Found what causes the clicking/creaking sound - Video

[ducatiti]

So I thought I received a flawless rMPB with a Samsung screen.

Now I hear a click noise occasionally when I close the lid. To replicate the sound, I have to let it settle for five minutes or so, then try to close the lid a little and will make a subtle click or creak.

I know most of you will advise me to take it in to a Genius but I don't want a brand new machine to be repaired, let alone opened up to be diagnosed.

I had a couple of replacements prior to this one. I am just tired of this returning and waiting game. Are you guys hearing a similar noise when closing your lids?

If there is no long term effect, I may just keep this machine.

Edit: After further observation, I discovered that it was not the hinge but rather the bottom cover. It seems like the right hand side of the bottom cover is loose. I bought a pentalobe driver from amazon ($5) in the meantime.

Took a quick video which clearly shows that the bottom cover has some noticeable play:

 

[ducatiti]

Update: I just noticed that it only clicks when it is on a hard surface. Possibly the bottom case? Can someone confirm a similar click on theirs?

And if I do decide to return this, does the 14-day period start the date it was shipped, invoice, or when i received the shipment?

 

[ducatiti]

Please disregard my second post above. My hinge actually does not make the clicking noise.

 

[Arizor]

That's minor but it's pretty poor build quality for a $2k-plus new computer...

 

[psynnott]

Mine was like that too. Same location. Took it into a store (after making an appointment) and they fixed it within 5mins.

 

[Tea-Aholic]

I had a couple of replacements prior to this one. I am just tired of this returning and waiting game. Are you guys hearing a similar noise when closing your lids?

If there is no long term effect, I may just keep this machine.

My rMBP looks just like the yours. The bottom plate is not flush. Can you tell me if there is padding between the back plate and the internal components?

 

[Dronac]

Mine is flush and still creaks under the handrest. The Genius from the Applestore suggested I just exchange it for a new one.

 

[Sound Evolution]

Mine was like that too. Same location. Took it into a store (after making an appointment) and they fixed it within 5mins.

They made it flush?

 

[psynnott]

They made it flush?

Yes, and no flex at all now

 

[Sound Evolution]

Yes, and no flex at all now

That is good news. I guess one can buy the right torx screwdriver from Ifixit and fix it themselves.

Still a shame it leaves the factory like this....

 

[ducatiti]

I'm here at the Apple Store. They reseated the bottom cover. Couldn't wait for the ordered pentalobe tool any longer lol. Rmbp is now solid.

 

[Speedy Gonzalez]

poor quality control mine was the same all the screws was loose and I noticed one smaller by the exhaust vents that one holds the cover perfectly but the longer one don't no matter how tight it is it wont hold the cover my theory is that we supposed to have 2 smaller screws for that area but they put a big one instead

good luck trying to find some like that on ebay

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

That's minor but it's pretty poor build quality for a $2k-plus new computer...

Really? You can tell that from this photo?

 

[Arizor]

Really? You can tell that from this photo?

Not from the photo but from the OP's description of the bottom right corner being loose.

I assume he's telling the truth, if so, that's pretty poor build quality for a new 2k+ machine.

 

[Coffee87]

I had the same problem. I pinpointed it to a single screw on the right side. I removed the screw completely and put it back in. Now it's silent.

I first tried to just tighten the screw but that didn't stop the clicking. Removing it completely and reseating it in the threads solved the problem.

 

[Sound Evolution]

Those torx screwdrivers from ebay and or ifixit. Are they really a good fit? Or are you going to damage your screwhead with it?

 

[Coffee87]

Those torx screwdrivers from ebay and or ifixit. Are they really a good fit? Or are you going to damage your screwhead with it?

I have the tool kit from ifixit. You need a 5-point pentalobe bit.

 

[Sound Evolution]

I have the tool kit from ifixit. You need a 5-point pentalobe bit.

Then my next question is. Is the pentalobe bit from iFixit a perfect fit and won't damage the screw?

Thanks

 

[Coffee87]

Then my next question is. Is the pentalobe bit from iFixit a perfect fit and won't damage the screw?

Thanks

Yep, it's a perfect fit. You can't even tell I removed the screw.

 

[Sound Evolution]

Yep, it's a perfect fit. You can't even tell I removed the screw.

Thank you. I guess one day if the creaking stays I order the kit myself and re-fit the bottom plate.

 

[Sound Evolution]

The creaking/popping noise get worse. It is like tearing apart a piece of plastic.

When I investigated the bottom plate, it seems indeed that the middle part (around the cool vents) isn't flushed. And that is because it turns out the midle screws are either to long or not totally tight enough. If I press the bottom plate down (flush) the screw heads stick out (not sunk enough, and not holding the bottom plate tidily). Apparently because of this the the machine isn't hold "tied" together and gives flex, hence the squeaking/popping sound.

Any one else had this experience, that the screws are to long? I going to call tomorrow with Customer Relations and see how they will fix this. Combine this with recent developing of dead pixels on my other wise perfect Samsung screen, I am not really happy. It seemed all to good to be truth...