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TheBritishBloke

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jul 21, 2009
2,532
0
United Kingdom
Spoke to someone in Apple CR.. They're convinced that a very creaky hinge is within specification? Surely if an issue isn't widespread, it's not acceptable and should be fixed...
 
It was not on the MBAir, it was finally determined to be an issue because over time the lid would open further and further back. I'd press on about it if I were you.
Creaking hinges usually mean something is too tight and bound to break. Get your calls and visits in now to document the issue in hopes they can't equate it to abuse.
 
Shall I mention this is my 4th display with a problem in under 6 months.

I'd keep that bit quiet. They'll tag you as either an OCD PITA or incredibly unlucky. Neither of these conditions are much use when dealing with tech support.
 
I had the same issues on my old 2009 15" Unibody. I sent it in and they gave me a screen assembly which didn't fix the problem. Moreover, the screen came back slightly crooked and there were scratches all over the casing... Lucky for me Apple replaced it...

I wouldn't settle for it though. Although when I had the issue it was intermittent, it still annoyed me a lot and I thought to myself “I’m dealing with a solid computer here and a company that puts itself above the rest when it comes to quality..."

Send it in if it bothers you...

Oh I heard from the Service provider that it's caused when the factory tighten the screws too much!
 
I had the same problem on my macbook (first gen Al).
The screen lost all "normal colours", and I was left with a pink and green screen.

I took it in and then replaced the screen 11 months out of the 12 months warranty :)
 
I fixed my incredibly loose, creaky hinge (to a point the plastic was snapping) by simply removing the back casing, removing the plastic covering the hinge, and tightening any loose screws (which may have loosened over time..) with a T6 Torx Screwdriver. It's like new again! a real simple fix.
 
I'd keep that bit quiet. They'll tag you as either an OCD PITA or incredibly unlucky. Neither of these conditions are much use when dealing with tech support.

Do you think Apple do this? It's always pondered upon my mind when I'm calling AppleCare what exactly they are reading on the screen (case notes).
 
For those saying that I'm OCD:

First display was creaky when I purchased the unit last august, I didn't have time to get it fixed.
2nd display had a faulty hinge, which meant the display couldn't open.
3rd Display had a dead pixel in the centre of the screen, and when it arrived to me had a dent in it.
4th display (this one) has a very creaky hinge.

Just to show i'm not being OCD. I'm just an unlucky bastard.

I've also had:
1 x Top Case (Palm rest, trackpad, speakers, keyboard)
1 x Trackpad alone
1 x Hardrive
 
With the MBP in my sig, I have a slight creak when opening or closing. It bothers me little to none at all. I have the 3 yr apple care plan anyway, so I'm not worried.
 
With the MBP in my sig, I have a slight creak when opening or closing. It bothers me little to none at all. I have the 3 yr apple care plan anyway, so I'm not worried.

Mine's not slight though, it was to begin with, but it's just continually getting louder and louder :/
 
something is wayy to tight, call CR and press for replacement if you have had it in for repair 4 times already.

I asked for a replacement on my 3rd repair and they said a firm No. I have them phoning me back before end of business tomorrow, so I'll see what they say, but I won't accept anything lower than a replacement, as my product just appears to be a lemon :/
 
I asked for a replacement on my 3rd repair and they said a firm No. I have them phoning me back before end of business tomorrow, so I'll see what they say, but I won't accept anything lower than a replacement, as my product just appears to be a lemon :/

:eek::eek::eek: . You are going through a similar process that I went through! My 2009 17" had heat issues after repairs the issues still occured. (My thread was "My Macbook Pro reaches 106C!" , 9 pages long!)

I sent my Mac in 6 weeks today. 8 days ago I sent it back to Apple after they agreed to replace it with the latest model. I have called customer relations numerous times and all they are telling me is that “There is a delay”

I've been given a Customer Relations/Replacement’s representatives email and I was told that she is dealing with the replacement ( already had 2 Customer relations Rep's that aren't doing anything, not responding to emails etc.) Applecare told me (on Friday when I rung up again) that I should email the new rep for an update... I also asked about compensation and they said “For sure they can do something, just let Lisa (the rep) know about your frustration"

Well I emailed her on friday afternoon but I've not heared anything back yet. If I don't get a response tomorrow I will DEMAND a full refund.

