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Model A1297 Unibody: Early 2009, Mid 2009, Mid 2010, Early 2011 & Late 2011

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Screen Side "Aluminum Clam Shell" Delaminating

Screen side "Aluminum Clam Shell" (w/white logo in center) delaminating from screen and inside structure along hinge edge.

When closing the MacBook the leverage against the hinge resistance forces a gap to open all along the seem where the aluminum shell meets the screen / hinge structure. It does not look like anything is broken just that it is separating and flexing open. I think I might even be able to see a "glue" patch that has let go.

This is actually a big problem as every time the laptop is closed the hinge resistance forces this gap to open (further?) and it is very difficult to minimize this effect. Making the machine unusable for fear of further damage.

Anyone recognize this problem? Have a solution?

The machine is out of warranty...

Update: Apple store will repair as it i an obvious defect.

Thanks,

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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To get you to the correct guide please give us the last three figures of your serial number. Thanks

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Last Three figures are: 8YB

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Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 & 3.06 17" Mid-2009 Specs

Identifiers: Mid-2009 17" - MC226LL/A* - MacBookPro5,2 - A1297 - 2329*

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If this is still doing its thing, try putting some strong adhesive (like gorilla glue) in the seam where it's coming apart, close it and put a couple of books on it overnight.

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You could try opening the bottom and carefully putting a little WD-40 on it and then the hinged would be easier to open and close which would put less resistance on the clamshell.

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That might help out the resistance, but unfortunately at this point I think it's opened up too much.

The shell hinge connection is relying on the stiffness of the glass/screen/other underlying structure that the hinge is attached to, but not the primary structure of the shell itself. It's opened up to such an extent that I am pretty sure anything short of reattaching that seam will only delay the inevitable — catastrophic failure due to excessive stress on the wrong components.

Thanks,

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Hamilton will be eternally grateful.
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