How to Replace a Broken or Cracked Side Panel Hinge on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 Wireless Bluetooth Headphone (DIY Repair Guide)

Do your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 wireless headphones have a broken or cracked swivel hinge on the headband slider panel? Do the earcups feel unstable, rotate unevenly, slide out of position, or show cracks around the hinge joint? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the swivel hinge and headband slider panels may be worn or damaged and due for replacement.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace a broken or cracked headband slider panel and hinge 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 to get your headphones repaired by professionals? 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. While prior soldering experience can help, it’s not essential. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can replace the hinge swivel and headband slider panel 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 QC35 I & II Hinge Swivel Side Panel Metal Screw - Parts

• Bose QuietComfort QC45 QC35 I II Metal Swivel Hinge Left Right Replacement - Parts

• Bose QuietComfort QC45 45 QC 35 QC35 I II Metal Screw Washer For Hinge Replacement - 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 headband hinge panel 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
• Soldering Iron
• Soldering Flux
• 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 Headband Hinge and Slider Panel on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 35 Wireless Headphones at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we will show you how to replace the damaged hinge and headband slider panel 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: Separate the Earcup from the Headband

3.1. Spread the main wire with your fingers, then take a photo of the connections to use as a reference during reassembly. Apply soldering flux over all the connections before desoldering each wire from the main board.

3.2. Insert a strong metal pry tool into the seam between the earcup and the hinge arm on the opposite side of the wire, then pry up to separate the earcup from the headband.

3.3. Repeat the process on the other side before pulling out the main wire from the earcup housing.

Step 4: Disassemble the Headband Slider and Hinge Assemblies

4.1. Unfasten two 1.5mm Phillips screws from the earcup swivel arm and set them aside.

4.2. Pop the inside and outside panels off the broken hinge and set them aside.

4.3. Unfasten 2 Phillips screws from the side of the broken hinge.

4.4. Hold the metal piece on the headband with your right hand and pull down on the slider with your left hand till the outer and inner panels separate from the metal slider rail.

4.5. Pull the main wire out of the broken hinge.

Step 5: Install a New Headband Slider Panel and Earcup Hinge

5.1. Twist the ends of the main wire and feed them through the hole in the new hinge, then pull it all the way through.

5.2. Align the inner slider panel with the divot in the main wire and tuck the wire bends inside the channel, leaving enough slack for the wire to stretch as you slide the headband to the top and bottom extremities.

5.3. Align the outer slider panel and the small plastic lock, then push the slider toward the top of the headband till you hear the retaining clips lock into position.

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

6.1. Fasten 2 Phillips screws on the side of the hinge.

6.2. Place the earcup swivel on the hinge and tuck the main wire into the groove. Align the wire bends with the corners in the outer swivel arm to avoid tearing the wire.

6.3. Install the inner earcup swivel panel and secure the assembly with 2 Phillips screws.

6.4. Feed the main wire through the hole in the earcup housing. Make sure both earcups are aligned in the same direction.

6.5. Pop both ends of the earcup into the swivel arm.

6.6. Resolder the main wire to the main board using the reference photo from Step 3.1.

6.7. Place the outer earcup housing cover over the earcup. Make sure that it’s flush with the surface, then flip the earcup and secure the cover with 2 Phillips screws.

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

6.9. 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 headband hinge and slider panel 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.