Database Users

Blackstone Build Quality - Creaking sounds when pressed near USB port

Does your Blackstone make creaking/squeaking noises when you press the glossy black plastic area around the USB port?
Mine creaks like an old bed even with light pressure. This is annoying because when the phone is on a table and I want to press the power button, I'll press on the bottom area of the phone to anchor the device.
So far I've compared with my buddy's set, and his Blackstone needs much more pressure before it creaks.
For a flagship device that costs so much, I really didn't expect to see this!

Yeah, mine creaks as well. It's annoying but you get used to it.
Not only at the USB port, though, at the back below the camera as well.

Don't know about everyone else's experience...but mine creaks only after it gets a little warm, ie while charging, heavy use, etc. It doesn't creak at all when it's cool. When it's warm, it creaks mostly in the virtual button area and isn't that bad, although it did scare me the first time it happened ha

My case is deformed, so it makes a clicking noise, and I can press it in, below the Volume controls. Annoying as hell!
After trying it, yeah mine actually does creak when I press it near the USB port... But I have to press pretty hard. Not noticable. But the loose, discount feel I get from press the side below the Volume buttons is unbearable!!! :'(

My HD make also clicking noise below the volume buttons. Except of this anything else is ok. No cracking on usb port, no dead pixel.

BlackMonkey said:
My HD make also clicking noise below the volume buttons. Except of this anything else is ok. No cracking on usb port, no dead pixel.
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Still annoying though, ain't it? It's an expensive phone, I'd expect it to be top class... Really a big letdown for me. Reminds me of my Nokia N81 8GB... Squeaky as friggin' hell! Plastic all the way through!

I'll consider myself lucky then.... my HD is built like a tank. Noticed no creaks at all or pressure points. Way more solid compared to my old Touch.

imusion said:
I'll consider myself lucky then.... my HD is built like a tank. Noticed no creaks at all or pressure points. Way more solid compared to my old Touch.
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You'll get there. Mine was ok for the first month. Started creaking beside volume buttons and it was barely noticeable at first, now it's really bad.
It also starts creaking near the power button and in other places.

BlackMonkey said:
My HD make also clicking noise below the volume buttons. Except of this anything else is ok. No cracking on usb port, no dead pixel.
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Click to collapse
Same here, creaking below volume buttons...near usb port...And 2 dead pixels! what luck

This problem is definitely a manufacturing defect.
I expect that HTC decided on a plastic back (which is also available on a lot of other mobile phones, but they just under specified the thickness of the material, maybe to save weight and make the phone slimmer, who knows.
However, it is annoying when it occurs, and HTC should provide a replacement cover free of charge.
The problem does seem to become more apparent with usage and heat.
Some users have reportedly strategically placing a piece of paper inside the back cover to alleviate the issue.

Lol-x said:
...HTC should provide a replacement cover free of charge...
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I agree, and I'd really be delighted if they did... Like jumping up and down-delighted.
EDIT:
I've sent an e-mail to HTC about this problem, as I can see many people are having the same problems. I told them of the annoying squeaks and creaks, and if they were going to fix it in the near future, free of charge.

yeah, here in china me and my HD users all have this noise.

mine creaks only after it gets a little warm, ie while charging, heavy use, etc. It doesn't creak at all when it's cool.

Mine creaks around the usb port even if I touch it there very gently. And it's becoming more and more noisy with time! plus it started creaking when I touch the touch screen firmly. I am starting to be afraid it will fall apart someday because of this. I have never droped it, sat on it, and I never put it in my trousers pocket, whenever i put it out of my hand i put it in this sock that came with the phone. So why is this creaking getting louder?!?!? HTC should do something to fix this problem!!!

yes mine too. beside the volume buttons and on the other side.
2 stripes of paper are the solution. I got normal office paper, cut stripes and bend it on double size, noch creaking any more...
but it's a pain in the ass to put the stripes into the phone...

chong81 said:
Does your Blackstone make creaking/squeaking noises when you press the glossy black plastic area around the USB port?
Mine creaks like an old bed even with light pressure. This is annoying because when the phone is on a table and I want to press the power button, I'll press on the bottom area of the phone to anchor the device.
So far I've compared with my buddy's set, and his Blackstone needs much more pressure before it creaks.
For a flagship device that costs so much, I really didn't expect to see this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shield your HD with ZAGG INVISIBLE SHIELD, it may reduce the creaking!

