MacBook Hinge - Uneven Gap

I have a white MacBook that developed the hairline crack problem. Apple replaced the top and bottom cases, so the cracks have gone.
However, in replacing those parts, Apple didn't put the top case back on quite right. It's hard to explain, but when the MacBook is closed, the gap/space between the top part and the bottom part on one side is larger than the other. It's not a major issue, but it's not exactly precision engineering. The lid doesn't sit parallel with the base. It's crooked.
Even though the MacBook is now out of its warranty, would Apple be able to adjust the way it's screwed together? Would they perhaps do that for free? Or would it cost hundreds of pounds?

The only way to know is to take it back to the Apple Store. But having worked on lots of these, "precision engineering" are not words I would use to describe MacBook top cases. But see what they'll do- I think they'd take care of you.

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Macbook display uneven

hi, my macbook pro laptop's screen seems slightly uneven. The left side seems to be slightly higher than the right side when the laptop is closed. I see more space between the screen to the base (not sure if this makes sense). Is this normal? For those with macbook pro laptop, can you guys check on that?

My screen was about 3-4mm higher on the left corner than the right and also the screen would flop forwards when the laptop was on a base which was elevated more than 30 degress (sitting it on my knee in bed or on the sofa for example).
I took it into the Bullring Apple Store and the Genius swapped it for a new one (NB: I have AppleCare & ProCare).
The new one now flops less than it did but still has a slight gap on the left but its better than before.
The Genius checked all the 17" MacBook Pros in stock and apparently this was the one with the smallest gap.
If you do have AppleCare or a machine less that 28 days old it may be worth taking it back to the store and seeing if they will swap it for a better one.

Dirt in macbook hinge

I've noticed some dirt (dust?) in the hinge of my MacBook. I keep my computer very clean (Magic Eraser!) and this is starting to drive me crazy. Does anyone have a suggestion for how I can clean this area?

You could try a can of compressed air, available from most computer shops, with a straw on it to blow the dust out of tighter gaps like hinges etc.

MacBook Pro Closure Gap

I've read other topics about issues with a warped display and gaps in the display. Well, I just wanted to check whether or not my new MacBook Pro is normal.
I purchased the 17" model and when the lid is closed, there isn't a large gap, however, at the left and right end, it could be closed further, so if I put a little pressure on it, it dips in a bit. It's hard to explain. Photos are included below...
http://flickr.com/photos/inknoise/sets/72157594240314112/

Hi Carlos,
I've seen many powerbook 15", 17", macbook pro 15" and 17" like yours and mostly Apple will not do anything to repair that because there is nothing wrong with the unit. It's cosmetic issue (which is actually poor assembly in my persoal opinion).
So far if our cust complained about problem like yours and if they complained to Apple we usually change the display panel assembly but there is no guarantee that the replacement display will not have that kind of problem again.
I still have no idea until now what cause that gap different between right and left, could be poor assembly in the display hinge when they tighten right and left hinge screws is diferent strength.
Good luck
Flippo

The REAL "creaking macbook hinge" solution

It's not uncommon for current generation MacBook Pro users - including me - to experience a "creaking" noise" when opening/closing their computers.
The net is full of "solutions," including running waxed dental floss in the hinge areas.
I am a mechanical engineer with 24 years of experience and can tell you what the actual problem and solution is.
The screen portion of the assembly must be precisely centered in the chassis in order to get the proper clearance at each side of the hinge. Upon close examination, eople who hear the "creaking" sound will notice that their screen is offset slightly and is actually rubbing on the chassis at that location. This attributable to imprecise assembly at the factory.
You could take the entire unit apart and attempt to precisely center the screen, relative to the chassis.
Or, you could do what I did:
Take a small piece of emery cloth (220 grit or something close to it) and, with the unit opened, CAREFULLY sand away the aluminum on the CHASSIS (not the screen) in that area. I say "carefully," since there are some wires in that location (which, fortunately, are sheathed).
This will eliminate the interference fit and, if done correctly, will be all but invisible unless you examine the area under magnification.
I also lubed the hinges with BreakFree lubcricant.
http://www.break-free.com/
I have been "creak free" for more than 3 months now and the hinge mechanisms works much more freely.

AASP's Outside of the USA

Dropped Macbook - hinge bent?

