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How to Replace the Left and Right Hinge Swivel Assemblies on the Sony MDR-XB950N1 Headphones (DIY Repair Tutorial)
Are the left and right hinge swivels on your Sony MDR-XB950N1 wireless Bluetooth headphones broken, wobbly, or cracked? 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 issues, 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 Sony MDR-XB950N1 wireless Bluetooth headphones using OEM spare parts. You will find all the tools needed for this repair, along with OEM replacement parts, below.
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Repair Difficulty
Moderate / Requires 30-45 minutes to complete.
This repair involves handling delicate internal components, including small screws, wires, speaker housing, and circuit boards. While prior soldering experience can be handy, it’s not mandatory. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can replace the hinge-and-swivel assemblies on the Sony MDR-XB950N1 headphones yourself.
Replacement Parts You’ll Need
Restore the form and functionality of your Sony MDR-XB950N1 wireless headphones with original replacement parts. Select the OEM spares from the drop-down menu below to bring your device back to peak working condition.
- Original Sony MDR-XB950B1 / XB950BT Replacement Repair Spare Parts
- Sony WH-1000 XM3 XM4 XM5 XM6 Headphones Repair Screwdriver + Pry Tool Repair Kit
Looking for another spare part? Browse the Joe’s GE Parts Catalog for the Sony MDR-B950N1 to find genuine replacement parts for your headphones.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting the Sony MDR-XB950N1 hinge swivel repair, 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
- 1.5mm Flathead Screwdriver
- Nylon Spudger
- Precision Tweezers
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Soldering Iron
- Soldering Flux
- Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat
Don’t want to DIY? Let our certified techs handle the repair for you. Book your repair now.
Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Swivel Hinge Assembly on the Sony MDR-XB950N1 Wireless Headphones at Home
In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to fix the broken, cracked, or loose hinge-and-swivel assembly on the Sony MDR-XB950N1 headphones. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.
Step 1: Remove the Earpad Cushions
1.1. Grip the earpad cushion with your fingers and gently pull it away from the earcup to release it from the retaining clips.
1.2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the seam between the mesh pad and the earcup housing, then gently work the tool around the perimeter to remove the mesh pad.
Step 2: Disassemble the Earcup (Left and Right)
The internal components differ slightly between the left and right earcups. Follow the steps specific to the side you’re repairing to avoid damaging any components.
Steps for Disassembling the Left Earcup
2.1. Unfasten the 4 Phillips screws securing the speaker housing to the earcup.
2.2. Lift the speaker housing gently to reveal the wires. Apply soldering flux to the connection, then desolder the speaker wires and set the speaker housing aside.
2.3. Peel away the heat-resistant adhesive tape to reveal the solder points on the main board.
2.4. Spread the wires with your fingers, then take a photo of the connection to use as reference during reassembly.
2.5. Apply soldering flux to all the connections, then desolder the wires from the main board.
2.6. Pop the earcup hinge from the swivel assembly with your fingers, then pull the main wire out from the other side.
Steps for Disassembling the Right Earcup
2.1. Unfasten the 4 screws attached to the speaker housing and flip it. Be careful not to tear the wire.
2.2. Disconnect the battery.
2.3. Spread the wires with your fingers, then take a picture of the connection to use as a reference while reassembling the headphones.
2.4. Apply soldering flux to the connections, then desolder all the wires from the power board.
2.5. Once the speaker wires come off, place the speaker housing aside.
2.6. Pop the earcup swivel away from the headband and pull the main wire all the way from the other side.
Step 3: Extract the Earcup from the Damaged Hinge Swivel
3.1. Remove the plastic piece from the hinge arm with a flathead screwdriver.
3.2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the seam between the two halves of the swivel arm, then gently work the tool around the perimeter till the two parts separate.
3.3. Pull the main wire out from the swivel arm.
3.4. Unfasten 2 screws from the plastic tab on the swivel assembly with a 1.5mm Phillips screwdriver.
3.5. Remove the metal horseshoe lock with a flathead screwdriver, then pull the main wire out from the swivel arm.
Step 4: Install a New Swivel Hinge
4.1. Grab a new arm hinge and feed the main wire through the opening at the top, then slide the wire all the way in.
4.2. Once the hinge arm is aligned with the headband, insert the small metal horseshoe piece to lock them in place.
4.3. Place the plastic tab over the swivel joint and fasten both 1.5mm Phillips screws.
4.4. Feed the main wire through the slots in the arm hinge. This is one of the more tedious parts of the repair, so be patient and take your time. Use precision tweezers to guide the wire through the slots without damaging it.
4.5. Pull the main wire all the way through the arm hinge, then place the small plastic tab over the wire housing and press it into place.
Step 5: Reassemble the Sony MDR-XB950N1 Headphones
This step is slightly different for the left and right earcups. Follow the steps specific to the side you’re repairing to avoid damaging any components.
Steps for Reassembling the Left Earcup
5.1. Feed the main wire through the opening in the side of the earcup, and pull it all the way through.
5.2. Pop the new arm hinge into the slot on the earcup.
5.3. Tuck the main wire into the groove on the earcup with a flathead screwdriver or precision tweezers.
5.4. Solder the first layer of wires into the correct position according to the reference photo from Step 2.4.
5.5. Clean excess soldering flux from the connections with isopropyl alcohol.
5.6. Apply heat-resistant tape over the first layer of wires before soldering the next layer.
5.7. Apply soldering flux over the second layer of wires, then solder them in place in the correct order using the reference photo from Step 2.4.
5.8. Apply a second strip of heat-resistant tape over the second layer of connections.
5.9. Align the speaker housing with the earcup, ensuring the engraved “L” is facing upward. This indicates the correct orientation. Once aligned, solder the two wires to their respective connection points.
5.10. Secure the speaker housing to the earcup with four 1.5mm Phillips screws.
Steps for Reassembling the Right Earcup
5.1. Feed the main wire through the opening in the side of the earcup, and pull it all the way through.
5.2. Pop the new arm hinge into the slot on the earcup.
5.3. Tuck the main wire into the groove on the earcup with a flathead screwdriver or precision tweezers.
5.4. Apply soldering flux to the connections on the PCB, then solder the main wire using the reference picture from Step 2.3.
5.5. Solder the 2 speaker wires to the PCB using the reference picture from Step 2.3.
5.6. Align the speaker housing with the earcup, ensuring the engraved “R” is facing upward. This indicates the correct orientation. Once aligned, solder the two wires to their respective connection points.
Step 6: Reattach the Earpad Cushions
6.1. Place the mesh pad over the speaker housing and press the adhesive tape to secure it in place.
6.2. Align the earpad cushion with the earcup and tuck the cushion lining into the groove on the earcup. Rotate the cushion till it sits flush with the earcup.
Congratulations! Your Sony MDR-XR950N1 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are Ready to Use
You have successfully replaced the cracked or damaged swivel hinge assemblies on the Sony MDR-XB950N1 wireless Bluetooth headphones. Check the alignment, audio quality, touch response, 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, visit 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 reply shortly.