Clicking sound when applying pressure

[belt1]

Hi, I just got rMBP 15" 2014 model and noticed that when the laptop is sitting on my lap and I apply pressure on the palm rests, something clicks. I flipped the laptop around and started applying light pressure. When I apply pressure on the bottom panel near the center horizontally and up closer to the screen hinge vertically, it clicks consistently.

Has anyone else experienced such a phenomenon and, if so, what did you do about it? I literally received this computer yesterday and feel like this shouldn't be happening. Wondering if it's an overall design flaw with the 2014 15" model or unibody 15" in general. Thanks!

 

[Meister]

Some mbas do this, too.

 

[Hustler1337]

I've had this for around 2-3 years on my 2011 MacBook Pro, which is a non-retina, so I'm surprised the Retina MBPs also suffer from this. Mine always used to creak when I used it on my lap and had my palm resting on the MBP beside the trackpad. Was very annoying hearing this 'creaking'/ringing/squeeking noise when very light pressure was applied.

I don't know what I did, but the noise has gone now and I no longer hear it. It's quite a common problem. The issue is related to the 'grounding bar' on the MBP which has a spring that creaks under pressure or when tapped against the back plate/cover of the base of the MBP. Try loosening or taking off your cover and putting it back on. Here's a Youtube video of the sound and how to identify the grounding bar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uuhLyxKjRo


The issue on the Retina MacBook Pros however seem to do with some other springs, so worth having a look at these threads:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4108642?start=0&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread/4050975?start=15&tstart=0

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2735020?start=15&tstart=0

http://youtu.be/NMoIYYTZtZk

 

[GWA123]

My 2014 13" rMBP does this on the bottom case. If I flip it over, and start poking it I can hear it. I had something like this happen back in 2012 and the only resolution the Genius could offer me was to reseat the bottom case. It is s very common issue. I just ignore it... Those little pogo pin springs can be oiled using sewing machine oil (nonconductive) and the problem will go away for the forseable future.

 

[belt1]

Thanks for the replies! I'll probably go to the Apple store and have them look at it tomorrow. I want to ignore it and forget about it but every time the laptop is on my lap and I put pressure on the palm rests and ease up, it clicks. Too annoying to put up with for a $2000+ machine.

I'm still within the 14-day return window so I shouldn't have a problem getting a replacement if need be.

 

[Qaanol]

My 15″ rMBP made the creaking sound, so I got a pentalobe screwdriver and reseated the back cover. Just took the bottom plate off, lined it up again, and tightened it down where it came from. No more creaking.

 

[GWA123]

Thanks for the replies! I'll probably go to the Apple store and have them look at it tomorrow. I want to ignore it and forget about it but every time the laptop is on my lap and I put pressure on the palm rests and ease up, it clicks. Too annoying to put up with for a $2000+ machine.

I'm still within the 14-day return window so I shouldn't have a problem getting a replacement if need be.

They will most certainly reseat the bottom. Heck, ask them to apply a bit of lubrication to those springs other than that, there's not much that can be done. Honestly, if your machine is otherwise perfect, I would just live with it. You risk playing the return games and could end up getting a machine with far worse defects. Just my 2 cents