01-18-2007, 03:49 PM

I have just noticed that my brand new Macbook squeeks when I pick it up. After carefull inspection I have found the squeek comes from the left hand side of the base (The side with the two screws next to the security slot). When I pick up my MacBook, the left hand side of the base moves in towards the battery bay, and it feels kind of loose, where as the right hand side feels as solid as a rock. The odd thing is, there are two screws on the left hand side, and the one nearest the security slot does not seem to be bitting to anything, I haven't tried it as that would probably void the warranty, but because the plastic moves I assume it isnt bitting to anything? Please, please could someone put my mind at rest and have a look at their own MacBook and let me know if the same thing happens, that is: does the left hand side have any play? thanks in advance.

01-18-2007, 04:00 PM

Hi Solarvoyager

Yes, I have the same squeeky bit on my Macbook as you in the same place. It was bugging me but I'm just ignoring it for the time being. I did wonder if the two screws needed to be tightened but thought better of it. I've got to drop into the Apple Store over the weekend so I thought I would ask them about the 'squeek' then. I'll let you know what they come up with.

Cheers

Lou

01-18-2007, 04:00 PM

Take it back! Maybe it's a badly assembled piece.

01-18-2007, 04:07 PM

Thanks Louby Lou, that would be great if you could let me know what they say. If its bad news I will take your advice yogi and take it back.

01-18-2007, 04:18 PM

its funny, my macbook is usually squeaky when ever i open and close the screen, but after i clicked this, i closed it to confirm it, but it didnt squeak. It may go away after a bit, who knows?

01-18-2007, 04:18 PM

i have the same problem but mine doesnt squeak, its loose and when i push against it it moves inwards

is this normal?
its only on the left side of the base

01-18-2007, 09:05 PM

I have the same thing on the left side, but it seems like a lot of people in this thread have the same issue so I don't think it should be a problem. Besides, you can always get a small screwdriver to tighten it. Just don't tighten it too much!

01-18-2007, 09:23 PM

i've heard that the scews on one side of the macbook are just for show (can't remember which side, but i think it's the left.

mine does this a bit too, i'd guess for impact resistance. think of it as the plastic skins and crumple zones on a car. if you have those, you're less likely to injure the occupants in a crash. when cars had big metal bumpers bolted to the frame of the car, you had lots more impact force transmitted throughout the car.

01-18-2007, 09:30 PM

yea iv tried tightning the left screws but they are allready tight

it could be for show

01-20-2007, 11:17 AM

Update...

I popped into the Apple Store this morning and spoke to the chap about my squeek. It was the first time that he'd seen the squeek left side of the Macbook and no-one else at the Bar had.

He did confirm that the 2 screws on the left hand side of the case are just for show. However, he took the battery out and checked the 2 screws inside were all tight and ok. He checked that nothing was loose or seemed to be working its way loose. Nothing obvious. Popped the battery back in and its still there. It squeeks a bit but only if I press it. He said that its just the case, that the screws on that side really don't do anything.

His advice - keep an eye on it. It is gets worse or causes problems drop back in to see them. Don't play with it, and if the squeek annoys you that much turn the music up :headphone

So, sorry solarvoyager that I can't offer you anymore information. I'll keep an eye on my Macbook and if it gets worse etc I'll be heading back to Apple.

HTH

Lou

01-21-2007, 12:11 PM

Thanks Louby Lou, Its interesting that the Apple guy said that those screws dont really do anything. I was curious as to what my MacBook looked like inside, but obviously didnt want to take it apart, so I googled and found this fascinating site: ifixit. It doesnt seem to be getting any worse, so I will just ignore it and turn the music up ! Thanks again for everyones input.

01-21-2007, 06:10 PM

i have the same squeeky sound coming out the left side of my macbook as well. guess its a popular squeek

01-22-2007, 02:54 AM

i'm not sure if i have the same squeek, but i do have a noise coming on the right side of my palm rest. everytime i tap it it "clicks" its getting annoying and i think i will go into the bar and check the right side out. my left side is firm but the right side, i can see the palm rest moving and making the noise. anyone have my problem?

01-22-2007, 05:01 AM

Obviously as a collection of all the issues people have had with macbooks since they were released this page seems to be a simple mac bashing and I'm sure a lot of it can be ignored now.

I have a (minor) issue with my palmrest having a small gap from the bottom case and while clicking around I found this on the page above which may offer a simple fix for your clicking/squeeking issues, and hopefully my "gap" issues...

The case is often installed incorrectly causing a "squeeking" when pressure is applied to certain areas. [Update] I (as a service provider at an Apple Certified Service Center [not Apple]) have discovered this to be due to severe over-tightening of the cases. I have had to re-build about 3 of these laptops.

So maybe slightly loosening could work, let me know if this helps at all.