not looking forward to it
I didn't know the Blackstone had this problem. Although mine sort of has a few little spots that have very minor creaking, I have only had it for a week and I could see where it might get worse. But I have a worse problem. My vibrate doesn't work! And its a manufacturer's defect. I never dropped it or anything like that, I am very disappointed about that. I will have to get a replacement I suppose, but I do look forward to my new creaking phone, lol
blacksage

Mine didn't creak in the beginning but after many back cover removals it creaks like crazy. I just bought a new type of cover that is tough soft plastic and less elastic than silicon. It fits perfectly and really tight. That has stopped mine from creaking...at least for the time being.

defcon2000 said:
yes mine too. beside the volume buttons and on the other side.
2 stripes of paper are the solution. I got normal office paper, cut stripes and bend it on double size, noch creaking any more...
but it's a pain in the ass to put the stripes into the phone...
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Click to collapse
can you upload a picture of the "solution"?
thank you!

noris08 said:
can you upload a picture of the "solution"?
thank you!
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Click to collapse
This is my solution.
The creaking sounds is gone from the back cover part but is still present when I press on the stylus (the shiny part of the bottom) and around the charging plug.
My Touch Pro had the same problem with plastic parts that could be pressed in.
Too bad that devices in the price range have this problem.
Pretty much all HTC devices have had some kind of build problem sine the beginning of when they started releasing phones. Dust problems on the screen (behind the front cover) were quite common back in the days.

Annoying Rattle = Volume Rocker (My Solution)

So I use the T-Mo black gel case and love it. I get annoyed when I take the phone out because the volume rocker is loose and rattles.
I finally gave up and went ghetto. I took about a 1/2" of tape and rolled it up twice and left just a little of the sticky side showing.... popped it down and snapped the case back on.
Phone is snug, you cant see the tape (covered by case entirely), it is not going to move out of place... the volume rocker works, and best yet, there is no rattle.
I admit this is ghetto and should not be needed on a nice phone like this.... that said, it works, and works well. Anyone have any other suggestions (other than returning the phone)?
I'll try and snap a pic later... difficult now, as my phone IS my camera most days.

So that's where the rattle is coming FROM! I have three phones from the Amazon fire sale and one of them was rattling. I has to shake it in a weird angle and the sound never came back. But I'm definitely subbing for this when the sound comes.back. thanks

I don't hear any rattling either

Didn't notice this rattle previously, now i can't stop noticing
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Sorry, not implying all phones have this... But it seems to be a common problem.

I have creaking/play on the opposite side. Pressing on the chrome trim on the right side of the phone in certain places gives me some creaking.

thegreatcity said:
I have creaking/play on the opposite side. Pressing on the chrome trim on the right side of the phone in certain places gives me some creaking.
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i have that too...its the the battery cover.

^ you sure? I was afraid it was the chrome.... I've not played around with it too much, denial I suppose.

s15274n said:
^ you sure? I was afraid it was the chrome.... I've not played around with it too much, denial I suppose.
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I noticed it the second I pulled it out of the box. It is definitely the volume button hitting the back cover. i.e. the volume button isnt connected firmly.
To fix it I just got a silicon case with a tight grip to cover my phone. I know not all people want a case, but after having broke my N1 the week I pulled it out of its case I guess you can say I learned my leason.

s15274n said:
^ you sure? I was afraid it was the chrome.... I've not played around with it too much, denial I suppose.
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Yeah, Ive had the creak there since I bought it. Its been a pretty hot summer here, could that have possibly warped the chrome or something?
Got the Tmobile gel case on it right now, sort of remedies it.

I used a strip of electrical tape right next to the rocker it worked great.

Hinge clicking sound?

So I got a replacement phone and order a new replacement for a a missing pixel on the lower side of the screen. But I hear a clicking sound like if its a spring clicking sound on G2 when opening it??? Anyone know what this is????
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I do not know what it is but I have had the same faint clicking sound. I have had the phone since day 1.

what's the part#?

