Loose hinge on late-2013 iMac 27"

[Plazm]

Hey guys.

My one month old 27" iMac (about a month old) at work seems to have developed a loose hinge so that the screen always tilts at its most downward. It still tilts up and down, but will always return to that position by itself.

I've booked an appointment at a local iStore for tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone knew the kind of work that would have to go into fixing it - how long would it be out of action?

Is there just something that needs to be tightened or will there be way more labour involved?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Macman45]

I think there's an internal torx screw that holds the mount...shouldn't be a big job.

 

[WilliamG]

I think there's an internal torx screw that holds the mount...shouldn't be a big job.

Except for taking apart the whole computer to get to it, yeah, not a big job.

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2639+Teardown/17828

 

[Plazm]

I hate to ask - is it something that can be done in the store itself by a tech in an hour or so or would they have to send it to a service center?

 

[Shane1905]

I hate to ask - is it something that can be done in the store itself by a tech in an hour or so or would they have to send it to a service center?

As long as it's just a loose screw they'll do it in store for you but I'd plan on it taking longer than an hour since they have to rip it open to get to hinge.

 

[Ipadilac]

I just bought a new 27" iMac and it also does this same thing. Kind of annoying to say the least.

 

[nipaalar]

How much did it cost you?

Hi! I have the same problem. I just want to know how much did it cost you and how long did it take to get fixed? Thank you!

 

[iHaddock]

Hi,

I had the same issue - they took mine away for 2 days and repaired it, but when it came back had some dirt on the LCD... It was only a few months old at the time so asked for a new machine.

 

[faslane]

Hey guys.

My one month old 27" iMac (about a month old) at work seems to have developed a loose hinge so that the screen always tilts at its most downward. It still tilts up and down, but will always return to that position by itself.

I've booked an appointment at a local iStore for tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone knew the kind of work that would have to go into fixing it - how long would it be out of action?

Is there just something that needs to be tightened or will there be way more labour involved?

Thanks for any advice!

You've probably long-since got this fixed but it's the plastic inside is either work or their is a return spring snapped. The 2013 iMacs don't come apart like the older gens and there is no VESA mount for them yet. This is a warranty repair or Applecare issue as the solution of replacing the hinge involves taking the entire iMac apart (mostly) to get to the back where the hinge attaches. That needs replaced.

Hope you got it fixed. And under warranty, not cheap for labor to dismantle a 27" although it's not horrible once the display is out properly.

 

[thedeske]

Jeez - 5 with the defect on this board alone. Interesting

 

[jaxhunter]

The iMac hinge is referred to as the "mechanism" and there are no screws or other ways to adjust it. The "mechanism" will have to be replaced. If your computer is under warranty, which I assume it is, they should send it out for warranty repair to have the mechanism replaced.

When you get it back make sure to thoroughly inspect it and run diagnostics on it (hold down "d" at boot); all the parts will have to have been removed and replaced to complete this particular repair. The mechanism is the first component placed into the rear housing when the machine is assembled.

 

[Neodym]

This thread makes a strong point for buying a VESA-enabled iMac in the first place and bringing your own stand/arm... (which then could also allow for height adjustment)

 

[mlavora]

Darn

This just happened now to my 27" iMac, just under a yr old. It was working just fine, I got up to goto the kitchen, and I heard a breaking noise and next thing I know the screen is tilted downward.. I didn't even touch it

Now have to lug this thing into the store... what a drag..

 

[Brian Y]

This just happened now to my 27" iMac, just under a yr old. It was working just fine, I got up to goto the kitchen, and I heard a breaking noise and next thing I know the screen is tilted downward.. I didn't even touch it

Now have to lug this thing into the store... what a drag..

It'll be covered under warranty, but its a pain in the backside. It's basically a machine rebuild

 

[iHateMacs]

Couldn't you just cut a piece of foam the right size and wedge it between the stand and the back of the monitor?

Do people need to keep adjusting the angle all the time?

 

[mjcarrjr]

Couldn't you just cut a piece of foam the right size and wedge it between the stand and the back of the monitor?

Do people need to keep adjusting the angle all the time?

Hi all -- has anyone who's had this repair done experienced any further problems -- has the mechanism broken again. My 27" is currently in for the same repair

 

[whereeaglesdare]

Same here

I was sat just last week and heard a crack, thought it was the chair I was sat on, and Ive just noticed that my screen is tilted down, on a permanent basis. This is 100% a design fault, and regardless if on warranty of not should be fixed by Apple.

----------

Couldn't you just cut a piece of foam the right size and wedge it between the stand and the back of the monitor?

Do people need to keep adjusting the angle all the time?

Because my wife, and kids use it as well, and because of height differences move it slightly. You would think after paying over £2000 quid that the very least that would work would be the cheapest part of the machine.

This is a design fault and not good enough from apple. My one broke on its own.