Well the unthinkable happened to me this morning - as I was getting up from using my Macbook the loose end of an ipod cable that was still connected got caught between my toes and my macbook went flying off my desk while it was still open. It landed open with the screen and keyboard facing down. Luckily it somehow didn't get damaged (as far as I can tell so far) except when I close it the lid is a little out of alignment. This thing is more rugged than it looks! My first question is, is this something I should bother getting fixed, as far as the magnetic latches not being lined up exactly?
Also, should I take it to a genius bar just to have them check it out and verify that it still works after being dropped in case something goes wrong in the future? My thinking is that if something like the HDD goes and they see the misaligned lid as evidence of a fall, they wouldn't want to fix it.
Thanks!

Hi Eric,
glad to hear that the lcd and macbook still working.
yes, you can consult genius guy, but re-align your hinge might cost you since that caused by user.
There also third party tools with instruction how to adjust hinge yourself, but if you still under warranty and play with that, I'm afraid it will void the whole warranty if something get worse.
For your HD and rest of macbook try to run hardware check by starting using installer disk and press D while it boot up and run it.
Also you can boot up while pressing C with your installer disk in there, choose language, open utilities > disk utility > repair both permission and disk.
Good Luck.

Dropped MacBook; hinge doesn't close properly

Yesterday I dropped my MacBook while open backward on the floor and it fell flat on the back of the screen. Now if I want to close the screen (or open) in one of the corners the hinge does not close properly so the edge squeeks against the back of the bottom part. I'm afraid that in the long run this might cause problems as the screen has to be pushed slightly with it's friction. Are there any instructions somewhere where I can try to set the screen back in the right position?
Thanks

You might be able to use some of the information here, http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/ , to help accomplish this.

Squeaky MacBook hinge and hinge is also loose?

My MacBook Pro is 8 months old, the past two months I have noticed that whenever I open or shut my screen it makes a clear squeaking noise. I am new to Mac's and my friend (who is much more experienced with Apple products) told me it's not normal and to book an appointment with the Genius Bar. Appointment is now booked but on closer inspection I have noticed that when my Mac is closed, the black hinge easily slides left to right. Do you think this will be able to be fixed as I am still under my one year warranty?

I haven't heard of your contrast issue (Glad you checked that in Universal Access) but I have heard of the hinges on the Macbook having some issue once in a while. The connections between the Logic Board and screen are obviously in those hinges. If they are frayed, pinching, whatever, that can cause an issue like you're having.
I'm glad you have AppleCare, because screen repair/replacements aren't cheap. Don't forget, if your Apple Service Provider is saying it'll take too long to do a repair on-site you can still call AppleCare directly and you can mail-in your machine. Turn-around time takes anywhere from 4-10 days... but one can usually expect it to come back sooner than later.

Macbook Pro Uneven display backlight

Hi
I would like to know if uneven backlight on my macbook pro is covered by warranty
it was hard to get a good picture but,
http://the.cave.in.googlepages.com/uneven_backlight.jpg
sometimes its even worese
the display also flickers sometimes very lighyly (at 50hz etc.)
also
is there a good reason that while probing apples site
i could not find a single support e-mail address ?
cheers.
Brazy
.est

If the screen lighting is as bad as the photo seems to demonstrate, then yes, it's definitely a problem that would be covered by warranty. The screen should never actually flicker, though, since an LCD is refreshing pixel-by-pixel at 60hz, perhaps your brightness settings keep changing? If not, then it could even be the inverter (if you're using one of the CFL (pre-Santa Rosa) models). Either way, I'd try to get over to your nearest Apple Store when you can.

Macbook Hinge :: Screw "Tightness"

Hello all...
I have a question that I'm unable to find an answer for on my own...silly as it may be, I just want to make sure that my beloved blackbook is "fine".
The other day, I noticed that one of the screws on the back of my notebook, next to the hinge on the back, was a little loose (slightly hanging out) so I decided to go around and tighten the screws around the case. All were tight except the two next to the hinge.
When I started to tighten them, i notice they do not come to a definite "stop" so I just turned until it was firm and 1/8th turn. I notice on other MBs I've looked at online that they are either flush or slightly recessed--mine are about .5mm recessed but all seems fine.
Now I may be OCD (in fact I'm almost sure of it) but I just want to make sure this is normal. My last Mac was a 12" PB and everything was Aluminum/metal, since everything is plactic I'm naturally a little curious/concerned.
Many thanks!
PS: I can't find a high-res shot of the back of any Macbooks online (each is too small to tell) to see if this is normal.

