How to Replace a Broken or Cracked Outer Earcup Swivel Arm on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 I and II (DIY Repair Guide)

Do your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 wireless headphones have a broken or cracked outer earcup swivel arm? Do the earcups feel unstable, rotate freely, or show cracks around the swivel arm? If you experience any of these symptoms, the hinge swivel arm may be worn or damaged and may need replacing.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace a broken or cracked outer earcup swivel arm on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 (1st and 2nd generation) headphones at home with original replacement parts. Find the tools and genuine spares for this repair below.

Prefer a professional fix? Send us your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 headphones using our mail-in repair service, and our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition. You don’t need to pay upfront. We only charge after repairing your device.

Fill out our repair form to receive your free prepaid shipping label, then send your device. We’ll take care of the rest.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 30-45 minutes to complete.

This repair involves handling delicate internal components, including small screws of different sizes, ribbon cables, speaker drivers, power boards, and connector ports. You don’t need technical skills or prior soldering experience to complete this repair. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can replace the outer earcup swivel arm on the Bose QC 35 headphones yourself.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the comfort, alignment, and functionality of your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 wireless headphones with original replacement parts. Select OEM spares from the drop-down menu below to restore your device to peak working condition.

• Bose QuietComfort QC35I QC35II Hinge Swivel Arm Replacement – Parts

• JoesGEcom For Bose QuietComfort QC 35 QC35 I II Replacement Red Green Power Plastic Button Switch - Parts

• Bose QC25 QC35 QC45 QC SE QC Headphones Repair Tool Kit – Complete Set

Looking for another spare part? Browse Joe’s GE Parts Catalog for genuine replacement parts for your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 headphones.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 outer hinge swivel arm replacement, gather these tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY fix at home.

• 1.5mm Phillips Screwdriver
• Precision Tweezers
• Strong Metal Pry Tool
• Nylon Spudger
• Heat-Proof Anti-Static Rubber Work Mat

Don’t want to DIY? Let our certified techs handle the repair. Book your repair now.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing a Broken or Cracked Earcup Hinge Swivel Arm on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 Wireless Headphones at Home

In this DIY repair guide, we will show you how to replace the damaged outer earcup hinge swivel arm on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 headphones. Follow each step carefully, using the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Remove the Earpad Cushion

1.1. Grab the earpad cushion with your fingers, then pull it off the retaining clips.

1.2. Remove the mesh from the earcup and set it aside. It is secured with double-sided tape, so peel it away gently to preserve the adhesive for reinstallation.

Step 2: Extract the Outer Earcup Housing

2.1. Unfasten two 1.5mm screws on the left earcup (or 3 screws on the right side) holding the outer earcup housing and set them aside in one of the slots on the rubber work mat.

2.2. Flip the earcup to extract the outer earcup housing cover.

Step 3: Remove the Plastic Power Button Pusher and Rubber Cushions (Optional Step)

The plastic button pusher on the QC 35 is prone to failure, so we recommend replacing it along with the outer swivel arm. Read our detailed DIY repair guide to learn how to replace the switch and button pusher. We also recommend removing the rubber cushions first to prevent misplacing them during the repair.

3.1. Pull the plastic button pusher out of the housing with your fingers and discard it.

3.2. Extract the round and rectangular rubber cushions and set them aside.

Step 4: Extract the Broken Outer Earcup Hinge Swivel Arm

4.1. Insert a strong metal pry tool into the seam between the earcup and the hinge arm on the opposite side of the wire, align the earcup with the swivel arm, then pry up to separate the two parts. Carefully repeat the process on the other side without damaging the main wire.

4.2. Unfasten 2 screws securing the outer and inner earcup swivel arms and set them aside.

4.3. Pop the broken inner panel off the swivel arm and discard it.

4.4. Dislodge the inner panel from the hinge and inspect it for damage. If the plastic tabs are intact, you can reuse the panel. If they’re damaged, use the new swivel arm, which includes both the inner and outer panels.

Step 5: Install a New Swivel Hinge Arm

5.1. Grab a new earcup swivel arm and separate the inner and outer panels.

5.2. Align the grooves on the inner panel with the hinge and tuck the main wire into the inner panel.

5.3. Install the outer panel and secure the assembly with 2 screws.

5.4. Pop the earcup back onto the swivel arm.

Step 6: Reassemble Your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 Headphones

6.1. Reinstall the plastic power button pusher and the 2 rubber cushions.

6.2. Place the outer earcup housing cover over the earcup. Make sure it’s flush with the surface, then flip the earcup and secure the cover with 2 Phillips screws on the left (or 3 screws on the right side).

6.3. Reinstall the mesh pad over the earcup housing with double-sided adhesive tape.

6.4. Grab the earpad cushion, align the lip with the slot in the earcup housing, then push the retaining clips into place.

Congratulations! Your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the broken or damaged outer earcup hinge swivel arm on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 headphones. Check alignment, comfort, charging stability, audio quality, button response, Bluetooth pairing, and playback time to confirm the device is functioning properly.

If you found this guide helpful and want to try DIY gadget repair, check out our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home headphone 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 get back to you shortly.