MARINERMOOSE241 said:
I do not know what it is but I have had the same faint clicking sound. I have had the phone since day 1.
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Click to collapse
Yea like a spring clicking sound not a regular click
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Mine does it too. I just ignore it. Its just part of the phones overall hardware suckage imo.

My hinge clicks, but only because the screen moves up and down when the phone is closed. If I move the screen up and down while the phone is halfway open, I can see the clicking sound is coming from the ribbon cable. My replacement is on it's way.

Yeah its been discussed before. It's from the ribbon sticking.
What disappoints me about this phone is that it could have been perfect, build quality wise, except they ruined it by skimping out on hinge quality.

joebobjoe said:
What disappoints me about this phone is that it could have been perfect, build quality wise, except they ruined it by skimping out on hinge quality.
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Yup, if only it was as good as the G1 except without that creaking sound we had. It really is a solid phone though. Just hate the fact, that dust gets over there, and it won't come out just by blowing over there.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

joebobjoe said:
Yeah its been discussed before. It's from the ribbon sticking.
What disappoints me about this phone is that it could have been perfect, build quality wise, except they ruined it by skimping out on hinge quality.
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Click to collapse
Yea but the G2 I had before did not have this clicking sound it gets annoying tho.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Not sure it really is the ribbon. I'm pretty sure I've got this whole hinge thing figured out and why sometimes they start tight and then work themselves to nothingness.
Here is my theory...
The hinge bars are metal and they interface with another small metal strip in the screen. The ends of the hinge bars are not a circle but a eccentric cam shape. They interface with and tension by this other small metal strip essentially using it as a spring. Over time the metal strip bends in and the aluminum on the hinge bar cams wears down. Starting tight(er) and then finally ending loose. I think the sound you are hearing is the small metal strip binding and then springing back. You can verify the wear I'm talking about by inspecting the hinge arm by the screen when phone is all the way flipped out. You'll see it's anodizing is already wore off from the wear.
Hope someone understands what i'm talking about here.

simobile said:
Not sure it really is the ribbon. I'm pretty sure I've got this whole hinge thing figured out and why sometimes they start tight and then work themselves to nothingness.
Here is my theory...
The hinge bars are metal and they interface with another small metal strip in the screen. The ends of the hinge bars are not a circle but a eccentric cam shape. They interface with and tension by this other small metal strip essentially using it as a spring. Over time the metal strip bends in and the aluminum on the hinge bar cams wears down. Starting tight(er) and then finally ending loose. I think the sound you are hearing is the small metal strip binding and then springing back. You can verify the wear I'm talking about by inspecting the hinge arm by the screen when phone is all the way flipped out. You'll see it's anodizing is already wore off from the wear.
Hope someone understands what i'm talking about here.
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Click to collapse
I'm almost deff it is not the ribbon because my old G2 didn't do the click so it Can't be the ribbon if so than the old G2 would've do the click since it also had a ribbon. You say the hinges loosen up but my old G2 never got loose it was tight and I had for almost a month so that can't be either, since the day 1 never loosen up one bit. And this one is also tight but the difference is it has the click. Wow htc really screw up big time here like seriously all these phones all got different hardware built, and you ask yourselves why the heck is that. And the thing that really gets me angry is their stupid silence on this. I order another exchange on this phone again this will be my third one now and should be here by wednsday man I just hope I got a good once and for all. Or htc will have their phone back so they can fix their crappy hinge. I don't care what they're going to do but make my hinges tight spring load them do whatever you want but I want it to close or open when I want not when gravity feels like it lol
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but my one-week-old G2 is starting to exhibit the same sound when opening the keyboard. This doesn't happen when I close it, just when it opens. It's a very faint clicking sound, nothing too alarming (for the moment anyway), but it just started today. After searching these forums for a similar complaint, I've come across this one and have a few questions to ask.
1) Does the sound go away on its own after time (if you didn't exchange it)?
2) If it's not exchanged, will the problem or sound get worse?
3) Has anyone figured out exactly the root cause of this sound?
Thanks everyone!

