it was coming out of the left side and was loud enough to hear over the TV.

This is on a 2017 TB 13" MacBook Pro. It's the fourth one I've had this month because of issues with uneven tint on the display, but this is the first time I've come across this issue. If replacing the display is the solution I think this one will be going back for another exchange.

This is really a shame that Apple does not make even a statement about it. I was about to buy a new one next month, now I will think twice. That is the kind of thing people want to avoid when paying premium for Apple products. And I was afraid to buy a Microsoft Surface....

 

[Nik]

When I get my new MBP I will run benchmarks and do gaming on it all the time to sort out those problems during the return period.

 

[cinglez]

When I get my new MBP I will run benchmarks and do gaming on it all the time to sort out those problems during the return period.

Does anybody know if the non-touchbar MBP has the same problem?

 

[Corrode]

I found this thread after search about my 2016 15" MBP making a loud "cracking" sound when I open it the first time every day. I've never spilled anything on it but it sounds like something is sticking, like the sound of cracking open a new book.

Periodically it makes a creaking sound when I'm using it but I can't reproduce the issue.

Finally, I saw a post about something being loose when the MacBook is shaken so I checked mine and, lo and behold, there's something loose inside there.

Does this sound similar to the issue everyone else is having?
[doublepost=1504284618][/doublepost]

Just stumbled across this knocking issue with my Mac last night, seems like something is loose inside the screen as everything feels pretty solid. I can only recreate it when rocking the machine side to side as per below video. Is this the same issue everyone else has?

What was your result from this issue? I just discovered that I have the same.

 

[MVallee]

I found this thread after search about my 2016 15" MBP making a loud "cracking" sound when I open it the first time every day. I've never spilled anything on it but it sounds like something is sticking, like the sound of cracking open a new book.

Periodically it makes a creaking sound when I'm using it but I can't reproduce the issue.

Finally, I saw a post about something being loose when the MacBook is shaken so I checked mine and, lo and behold, there's something loose inside there.

Does this sound similar to the issue everyone else is having?
[doublepost=1504284618][/doublepost]
What was your result from this issue? I just discovered that I have the same.

I just tried rocking mine back and forth like in the video and it's making the same sound. It also makes the popping noises periodically when I'm using it. I have a new one arriving today so I'll test it to see if it happens on that one as well.

Edit: The new MacBook Pro I received today makes the noise when I rock it back and forth. No popping sound so far but I've only been using it few a few minutes.

 

[Corrode]

I just tried rocking mine back and forth like in the video and it's making the same sound. It also makes the popping noises periodically when I'm using it. I have a new one arriving today so I'll test it to see if it happens on that one as well.

Edit: The new MacBook Pro I received today makes the noise when I rock it back and forth. No popping sound so far but I've only been using it few a few minutes.

1. I can't believe your new one makes a sound when shaking back and forth

2. How were you able to replicate the periodic popping noises for the Genius Bar?

 

[MVallee]

1. I can't believe your new one makes a sound when shaking back and forth

2. How were you able to replicate the periodic popping noises for the Genius Bar?

I haven't tried reproducing the sound for the Genius Bar but I'm still in the return period so I don't need to. I just ordered a new one myself online and I'm going to mail the old one back for a refund. So far no popping noise on the new one, just the noise when I shake it.

 

[--ld--]

I was able to reproduce the popping noise by stressing the cpu to its max.
This can be simply done by running the following command in Terminal:

yes > /dev/null & yes > /dev/null & yes > /dev/null & yes > /dev/null & yes > /dev/null & yes > /dev/null & yes > /dev/null & yes > /dev/null &

This creates 8 threads which cause 100% CPU load. After about 1 minute my machine started popping even without touching it. The popping then repeated itself every 2 to 3 minutes. This way I was able to reproduce it in front of the technicians at the Apple Premium Reseller store where I sent my machine in for repair.

The processes can be stopped using this command in Terminal:

killall yes

 

[itsasin]

So after my third repair (got my top case replaced twice and also the logic board, SSD and basically everything) I also got my display fully replaced.

However, before I went back for my third repair I told them my "new" trackpad was having issues and not clicking at the bottom right part. I get the laptop back, they say only the display has been replaced. I ask about the trackpad, they assure me they did all the tests and nothing was wrong with it and it was merely some setting adjustment. I get back home, trackpad is still faulty.

Also not sure if these were there before, but I noticed these very thin plastic things at the back part of the hinge. Is this normal? I never noticed this in my previous units.

 

[_Kiki_]

So after my third repair (got my top case replaced twice and also the logic board, SSD and basically everything) I also got my display fully replaced.

However, before I went back for my third repair I told them my "new" trackpad was having issues and not clicking at the bottom right part. I get the laptop back, they say only the display has been replaced. I ask about the trackpad, they assure me they did all the tests and nothing was wrong with it and it was merely some setting adjustment. I get back home, trackpad is still faulty.

Also not sure if these were there before, but I noticed these very thin plastic things at the back part of the hinge. Is this normal? I never noticed this in my previous units.

yes, it's a plastic part on back, stop OCDing and use MacBook or return for full refund (for peace of mind)

 

[itsasin]

yes, it's a plastic part on back, stop OCDing and use MacBook or return for full refund (for peace of mind)

Well after three repairs and still a faulty device you get kind of paranoid... I cannot return the device anymore.

 

[_Kiki_]

Well after three repairs and still a faulty device you get kind of paranoid... I cannot return the device anymore.

If you paid by CC you should have available option to do chargeback, because item it's not as described

 

[itsasin]

If you paid by CC you should have available option to do chargeback, because item it's not as described

It was not paid by CC.

Anyway, pretty amazing turn of events today. I had contact with an Apple senior advisor from technical support before. I had sent him a video of my trackpad issue. He called the local retailer where I bought it and got it repaired. I said it was a very unfortunate collection of events, and my MacBook Pro would have not had the trackpad issue if the second unneccesary replacements had not been done.

I am now offered a completely new replacement unit, but a 2017 model with warranty, even though where I live the cost is actually € 100 more. I am also given the option to choose other options in case I am willing to pay for them, but luckily the difference in price is not added to any additional costs in case I go that route.

This is my first and only direct communication with an Apple senior advisor so far, but it was certainly the best customer service I ever experienced. Super quick, friendly, problem solved in no-time. I was at a point where I almost hated Apple because of the issues and wanted to throw my MacBook Pro out of the window out of frustration for the months of issues and not having a working laptop, but now I am pretty confident again and I just hope so badly that my new machine will be nearly flawless.

 

[_Kiki_]

It was not paid by CC.

Anyway, pretty amazing turn of events today. I had contact with an Apple senior advisor from technical support before. I had sent him a video of my trackpad issue. He called the local retailer where I bought it and got it repaired. I said it was a very unfortunate collection of events, and my MacBook Pro would have not had the trackpad issue if the second unneccesary replacements had not been done.

I am now offered a completely new replacement unit, but a 2017 model with warranty, even though where I live the cost is actually € 100 more. I am also given the option to choose other options in case I am willing to pay for them, but luckily the difference in price is not added to any additional costs in case I go that route.

This is my first and only direct communication with an Apple senior advisor so far, but it was certainly the best customer service I ever experienced. Super quick, friendly, problem solved in no-time. I was at a point where I almost hated Apple because of the issues and wanted to throw my MacBook Pro out of the window out of frustration for the months of issues and not having a working laptop, but now I am pretty confident again and I just hope so badly that my new machine will be nearly flawless.

How much you have to wait for 2017 replacement ?