How to Replace a Broken Left or Right Hinge Swivel on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 Headphones (DIY Repair Guide)

Are the left and right hinge swivels on your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 wireless Bluetooth headphones cracked, loose, or broken? 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 hinge and swivel mechanism may be worn or damaged and due for replacement.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the damaged left and right hinge-and-swivel assemblies on the Bose QC 45 wireless Bluetooth headphones using OEM spare 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) 45 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.

Video Tutorial

Here are the video tutorials for replacing the left and right hinge-and-swivel assemblies on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 Bluetooth headphones. The repair process is very similar for both sides. We will highlight the minor differences that you need to remember while repairing the headphones yourself.

Use the links below to navigate to the appropriate repair tutorial and follow the step-by-step instructions to begin the repair.

• Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 Left Hinge Swivel Replacement Tutorial

• Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 Right Hinge Swivel Replacement Tutorial

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 60-90 minutes to complete.

This repair involves handling delicate internal components, including small screws of different sizes, ribbon cables, a battery, 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 left and right hinge-and-swivel assemblies on the Bose QC 45 headphones yourself.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the comfort, alignment, and functionality of your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 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 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) 45 headphones.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 left and right hinge and swivel assembly replacement, gather the following 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
• T8 Screwdriver
• 1.5mm Flathead Screwdriver
• Precision Tweezers
• Nylon Spudger
• Soldering Iron
• Soldering Flux
• Heat Gun
• B7000 Adhesive
• 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 the Left Swivel Hinge Assembly on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 Wireless Headphones at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the worn-out hinge-and-swivel assembly on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 headphones. Follow each step carefully, using the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Extract the Earpad Cushion

Grab the earpad cushion with your fingers and pull it off the earcup housing,

Step 2: Remove the Outer Earcup Housing Cover

2.1. Move the mesh covering the speaker driver with your fingers, then unfasten 2 screws for the left side (or three screws for the right side) and set them aside.

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

2.3. Disconnect the ribbon cable connecting the outer earcup housing cover to the main board with a flathead screwdriver.

Repair Ninja Tip: You may have to remove the adhesive covering the connector. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before peeling it off with a flathead screwdriver.

Step 3: Separate the Earcup from the Headband

The following steps are only for the left side. Steps for separating the right earcup from the headband are mentioned thereafter with ‘R’.

L.1. Spread the wires connected to the main board with your fingers, then take a photo of the connections to use as a reference during reinstallation. Apply soldering flux to the connections, then desolder the wires.

Essential Note: Remove excess solder from the wire ends. This helps streamline the wires when inserting them into the new hinge swivel.

L.2. Pop off the earcup swivel hinge from the opposite side of the main internal wire, then pop off the other side to free the earcup.

Here are the steps for separating the right earcup from the headband.

R.1. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive securing the battery cover, then pry it away with a flathead screwdriver from either corner. Do not insert the flathead anywhere else, as you may puncture the battery.

R.2. Spread the wires with your hands and take a photo of the connections to use as a reference during reassembly, then desolder each wire from the main board.

R.3. Pop off the earcup swivel hinge from the opposite side of the main internal wire, then pop off the other side to free the earcup.

Step 4: Extract the Broken Hinge Swivel

4.1. Unfasten the 2 screws from the hinge swivel.

4.2. Unclip the tabs from both ends of the earcup swivel arm to separate the top plastic panel.

4.3. Inspect the outer panel for cracks. Replace the swivel arm as well if the tabs are broken or cracked.

4.4. Pull the main internal wire out from the inner panel and inspect the tabs on it as well.

4.5. Use 2 T8 screwdrivers to unfasten the screw holding the hinge swivel. Position the headphone toward you and hold the screwdriver in your left hand while you unfasten the screw with your right hand.

Important Note: Twisting the screw on the left side will shear the plastic components and damage the headband assembly. The longer screw goes to the left, and the shorter screw goes on the right.

4.6. Pull the broken hinge swivel out from the headband and discard it. Store the washers carefully with the T8 screw, since you will need them during reinstallation.

Step 5: Install a New Swivel Hinge

5.1. Twist the main wire into a bun, then feed it through the hole in the new swivel hinge in the correct orientation.

Pro Tip: Use precision tweezers to guide individual wires through the hole.

5.2. Align the new swivel hinge with the headband.

Essential Note: Make sure the new swivel hinge aligns with the bend on the main wire. If it’s tight, the wire may tear when you adjust the headband slider. Too much slack will prevent the slider from retracting to the lowest position.

5.3. Insert a regular flat washer on the right side, followed by the 2 curved washers to form a dome.

Repair Trivia: The curved washers are part of the OEM kit. The Joe’s GE screw and washer kit has regular flat washers. These are a little bit easier to install and work the same way.

5.4. Push the hinge swivel halfway down the headband, then install the single flat washer on the left side.

5.5. Align the holes on the washers and new hinge swivel, then insert the T8 screw. The longer part goes to the left, and the shorter bit goes to the right. Always tighten the right side only.

Step 6: Reassemble Your Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 Headphones

6.1. Align the outer earcup swivel arm panel with the new hinge swivel. Make sure the hinge faces the same direction as the other earcup to ensure the earcups rotate in the correct orientation.

6.2. Insert the main wire into the groove on the swivel arm. Position the wire bends to avoid damaging it.

6.3. Place the inside panel over the wire and secure the tabs at the two ends, then secure the assembly by fastening 2 screws.

6.4. Insert the wires through the hole on the side of the earcup housing. Make sure the earcup is facing the correct direction.

6.5. Resolder the wires to the main board according to the reference photograph from Step 3 (L.1 or R.2) for the left or right sides.

6.6. Tuck the main wire into the groove in the earpad housing to avoid accidentally damaging it while fastening the screws.

Exclusive Step for the Right Side: Apply a thin continuous line of B7000 adhesive around the perimeter of the plastic cover, then place the cover on the housing and press down with your hands till the adhesive bonds securely.

6.7. Reconnect the ribbon cable from the outer earcup housing cover.

6.8. Align the outer earcup housing cover with the earcup, then flip it and fasten the 2 screws to secure the assembly.

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) 45 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the broken or damaged left and right hinge swivels on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) 45 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 respond as soon as we can.