dustrho said:
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but my one-week-old G2 is starting to exhibit the same sound when opening the keyboard. This doesn't happen when I close it, just when it opens. It's a very faint clicking sound, nothing too alarming (for the moment anyway), but it just started today. After searching these forums for a similar complaint, I've come across this one and have a few questions to ask.
1) Does the sound go away on its own after time (if you didn't exchange it)?
2) If it's not exchanged, will the problem or sound get worse?
3) Has anyone figured out exactly the root cause of this sound?
Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone?
I'm pretty certain that the sound emitting from my phone is being caused by a spring, but it's hard to pin-point what side of the phone it's coming from. Is there only one spring for the hinge or are there two? I'm not so bothered by the sound (even though it does bother me a bit), but I'm more concerned that this could become a problem for the phone itself (i.e. hinge breaking).
Hope to hear from others regarding this.

dustrho said:
Anyone?
I'm pretty certain that the sound emitting from my phone is being caused by a spring, but it's hard to pin-point what side of the phone it's coming from. Is there only one spring for the hinge or are there two? I'm not so bothered by the sound (even though it does bother me a bit), but I'm more concerned that this could become a problem for the phone itself (i.e. hinge breaking).
Hope to hear from others regarding this.
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Click to collapse
Here is a (with pics) thread detailing tearing down and reassembling the hinge mechanism. The linked thread should answer your questions, but to answer your question quick like there's only one spring for both sides of the hinge.
Hope this helps.

Dammit, I didn't notice it until I saw this thread.

The clicking sound on my DZ was coming from the ribbon. When opening, the ribbon come in contact with the top of the keyboard portion of the device. whatever the ribbon is wrapped or coated in is causing the clicking sound when the keyboard is open, the ribbon lies flat.
Solution: I simply took a damp qtip and whipped the area where the ribbon make contact with the device. Result is no more clicking sound.

fablife said:
The clicking sound on my DZ was coming from the ribbon. When opening, the ribbon come in contact with the top of the keyboard portion of the device. whatever the ribbon is wrapped or coated in is causing the clicking sound when the keyboard is open, the ribbon lies flat.
Solution: I simply took a damp qtip and whipped the area where the ribbon make contact with the device. Result is no more clicking sound.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you use water or something else? I'm curious to know if it's my hinge or the ribbon cable causing the clicking sound on my hinge. I can't figure out which of the two it might be.
Also, does anyone else think this issue is caused by the vibration feature of the phone? I believe the vibration on this phone is much more powerful than other phones I've owned, and I wonder if that has had an impact on the hinge or spring mechanism. Thoughts?

dustrho said:
Did you use water or something else? I'm curious to know if it's my hinge or the ribbon cable causing the clicking sound on my hinge. I can't figure out which of the two it might be.
Also, does anyone else think this issue is caused by the vibration feature of the phone? I believe the vibration on this phone is much more powerful than other phones I've owned, and I wonder if that has had an impact on the hinge or spring mechanism. Thoughts?
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Click to collapse
I justed a little water - I just made the tip damp - not dripping wet because I was cleaning where the ribbon makes contact with the device - I did not want to use any sort of chemicals - plain water did the trick.
I agree with you on the haptic feedback; I would love to turn in off completely if someone knows how to do that on the stock Bell DZ Rom, please do tell.

[Q] Anyone else have "squeaking" or "creaking" build issues?

I haven't heard much about it so I thought I would ask here. The back glass on my phone when pressed on lightly will give a very tiny bit and creak. Not what I expected based on all the reviews about the high build quality. If it's common I don't mind dealing with it, it's a minor issue but if it's an anomaly that might indicate poor assembly I will get a replacement. I know the back glass is very thin compared to other phone with a familiar build so I wouldn't be shocked if it's common. Anyone else have this?

To anyone that has the squeaking issue with there device its most likely just the back is not put on correctly. I had the issue and fixed it by unscrewing the back and putting it back on one of the sides were not pushed in all the way. Now I have no issues and is enjoying this amazing nexus device.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

No nothing here. Be careful with those screws. Might void warranty.

I have the same issue here. especially if it's plugged in... every move makes it squeak.
But I was so happy to have one that I didn't think about shipping it in for a replacement.
And I can't open it because I have no torx screwdriver -.-

Same here. There's a creaking when pressing the front glass near the usb connector.

Yeah, I love the device so far, that is my only issue. Not worth sending it back, if I can find my Trox set maybe I'll take a look inside. I don't really notice it in day-to-day usage. Thanks for the suggestion Backslash10.