6 weeks without a Mac is ridiculous. 10 days for a replacement is equally ridiculous, even if it is coming from China. I was told I should have a replacement 3 days after sending my Mac back. No avail. Then I was told I will have it by last Friday, no avail!
 
@NStocks I think I remember your thread...
Another thing is, I asked for compensation ages ago, was told I'd get something, then they said "Oh no, we changed our minds you aren't getting anything"

Guess I'll have to wait for this phone call..
 
@NStocks I think I remember your thread...
Another thing is, I asked for compensation ages ago, was told I'd get something, then they said "Oh no, we changed our minds you aren't getting anything"

Guess I'll have to wait for this phone call..

Apple are becoming quite rude lately :mad:

10 days ago prior to me shipping the messed up unit, I asked the CR Rep for an Apple Wireless keyboard as a gesture for the past 4 weeks. He replied “I can't really do that, I'm already giving you a new Mac and they won't let me send anything else".

That's fine, I know that a new unit is brilliant, but they only offered me it because the service providers are s**t and there wasn't anything else they could do to fix the issues. It's not as if Apple have given me a replacement as a gesture, but rather because that's the only viable option. Besides, it they didn't offer a replacement by this week, they are breaking the UK Sale Law. The Sales of Goods Act states that if a resolution is not made within 6 weeks, the company must replace the item.

I could even take them to court as its surpassed 6 weeks anyway. I had a 'dream' yesterday about asking for a 24" Cinema Display and they gave me it :p

I see that you too are in the UK. If it get's to week 6 and it's still broke, look up the sales of goods Act.
 
I'm in the UK too (didn't my name point it out? ;)

Where does the Sales of Goods act state this? I've never seen it, I just know the supply of goods and services act 1982 says that it should be completed within 'a reasonable time'.
 
Apple generally considers a creaking hinge to be within spec. You are lucky you got the previous ones replaced at all.
 
I'm in the UK too (didn't my name point it out? ;)

Where does the Sales of Goods act state this? I've never seen it, I just know the supply of goods and services act 1982 says that it should be completed within 'a reasonable time'.

My mistake, it could be the supply of goods and services act...

You say your Mac is less than 6 months old? If so, the same legislation states that the seller has to prove that the item was not faulty when sold. 6 months is considered a time in which defects occur, hence why the company (Apple) need to prove there wasn't already a fault that has simply developed.

Anyway, I'm probably not the right guy to be speaking about legislation etc. so far I've not needed to use it... But seriously Apple, hurry up with my replacement!
 
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I would say go get some graphite powder and put a little in the hinges. That should complete remove the creakiness.

Just take a damp cloth you put it in to remove the power off the outside of the macbook.

Also note the graphic will do no damage to the inside of your computer as it would act basically the same as dust.

I don't want to be touching my Mac when I don't need to. And I don't see how a creaking hinge can be considered normal, I've never owned a laptop from new which has a creaking hinge.

I have had my Mac since end of July 2009.
 
creakiness tends to happen anytime you have metal on metal in tight tolerances. Normal solution is provide a little lubrication of some type. A lot of laptops have platic covers and plastic on plastic does not tend to creak but even then I can make it my laptop creak a little with a little pressure.

In your case it could easily be in Specification and you are being OCD about it. I would say a simple solution is put a type of dry lubricate on it. Graphic happens to be a good one. There are many silicon based ones out there that are very good as well.

You put it on and that little lubricate removes the creakiness. You do not have to take it apart to apply it.
 
I would say go get some graphite powder and put a little in the hinges. That should complete remove the creakiness.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=121FVE44X73G6MFE97YA

Just take a damp cloth you put it in to remove the power off the outside of the macbook.

Also note the graphic will do no damage to the inside of your computer as it would act basically the same as dust.


Graphite is conductive, and loose powder could cause shorts or leakage between the extremely close circuit board traces. A silicone lubricant would be more appropriate.
 
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