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How to Replace the Headband Cushion and Ear Pads on Bose QC35 I and II (DIY)
Are the headband cushion or ear pads on your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I or II) worn out? Is the leather peeling, the padding flattened, or the cushion starting to crack or tear? You may also notice reduced comfort, uneven pressure on your head, or visible signs of wear from regular use. It’s likely time to replace the headband cushion or the ear pads.
In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to remove the worn headband cushion and ear pads from your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) headphones and replace them with a clip-on headband cushion and ear pads at home. You will find all the tools you need for this repair, along with the OEM replacement parts, below.
Prefer a professional repair? Send us your Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones and let our repair ninjas restore your device to peak working condition. Follow the link, choose your device, select the problems you’re currently experiencing, and click See Estimated Total to view the repair cost instantly.
Choose Your Repair
Select the appropriate repair tutorial below to get started.
Repair Difficulty
Easy / Requires 10-15 minutes to complete.
This repair requires carefully cutting the old headband cushion without damaging the main cable. You don’t need prior experience or technical skills to replace the worn-out headband cushion or ear pads on your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I or II) with a brand new one. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can complete this DIY repair at home.
Replacement Parts You’ll Need
Restore the comfort, appearance, and longevity of your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) headphones with OEM replacement parts. Select the original spare parts below to bring your device back to peak condition.
- Bose QC35 / QC35 II Complete Repair Kit Genuine OEM Ear Pads + Clip-On Headband Leather + Tool Kit. Choose the correct color from the drop-down menu below.
- Clip-On Replacement Headband Leather Cushion for the Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC I and II). Choose the correct color from the drop-down menu below.
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Ear Pad Cushion Muffs OEM for the Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II). Choose the correct color from the drop-down menu below.
Get the OEM clip-on replacement headband leather and earpad cushions + tool kit, and aftermarket ear pad cushion muffs for your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) headphones today. Visit the product page and scroll down to the Customers Also Add section to find all the tools needed for this repair in one place.
You can also purchase the OEM headband tab clips and screws for the Bose QC35 I and II on our website. Explore our Bundle and Save offers for additional savings.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting the headband or earpad cushion replacement on your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I or II), ensure you have the required tools available. Using the proper tools will help you complete the repair successfully while protecting the device’s delicate internal components. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY headband leather cushion pad replacement at home.
- Phillips 2.0mm Screwdriver
- Strong Metal Pry Tool
- A pair of scissors or wire cutters
Not ready to invest in tools? Simply find your device in our Repair Catalog, select the issues it’s experiencing, and send it to us. Our repair ninjas will handle it for you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Headband Cushion on the Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) at Home
Here is a step-by-step DIY guide for replacing the worn headband cushion on the Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) with a clip-on replacement leather cushion pad at home. Follow the instructions carefully to restore your device’s comfort and appearance.
Step 1: Remove the Inner Clips
1.1 Remove the 2 screws from the inner clips holding the headband cushion in place.
1.2 Note the direction in which the inner clips are originally installed. The 5 teeth on the plastic clip grip the headband cushion, securing it in place.
1.3 Remove the inner clips from the other side of the headphones. These clips are interchangeable, so you don’t need to store them separately.
Step 2: Remove the Worn Headband Cushion
2.1 Spread out the worn headband cushion pad using a strong metal pry tool to get the main wire out of the way.
2.2 Cut the worn headband using a pair of scissors or wire cutters.
2.3 Remove the inner components of the worn headband and throw them in the garbage.
2.4 Peel away the old adhesive tape. This will make it easier to clip the new headband cushion into place.
Step 3: Install the New Clip-on Headband Cushion Pad
3.1 Tuck the wire in between the two halves of the replacement headband cushion pad.
3.2 After installing the new headband cushion, pull on the two halves to make sure the clips are secured in place.
3.3 Make sure that the replacement headband cushion sits in between the two indents on the metal plate. Remember to align the 5 teeth on the inner clips with the small holes in the headband cushion pad from Step 1.2.
3.4 Use the strong metal pry tool to tuck the edges of the headband cushion pad under the inner clips so that the cushion sits flush with the headband.
3.5 Install the 2 small screws in the inner clips and repeat the process on the other side.
DIY Guide to Replacing the Ear Pad Cushion Muffs on the Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) at Home
Here is a step-by-step DIY guide to replacing the ear pad cushion muffs on your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) headphones at home.
Step 1: Remove the Worn Ear Pad Cushion Muffs
1.1 Insert one finger behind the old ear pad cushion. You will feel a ring at the base of the cushion.
1.2 Pull inward on the ring and peel the worn cushion muff out from the earcup.
Step 2: Install New Inner Protectors (Optional)
2.1 The inner protectors are held on by double-sided tape on both sides.
2.2 Peel off the old inner protectors and toss them out. Install the new inner protectors.
Step 3: Install New Ear Pad Cushion Muffs
3.1 Slide the ring on the new ear pad cushion muffs under the clips on the earcup.
3.2 Press the rest of the new ear pad cushion muff into place and push down on it using your finger until the cushion muff clips into place.
3.3 Repeat the process on the other earcup.
Congratulations! Your Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) Headphones are Ready for Use
You have successfully replaced the headband leather cushion pad and the ear pad cushion muffs on the Bose QuietComfort 35 (QC35 I and II) headphones. Check the audio quality, buttons, and Bluetooth pairing to confirm the device is functioning properly.
If you found this guide helpful and would like to try your hand at DIY gadget repair, check out our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home headphones repair guides for other popular brands, including Apple, Beats, Bose, and Sony.
Have questions or suggestions about this repair? Text a repair ninja or email us, and we’ll respond as soon as we can.