Loud Crackling Noise From MBP [Sound Clip Included]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and would really appreciate your help on this issue.

My Macbook Pro 15" [2 GHz Intel Core Duo, OS X 10.5.7, 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM] makes a loud crackling, chainsaw-like noise from the upper left part of the keyboard. I think it maybe the fan but I'm not sure.

I've attached an audio clip of the noise:

20091009 175820.m4a - 3.78MB

OR (in case the first one doesn't work)

http://dl007.zshare.net/download/3c...d72e6/1256084581/67250742/20091009 175820.m4a

How worried should I be? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Best,
DyausPita

I couldn't get either one of those files to download - it seems the site wants you to register or wait all day for the download to begin. Not good.

However, from your description of the noise and location, it does appear to be fan related. Fan could be loose or the bearings shot. If the machine is still under warranty (Apple care) take it on in. If not, you can try opening it yourself and examine the fan. There are two fans in your MBP so make sure it's the right one.

Regards.

chscag,

Thanks for your reply. The site doesn't require you to register. You click 'Download' and a link appears in 60 secs.

Yeah, I waited - no download. Anyway, you might want to check the fans in your MBP. If the machine is out of warranty, open it up and take a look. Go to this website for instructions:

iFixit: Apple Mac, MacBook, iPod, and iPhone Repair Parts

Regards.

Thanks. I will look into that right away.

Was able to download - Definitely a fan.

Thanks bobtomay.

My warranty expired two years ago. Is there anything I can do before opening the laptop up to know more about this problem? Does the sound correspond to a particular problem with the fan?

Best,
dyaus

Could just need cleaning.

My own practice, once a fan starts making noises has been to replace it. They're cheap. Too cheap to worry about what is wrong with it.

Check out the ifixit.com link chscag posted above. They have parts and great step by step instructions for most of the parts they carry.

dyaus said:

Thanks bobtomay.

My warranty expired two years ago. Is there anything I can do before opening the laptop up to know more about this problem? Does the sound correspond to a particular problem with the fan?

Best,
dyaus

Click to expand...

Research how to take your laptop apart! No warranty means you get to become well-aquainted with its inner workings.

But seriously - most problems with fans involve replacement.

UPDATE:

So I can definitely trace the sound to the Left Fan. I installed smcFanControl and noticed that the Left Fan RPM drops to about 600-700 while the Right Fan RPM remains unchanged.

This lasts for a minute or so and the Left Fan RPM suddenly clicks back to normal speeds. There is an annoying buzz from the Left fan but the 'chainsaw' goes away.