Only squeaking for me is the volume down when I press my finger on it and go down.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I had a definite creaking problem on mine, but I fixed it by opening it and adding 7-10 strips of 3mm side electrical tape to the inside chassis. This fills up the roughly 1mm porition of extra space I had, and my Nexus is now quite solid.

I've noticed if I press on the back on the left hand side I get a slight click. No squeaking or cracking. A single solitary pop. I'm not going to add tape or anything as it really isn't that big a deal plus you might void your warranty.

I only hear squeaking when pressing where the screws are

rest0ck said:
I only hear squeaking when pressing where the screws are
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Click to collapse
My power button is squeaky. When I press the lower half of it it squeaks. Kinda wanted a perfect device but I dont want to exchange just cause of that... ugh!

mine makes noise around the screw area , like when i push in the chrome trimming at the bottom

Mine has a slight "rattle" sound if I tap the back casing in the middle right at the top under the plastic trim around the phone. I'm not that bothered by it. Love my Nexus.
Sent from a Borg powered Nexus 4

BxingFetus said:
Mine has a slight "rattle" sound if I tap the back casing in the middle right at the top under the plastic trim around the phone. I'm not that bothered by it. Love my Nexus.
Sent from a Borg powered Nexus 4
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Click to collapse
This is normal, its just the auto focus camera making the noise.
---------- Post added at 08:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------
I can confirm I also have this problem- squeaking/clicking plastic bezel on the bottom end next the the Micro USB port.
The defect is best reproduced by holding the phone via the top and bottom edges, and then again with front and back at the bottom- which creates a clicking and popping sound.
I have sent my first Nexus4 back due to this issue.
Opon receiving my new device today, I quickly confirmed that the problem was still present with the fresh device!
I intend to also RMA this device, and hope I'm third time lucky!
This level of build quality it pretty much unacceptable. Surely this can't be a design issue or surely Google would have picked up on this? Or maybe LG just have quality control issues!
Going through Google's returns process so far via telephone has been painless.

[Q] Is your camera 'perfectly' centered within the back cover cut-out?

So I've just got a new S4, and everything is great apart from one tiny thing (I'm a little ocd lol) that's bothering me slightly. Well at least it will bug me if mine is the only one, otherwise I'm fine with it.
My camera is not completely centred within the back cover cut out. It's very very minor but is ever so slightly further to one side (left) than the other. So the chrome ring touches the left side, but there's just a fraction of a gap between it and the right side.
Looking at review pics online I kind of think a few seem to be like that but it's hard to tell.
Realistically I'll be casing it anyway so it's not a big deal...but sometimes it's the little things that bug you!

theheavy said:
So I've just got a new S4, and everything is great apart from one tiny thing (I'm a little ocd lol) that's bothering me slightly. Well at least it will bug me if mine is the only one, otherwise I'm fine with it.
My camera is not completely centred within the back cover cut out. It's very very minor but is ever so slightly further to one side (left) than the other. So the chrome ring touches the left side, but there's just a fraction of a gap between it and the right side.
Looking at review pics online I kind of think a few seem to be like that but it's hard to tell.
Realistically I'll be casing it anyway so it's not a big deal...but sometimes it's the little things that bug you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine too im also kinda ocd, its the same, it has a bigger gap on the right side and the left side almost has no gap

I'm using an S-view cover. No problem.
Didn't notice how it was with stock cover. Have you tried to switch the cover with another one, just to make sure is not the camera which is not centered?

No i haven't but your right it could be either the camera or the back cover that's slightly out.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

Having looked at it further (and I think it's worth mentioning it's probably more obvious on white models), the camera is just off centre when the back cover is off, so it's not the cover that's the problem I don't think.
Looking at the ifixit teardown, their camera seems a little off centre once the cover is off too.
So how about everyone else? Is your camera dead centred or slightly off to one side?

Me too!
Me Gusta!

Hmm just to be sure... You guys know that there is a protective foil on the rear camera with the hole for lens. This foil can be a bit off to one side creating such effect.

slig said:
Hmm just to be sure... You guys know that there is a protective foil on the rear camera with the hole for lens. This foil can be a bit off to one side creating such effect.
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Click to collapse
Nope, foil has been removed already along time ago
Me Gusta!