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Clicking noise when pushing bottom plate of 13" Air

M

Mister Bumbo

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 30, 2012
391
0
Hiya guys!

Just purchased a Macbook Air 13-inch and got a case of the normal post-purchase-paranoia. When I have the computer closed and upside-down and I gently put pressure on the underside of the computer in the middle, the bottom plate flexes and causes a clicking sound when it, I assume, makes contact with something inside the case.

I'm just wondering if this is the norm (if anyone has experience with this or is able to reproduce it themselves) or if there might be a slight problem with my machine?
 
Also here, the same.
Mine is also a 13", BTO (8 Gb RAM). I initially thought it was a screw, considered that mine only "clicks" when a pressure is put in correspondence of the corner of the bottom lid (say, where the thunderbolt entry is). But the screw seems to be well tightened...
 
Patient: "Doctor, doctor, it hurts when I push the bottom of my toe like this"
Doctor: "Don't push it like that then."

But in all seriousness, it's the bottom case of the MBA not quite being flush in it's housing. It's a (relatively) big and thin piece of metal; they're not perfectly straight and can bend over time.

Relatively common with varying degrees of 'clicking' and associated annoyance.
Did it on my MBP. Lived with it.

But like I said, you do have to press it in a certain way to notice..

--ex retail FRS

----------

^ short version - it's nothing to worry about - enjoy your new Mac! :D
 
Same here with my 13" MBA. I actually brought it in for the Genius Bar to take a look and they said it is a common issue. The noise comes from the bottom plate pressing on the clips holding the battery in place. Mine does it in the middle when picked up. They opened up the laptop just to make sure there wasn't anything loose inside. Kind of annoying if you ask me, especially since it detracts from the slim and beautiful design.
 
Had this issue years ago with a 13" MacBook Pro. Yes, the bottom plate is very thin and any variance in the plate will cause the issue. Apple wouldn't do anything for me, so I wound up purchasing another bottom plate on eBay and the problem was solved. I would recommend simply removing the bottom plate and trying to reseat it and screw it in place to see if it helps before going that route, though. I'm expecting delivery of an 11" MBA tomorrow and I really hope this is not an issue, but it seems more probable on larger MacBooks.
 
You know what you go to the doctor and you tell him (or her) it only hurts when I do this, and he tells you - Well don't do that. Well, Don't Do That:p

Lou
 
The sound isn't exactly isolated to when I press the bottom, this was merely the best way to replicate the effect. The sound occurs when I pick it up, when I place it down sometimes, and when I use it on an uneven surface (my lap, for example).

It seems like it can be concluded that this is the norm, however. Which I guess is a good thing, albeit a bit disappointing.

Edit: Would opening and reseating the plate void the warranty in any way?
 
Last edited:
Mister Bumbo said:
The sound isn't exactly isolated to when I press the bottom, this was merely the best way to replicate the effect. The sound occurs when I pick it up, when I place it down sometimes, and when I use it on an uneven surface (my lap, for example).

It seems like it can be concluded that this is the norm, however. Which I guess is a good thing, albeit a bit disappointing.

Edit: Would opening and reseating the plate void the warranty in any way?
Click to expand...

No, it will not void the warranty, but unfortunately I doubt it will solve the issue. I know what you mean, though -- my MBP that had the issue made the noise when opening the lid on a desk, when picking it up, when resting my palms on the palm rests while typing on a desk, etc.
 
Considering contacting Apple to get it replaced, even if it probably would be bothersome considering it's a BTO.
 
Any clicking is probably tape that's a little loose inside. Mine does it when I grab it around the trackpad..I don't really notice it any more.

From what I've read, any Genius Bar can take care of it fairly easily.
 
Mister Bumbo said:
Hiya guys!

Just purchased a Macbook Air 13-inch and got a case of the normal post-purchase-paranoia. When I have the computer closed and upside-down and I gently put pressure on the underside of the computer in the middle, the bottom plate flexes and causes a clicking sound when it, I assume, makes contact with something inside the case.

I'm just wondering if this is the norm (if anyone has experience with this or is able to reproduce it themselves) or if there might be a slight problem with my machine?
Click to expand...

My early 2013 air did this as well, and I managed to solve it by re-seating the bottom plate.

I find what matters most is the order in which you put the screws back in. What worked for me was to put the bottom plate back on, and press down in the middle until the plate clicks in (there is a single black clip in the middle of the plate).

Once this is in place, do your best to align the plate so that no edge of the plate is directly making contact with the edge of the unibody. I do not remember what I had to do on my Air to align because I have since sold that machine. On my current 15" rMBP it just involved pushing the plate towards the screen hinge.

once you have it aligned, I find it easiest to put in the two middle screws near hinge in first. Then make your way around the rest of the case.

This fixed my issue. Hope it helps.
 
I had a chat with Apple Support about it and they pretty much told me that "it's a hardware problem" (duuh) and that I should contact my nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider. Sure I can do that I guess, but if it doesn't void the warranty to just open the plate and put it back down I don't see why I shouldn't try that first. And if that doesn't help I guess I could put something heat-resistant and wearable inside that cushions the flexing in some way.

Thank you for your tips, x3n0n1c, will definitely keep them in mind if I do decide to open it up!
 
Hello! i had same issue. When i press the bottom cover in the middle it makes a click, like a mouse click. I solved this issue by opening the macbook air 13, there are 10 screws, 8 short and 2 long. In the middle of battery is a hole with a clip. Just put some rubber in that clip and problem solved.Reseating the plate doesn't help. You need a pentalobe screwdriver to open up the macbook air 13 early 2015. Good luck!
 
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