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How to Replace the Speaker Driver on Sony WH-1000XM5 (DIY)
Does your Sony WH-1000XM5 produce crackling, buzzing, or rattling sounds at medium volume? Is one earcup noticeably quieter than the other, or completely silent even though the touch controls still work? It’s likely time to replace the speaker driver.
In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to disassemble the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, replace the speaker driver, and reassemble them at home. You will find all the tools that you need for this repair, along with the replacement part, below.
If you prefer a professional repair, send us your Sony WH-1000XM5, and we will fix it for you. Follow the link, choose the issues you’re experiencing, and click See Estimated Total to view your repair cost instantly.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate / Requires 30 to 40 minutes to complete
This repair requires opening the earcup, removing key components, desoldering the damaged speaker, and installing a new driver with precision. Prior soldering experience helps ensure a clean, reliable fix. However, with patience and careful attention to detail, you can successfully replace the speaker driver in your Sony WH-1000XM5 at home.
Replacement Parts You’ll Need
Restore powerful, balanced sound and extend the life of your Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones with genuine, OEM-recommended replacement parts. Explore the recommended spare parts below and get your headphones back to peak condition with confidence.
- A replacement speaker driver. Select the correct part and condition (Grade A: Excellent, Grade B: Good) from the drop-down menus below.
Get the OEM-recommended speaker driver for your Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones today. Visit the product page, scroll down to the Customers Also Add section, and easily add all the required tools to your order with one click.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start repairing your Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, make sure to have all the tools handy. Using the right equipment will help you open the device without damaging critical internal components, replace the old speaker driver with a new one, and reassemble the headphones successfully. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY speaker driver replacement at home.
- 50 in 1 Joe's Tool Kit
- Strong Metal Pry Tool
- Phillips 1.5mm Screwdriver
- Flathead 1.5mm Screwdriver
- 60W Adjustable LED Solder Iron
- Heat-Proof Anti-Static Rubber Work Mat
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 Speaker Driver in Your Sony WH-1000XM5 At Home
Here is a step-by-step DIY guide for replacing the speaker driver in your Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless Bluetooth headphones at home. Follow the instructions carefully to restore your device to proper working condition.
Step 1: Remove the Earpad
1.1 Insert the strong metal pry tool under the earpad and pry it out from the plastic earcup.
1.2 Once the earpad unclips, you can remove it and store it aside.
1.3 Remove the mesh and store it safely as well.
Step 2: Disassemble the Earcup
2.1 Using a Phillips 1.5mm screwdriver, remove the 8 long silver screws and keep them in the storage slots provided in the anti-static rubber work mat. The screws are all of the same size, so you don’t have to organize them in any pattern.
2.2 Remove the rubber cover using a flathead screwdriver to expose the MS port.
2.3 Get underneath the cable using the flathead screwdriver and gently pry it up to disconnect it from the socket.
2.4 Flip the headphones over and remove the outer touch panel of the earcup.
2.5 Pull the connector gently, and the touch panel ribbon should disconnect from the power board. Place the outer panel aside carefully.
Step 3: Separate the Battery from the Earcup
3.1 Remove the tape covering the battery cables using a flathead screwdriver.
3.2 Pull the connector out gently.
3.3 Disconnect the main internal cables.
3.4 Unsolder the 2 speaker wires.
3.5 Remove the 4 silver screws using a Phillips 1.5mm screwdriver.
3.6 Insert the flathead screwdriver under the battery plate and gently pry the whole thing out to expose the speaker driver. The plate is glued to the earcup, so you may have to use the screwdriver to remove the excess adhesive.
3.7 Push the adhesive into place using the flathead screwdriver.
Step 4: Remove the Old Speaker Driver
4.1 Insert the flathead screwdriver under the speaker diver and gently pry upward to remove it from the earcup. It is glued on, but the adhesive should not be too difficult to separate.
Step 5: Install the New Speaker Driver
5.1 Align the notch on the new speaker driver with that on the earcup.
5.2 Once the new speaker driver is in place, push it down to secure it firmly into position.
Step 6: Reinstall the Battery
6.1 Feed the 2 speaker wires in the small hole in the battery plate.
6.2 Push the speaker wires into the slots provided on the earcup.
6.3 Align the battery plate with the grooves provided in the earcup and push down so that both surfaces adhere well.
6.4 Reconnect the main internal cable.
6.5 Fasten the 4 silver screws.
6.6 Push the speaker wire into the small notch in the plastic earcup.
6.7 Solder the 2 speaker wires. The blue cable goes on the left and the copper wire on the right.
6.8 Reconnect the battery cable and press down on the connector using a flathead screwdriver to ensure a snug fit.
6.9 Reattach the tape film so that the connections appear as they did from the factory.
Step 7: Reassemble Your Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
7.1 Reattach the ribbon on the plastic touch panel to the power board and press the outer shell into position.
7.2 Flip the headphones over and fasten the 8 long silver screws.
7.3 Align the small hole in the MS ribbon with that on the small pin on the speaker driver. Press down on the MS ribbon so that the existing adhesive secures it into position.
7.4 Reinstall the rubber gasket.
7.5 Reinsert the mesh.
7.6 Align the round plastic groove on the earpad with the bottom of the earcup and press down on the touch panel until you hear the 6 plastic clips click into place.
Congratulations! Your Sony WH-1000XM5 Speaker Driver Replacement is Complete
You have successfully replaced the speaker driver on your Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless Bluetooth headphones. Check the touch controls, audio quality, and Bluetooth pairing to confirm the device is working 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, 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.