If the behavior changed when you tightened the hinge, have you tried loosening the hinge a little to see if you can manage the best of both worlds? Just try backing it off a little at a time until either the flickering comes back or the system works as you expect.

MacBook Hinge

I borrowed my Black MacBook out to a buddy of mine (BIG MISTAKE!) I got it back and now the screen/lid part does not close flush with the bottom part. It's not anywhere near noticeable when it's open or even when it's closed unless you're really looking at it, or touch it. I was just wondering if anyone has had this kind of a problem before or if anyone knows how to fix it, I'm pretty sure it's just that the hinge is out of place. I work in the IT department so I feel pretty confident in having to take it apart.

My MacBook also had a squeaking hinge, it was very annoying. What I did was loosen the screws just a little bit, and then lubricate the hinge with waxed dental floss. Just grab some regular waxed dental floss (mine was Johnson) and slide it between the hinge and case. Slide it back and forth just as you would on your teeth. That'll make it go away.

MacBook Hinge Squeak

Hi, I got my macbook about a week and a half ago, and a few days ago, the hinge started squeaking really badly. I uploaded a video of it to youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj-F-Y3z9cg.
Is this something I could return my macbook about or am I just being a perfectionist?

Applcare wont do anything, i sent mine in twice and they didnt fix it, then i found this product and i fixed it myself easily. This DOESNT void your computers waranty and it is fairly cheap ($25 with shipping) and gives u tools u can use in the future for other issues. amazing that apple cant do this but u can fix it yourself!
http://www.radtech.us/Products/Glides.aspx
the squeak disappeared immediately!

Macbook Pro uneven lighting

High guys,
I'm having this light bleed on with dark backgrounds. I was wondering if this is normal and if there is really a chance of solving this if I take it back for replacement. Thanks in advance.
(some fotos would be appreciated )

I have it too. What, if anything, was your resolution?
full display brightness - no keyboard backlighting
lowest display brightness - no keyboard backlighting
MacBook Pro 15
2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz
16GB 1600MHz memory
512GB PCIe-based flash storage 1
Intel Iris Pro Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB GDDR5 memory
The 15‐inch MacBook Pro has a phenomenal display — with the graphics power to match. Its fourth‐generation Intel Core i7 processor features Iris Pro Graphics with 128MB of embedded memory which accelerates processor‐ and graphics‐intensive tasks by acting as an ultrafast cache. For even more impressive graphics performance needs, choose the 15‐inch model that combines the power of Iris Pro Graphics with the new NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M. With 2GB of GDDR5 memory, it has twice the video memory of the previous‐generation NVIDIA graphics processor. So you see many more frames per second in 3D games and get greater speed and responsiveness for your HD video projects.

MacBook Hinge Loose?

When I carry my MacBook I can feel the lid moving slightly back and forth when its in my hand. When the lid is open, its sturdy as ever and doesn't move at all. Is this normal??
-Thanks
-Eric

I am having a similar problem.
It is most noticeable when I take my Mac book out of its sleeve.
I too am wondering if this is usual.
Paul

Macbook pro left-hinge gap!!

Is it normal for most macbook pros to have a slight gap on the left- hinge between the black part and silver. The right side is fine and the hinge is continuous with the aluminum body whereas the left side hinge is not. Also, I have noticed when picking up my macbook an occaisonal pop or click noise coming from the bottom. Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated!! (P.S. I have only had my 13 inch macbook pro for nearly 2 weeks)
Not Normal Left-Side Hinge (Gap)
Normal Right Side Hinge (no gap)

Hi Jordan,
I have a late 2008 Macbook Pro and it arrived with the exact same condition as yours.
Truth is I took no notice with it, guess it was probably just my piece that was like that.
After a couple of months, the hinge, the black part started to move about, sideways. It could move due to the gap that was already present. The creaking hinge sound you hear, yes that's an indication of the problem. Its not the hard drive shutting down at all.
A year and a half later, the screen begin to peel away from the unibody surface, the metal surface that hold the screen together. It all happened and started from the left side. Closing the lid now showed a significant gap on the left side near the hinge.
2 years and 10 months after I got my Macbook Pro, the hinge has snapped. The screen has peeled signifcantly away from the unibody surface on the left side and now my right side is also affected.
I can only use my Macbook Pro with the wall supporting my screen now.
I implore you to return your Macbook, accept no flaws with the hinges at all.
Email me at [email protected] if you like to know more, or want to see pictures even.

MacBook Hinge - Uneven Gap

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