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Macbook Pro bottom case not flush

T

tonedef407

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 25, 2009
161
17
After installing a RAM upgrade, I can't get the bottom case to go back on flush on the left side under the ports. It's flush everywhere but there and I have tried reseating the cover to no avail. I've torqued the screws in the "star" pattern. The problem is I don't recall if it was like that before and I'm being hypersensitive and it's common or I should take it to Apple (if they would even do anything).
2hhzj9v.jpg
 
That's not too bad, but mine certainly is very flush. I'm guessing that's a 15" like mine due to the SD Card and Audio In/Out.
Are you sure that you put it in the right way when you put the cover back on?
I'd maybe try putting that side in first.
 
mgartner0622 said:
That's not too bad, but mine certainly is very flush. I'm guessing that's a 15" like mine due to the SD Card and Audio In/Out.
Are you sure that you put it in the right way when you put the cover back on?
I'd maybe try putting that side in first.
Click to expand...

I suppose I can try again. One problem seems to be that the center screw on the left side does not seem to want to screw all the way in.
 
mgartner0622 said:
Are you sure it's the right size?
As in, there are some longer and shorter screws. Did you keep track when you upgraded the RAM?
Click to expand...

No unfortunately. Is there a different size among the shorter screws? I know that there is the much longer three.
 
To give an update, I loosened the screws again,switched a few around, and pushed kind of hard on the case as I was screwing and I think it's about as good as I can get it. Pretty close to as flush as the right side. It might be that there is some slight warpage to that bottom case or something. Oh well, the computer works great so that's what matters.
 
tonedef407 said:
No unfortunately. Is there a different size among the shorter screws? I know that there is the much longer three.
Click to expand...

I found that when taking apart a laptop (you are not familiar with) you can use a piece of cardboard about 10" x 10" and place the screws into the cardboard according to where they go on the laptop case (like a template of sorts). Probably not such a big deal on the MB/MBP, I just line them up as I take them out top/left/right/bottom.

Just passing some knowledge.

Glad you got your case fixed.
 
It seems to have gone back to the way it was. Does anyone think this is worth making a trip to the Genius bar over?
 
skidmarc said:
I found that when taking apart a laptop (you are not familiar with) you can use a piece of cardboard about 10" x 10" and place the screws into the cardboard according to where they go on the laptop case (like a template of sorts). Probably not such a big deal on the MB/MBP, I just line them up as I take them out top/left/right/bottom.

Just passing some knowledge.

Glad you got your case fixed.
Click to expand...

I've always found computer screws have been too small for this technique. However; it works great for larger bolts, like car maintenance.
 
Just made a Genius Bar appointment for tomorrow. I hope they can fix it, but I have a feeling they aren't going to be able to do much for me.
 
I will say that I'm a certified technician and that it looks fine to me. I have worked on 30 of these and that bottom looks about as flush as it will get. Here's the location of the long screws vs short screws:
===Back===
-s--L---L---L--
-----------------
s--------------s
-----------------
-s---s---s---s--
===Front===

I think you are worrying a bit too much about it. That's my opinion though. Good luck.
 
sorry to revive the dead. but after a genius bar visit for a trackpad and right shift key problem, my bottom case became not flush pretty much all the way around.

my trackpad problem went away, but my shift key reformed itself again after my initial check at the apple store.

how did the geniuses handle your problem if you don't mind me asking?
 
slieu92 said:
sorry to revive the dead. but after a genius bar visit for a trackpad and right shift key problem, my bottom case became not flush pretty much all the way around.

my trackpad problem went away, but my shift key reformed itself again after my initial check at the apple store.

how did the geniuses handle your problem if you don't mind me asking?
Click to expand...


I took it in and the Genius had appeared to fix it,but once home I noticed it wobbling. Turns out he bent the bottom to make it appear flush, but it just caused an imbalance. Took it back and they replaced the bottom case altogether. It was slightly better but there are still some minor gaps. I'm pretty sure my top case has some slight warpage that's causing this. I just learned to live with it.
 
tonedef407 said:
I took it in and the Genius had appeared to fix it,but once home I noticed it wobbling. Turns out he bent the bottom to make it appear flush, but it just caused an imbalance. Took it back and they replaced the bottom case altogether. It was slightly better but there are still some minor gaps. I'm pretty sure my top case has some slight warpage that's causing this. I just learned to live with it.
Click to expand...

that suxs. i don't appreciate that the genius took the bottom and bent it... lol
 
tonedef407 said:
I took it in and the Genius had appeared to fix it,but once home I noticed it wobbling. Turns out he bent the bottom to make it appear flush, but it just caused an imbalance. Took it back and they replaced the bottom case altogether. It was slightly better but there are still some minor gaps. I'm pretty sure my top case has some slight warpage that's causing this. I just learned to live with it.
Click to expand...

thanks for the reply. i'm afraid that's what the geniuses are going to do to mine too. i'm only 18 and from my past two visits they don't seem to take me very seriously. how did you handle the situation at the second visit after you found out the guy just bent it?
 
What i found out was that among the small screws 4 of them are actually different, all tho they are same in length but theres a blank near the top of the screw. Just have a closer look.

P.s took time to take out the screws for a pic
 
Last edited:
skidmarc said:
I found that when taking apart a laptop (you are not familiar with) you can use a piece of cardboard about 10" x 10" and place the screws into the cardboard according to where they go on the laptop case (like a template of sorts). Probably not such a big deal on the MB/MBP, I just line them up as I take them out top/left/right/bottom.

Just passing some knowledge.

Glad you got your case fixed.
Click to expand...

Great Great advice!
The cardboard template is a great idea and you'll keep track of where each screw originally came from.
 
i have the macbook aluminium first gen and everything, so the battery was really suffering. i bought this el-cheapo from ebay which lasted longer but dies at 10 percent just like that. i put up with it for a while then it started expanding. now my mac is a bit worse than your haha. thats hongkong for ya ;)
 
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