 

[Synclair]

2013 iMac hinge replacement

I had a broken hinge on my late 2013 imac I bought in Feb of 2014. I do think it's a design flaw. My hinge made a sound like that of a steel marble hitting my desk when it broke. I took it down to the apple store (still under warranty) and they sent me a copy of the costs involved in replacement of the hinge. I have not yet gotten it back from Apple since i took it in 2 days ago. The genius guy said they did not have the part in stock and would have to order it in and it would take 3 to 5 days to fix. Thought maybe some of you might appreciate a cost breakdown of how much it'd would be to get one fixed. Not too bad IMHO: Fortunately my machine was still under warranty.


Customer Information
Product Information
****** ***** Warranty Status: In Warranty(W)
USA Model: IMAC (27-INCH, LATE 2013)
Date of Purchase: 13-Feb-14
Serial No: ************
Problem Description/Diagnosis
Issue: iMac hinge is broken and display falls down to lowest viewing position.
Steps to Reproduce: Na
Cosmetic Condition: Clean
Proposed Resolution: Replace mechanism. Has backup.
Estimated Turn Around Time: We'll call you in 3 - 5 days
Alternate Pickup: **** ********
Mac OS Version: 10.9.5
Hard Drive Size: 121 GB
Memory Size: 16 GB
iLife Version: n/a
Contact Apple Support Case: *********

Employee **********

Repair Estimate
Item Number Description Price Amount Due
923-00151 MECHANISM 27"IMAC $ 28.41 $ 28.41
S1490LL/A Hardware Repair Labor $ 39.00 $ 0.00
Total (Tax not included) $ 67.41 $ 28.41


By signing below, I agree that:

• the Repair Terms and Conditions on the reverse side of this page will apply to the service of the product identified above;

• Apple is not responsible for any loss, corruption, or breach of the data on my product during service; and

• as loss of data may occur as a result of the service, it is my responsibility to make a backup copy of my data before bringing my product to Apple for service

• goods presented for repair may be replaced by refurbished goods of the same type rather than being repaired. Refurbished parts may be used to repair the goods


Repair Terms and Conditions and be found at http://www.apple.com/legal/terms/repair/instantexchange.html.

 

[IndyBob]

Just had the same problem with my late 2012 iMac. Hinge failed. I took it to the Apple store on 2/24/15 they are ordering and replacing the hinge mechanism. They called yesterday 2/28/15 and said it was ready. Not a bad turnaround. It was covered under my Apple Care.

 

[NJEG]

Loose hinge on late 2013 27" iMac

Just brought my machine in for the hinge failure issue under Apple Care. The machine was purchased Dec. 2013 and has been lightly used. The hinge failed all of a sudden just sitting on my desk. This is an obvious engineering design flaw which Apple should address. Optimally this would involve a retrofit that would move the hinge mechanism to the outside of the back cover and a redesign to make it withstand normal use. At the least, Apple should provide an extended warranty for this issue to all current owners similar to the way automobile manufacturers treat such issues. apple is known for their engineering however, in this case, they should own up to their failure.

 

[WilliamG]

Just brought my machine in for the hinge failure issue under Apple Care. The machine was purchased Dec. 2013 and has been lightly used. The hinge failed all of a sudden just sitting on my desk. This is an obvious engineering design flaw which Apple should address. Optimally this would involve a retrofit that would move the hinge mechanism to the outside of the back cover and a redesign to make it withstand normal use. At the least, Apple should provide an extended warranty for this issue to all current owners similar to the way automobile manufacturers treat such issues. apple is known for their engineering however, in this case, they should own up to their failure.

Not sure why you think it's a design flaw. It's not like it's an epidemic of the hinges failing. It's unfortunate, but it's still very rare as far as I'm aware.

 

[Boothington]

Just happened to mine too. I think it must be a design flaw. The reason why it seems rare is that it has only just started to happen as these machines reach a certain age. But I expect it will be happening to more and more of them now. The stands can't cope with the weight beyond a certain length of time. They are not built to last.

Mine is just out of warranty but I hope Apple will be willing to put it right for me, as it does seem like a design flaw.

 

[heyneff]

Has anyone heard more from Apple about this issue? I have a late-2012 iMac whose hinge just failed. Obviously it's way out of warranty and it sounds like there's no realistic self fix.

 

[Fragmintz]

This happened to my 27'' iMac (late 2013 model) a few months ago.

I bought the machine from the Apple Store online in the US and then my in-laws brought it to me in Israel where I live now.

We have an official Apple reseller called iDigital (the Apple Store plans to open here soon to beat the Samsung stores springing up).

Anyway, I have not had time to bring in my iMac for repair, and I'm sure it will cost double or triple what people say on here (everything tech/gadget in Israel usually does!).

For now, I have a box that I use to prop up the screen in two positions. While it's a quick and dirty solution that fits most of my needs, this is an unacceptable design flaw, especially for a product that costs $1700 to start.

I don't know if I will ever get this fixed (at least until I get my next iMac), but it's a total FAIL by Apple that should be fixed regardless of warranty. If I remember from my commercial law class back in the day - design flaws are not items that fall under warranty or non-warranty - the manufacturer has a responsibility to fix them at no cost since the defect was inherent in the products design.

Anyone want to start a class action suit?

 

[Slim Gaillard]

Same thing happened with my 27" Mac this morning. If there is a class action lawsuit, I'm in.