How to Replace the Leather Headband Cushion Pad on the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones (DIY Repair Guide)

Is the leather headband on your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones cracked, torn, or peeling at the edges? You may experience reduced comfort due to regular wear and tear, and the best solution is to replace the leather cover on the headband foam cushion pad.

Note: This repair only works if the headband leather is peeling, cracked, or damaged. If the headband foam cushion pad has deformed over time, you will have to replace the entire headband assembly, as Sony does not sell headband cushions for the XM4.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the torn leather headband cover on your Sony XM4 headphones using genuine spare parts. You will find all the tools needed for this repair, along with OEM replacement parts, below.

Want to get your headphones repaired by a professional? Send us your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, and our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition. Follow the link, select the issues you’re experiencing, click Continue, enter your email ID, and click Get My Estimate to view the repair cost instantly.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 40-50 minutes to complete.

This repair involves dismantling the left earcup on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones using precision instruments, including Phillips-head and flathead screwdrivers, peeling and cutting the old leather cover using sharp tools, and reassembling the headphones without damaging delicate internal components, such as the main cable, circuit board, or connection ports.

You don’t need technical skills or prior experience with repairing electronic gadgets to complete this repair. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can replace a worn-out leather headband cushion cover on the Sony XM4 headphones at home.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the form, functionality, and comfort of your Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless Bluetooth headphones with original replacement parts. Select the OEM spares from the drop-down menu below and bring your device back to peak working condition.

• Sony WH-1000XM4 WH-10000XM3 XM4 XM3 Headband Leather Cushion Replacement Spare Repair - Parts

 

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Replacement Headband Leather and Ear Pad Cushions Combo in Black, Blue and Tan

 

Get an OEM replacement headband arch band cushion for your Beats Studio 3 Wireless headphones today. Click the link to visit our store, then scroll down to the Customers Also Add section to purchase the original replacement part and the tools you’ll need for this repair at a discount.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the Sony WH-1000XM4 headband leather cover 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 Sony XM4 leather headband cover replacement at home.

• Joe’s 50-in-1 Screwdriver Set
• Strong Metal Pry Tool
• Precision Tweezers (Straight)
• Double-sided Tape
• Wire Cutter
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat

Not ready to invest in tools yet? Find your device in our repair catalog, select the issues it’s experiencing, and send it to us. Our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Old Worn-out Leather Headband Cushion Foam Cover on the Sony WH-1000XM4 Bluetooth Headphones at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the torn, cracked, or peeling headband leather cover on the Sony XM4 headphones at home. Follow the instructions and refer to the corresponding images to restore your device’s form and functionality.

Step 1: Extract the Left Earpad Cushion

We recommend working your way from the left side, as there are fewer components to disassemble in the left earcup.

1.1. Insert a strong metal pry tool into the gap where the earpad cushion meets the earcup and gently pry up along the edge to separate the cushion pad.

1.2. Remove the foam pad and set it aside.

Step 2: Extract the Left Earcup

2.1. Unfasten the 4 silver screws using the PH000 Phillips screwdriver bit from Joe’s 50-in-1 screwdriver set.

2.2. Flip the headphones over, then pop off the rear touch panel and disconnect it from the power board.

2.3. Unfasten the 2 small screws securing the earcup hinge.

2.4. Disconnect the main wire from the circuit board using a flathead screwdriver from Joe’s 50-in-1 screwdriver set, and set the earcup aside.

2.5. Pull the main wire away from the earcup hinge and store it safely.

Step 3: Disassemble the Left Hinge Assembly

3.1. Remove the blue gasket using a flathead screwdriver.

3.2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the seam between the two layers of the plastic hinge and separate the pieces.

3.3. Pull the main wire out from the groove in the hinge mechanism.

3.4. Unfasten the 2 silver screws holding the swivel hinge assembly using a 2.0 mm Phillips-head screwdriver.

3.5. Using the fine-nose tweezers, push the 2 ends of the metal horseshoe piece out from the groove.

3.6. Remove the swivel hinge from the headband.

Step 4: Replace the Damaged, Cracked, or Peeling Headband Leather Cushion with a New One

4.1. Insert a 1.0mm flathead screwdriver from Joe’s 50-in-1 screwdriver set into the seam between the plastic tab securing the leather headband cushion and gently separate the two halves. Repeat the process on the left and right sides.

4.2. Unfasten the 2 black Phillips-head screws from the plastic tab. Repeat this process on the other side.

4.3. Remove the plastic tabs from both ends of the headband cushion and set them aside.

4.4. Start peeling the leather headband cover from the left side. Use a flathead screwdriver to separate the leather from the headband, which is held on by double-sided tape.

Professional Advice: Do not peel the cover off completely. The underlying foam will flare, making it quite difficult to install the new leather headband cover.

4.5. Feed the new leather headband cover through the main wire.

4.6. Pull the new leather cover over the earcup extension arm. Gently massage it over the piece to avoid ripping the stitches on the new cover.

4.7. Roll the old leather cover off and pull the new leather cover over the exposed foam cushion.

4.8. Once the new leather cover is on two-thirds of the foam cushion, cut and peel the old cover with a pair of wire cutters or scissors.

4.9. Adjust the new leather cover as necessary to prevent the foam cushion from bunching up.

Step 5: Assemble the Headband

5.1. Once the headband cushion is properly set, remove any old adhesive from the edge of the cushion pad where the plastic tab sits.

5.2. Insert new double-sided tape from all 4 sides. Repeat the process on both ends of the headband cushion pad.

5.3. Pull and squeeze the new leather cover over the headband cushion, then press the ends so that they stick to the tape.

5.4. Align the 3 small plastic pins with the slots on the leather headband cover. These pins secure the leather cover in place. Make sure the arrow on the pin faces away from the earcup.

5.5. Install one half of the plastic tab and fasten the 2 small silver screws to secure it in place. Place the other side over the screws and push the two halves together. Repeat the process on the other side of the headband cushion.

Step 6: Assemble the Earcup

6.1. Feed the main wire through the hinge swivel mechanism.

6.2. Secure the hinge swivel with the metal horseshoe piece.

6.3. Reattach the earcup bracket to the hinge swivel and secure it by fastening the 2 silver screws.

6.4. Place the wire back into the groove on the plastic piece.

6.5. Install the top piece. Make sure the clips on the top go in first, followed by the rest of the piece.

6.6. Pull the blue gasket over the wire.

6.7. Pull the main wire through the earcup swivel assembly and set it in place.

6.8. Pop the end of the hinge swivel that has the main wire with the earcup, followed by the other side.

6.9. Fasten the 2 small silver screws on the earcup to secure it with the hinge swivel assembly.

6.10. Connect the main cable to the circuit board.

6.11. Connect the ribbon cable on the rear touch panel to the circuit board.

6.12. Flip the earcup over and fasten the 4 silver screws.

6.13. Install the foam mesh piece.

6.14. Align the earpad cushion with the earcup and press down till you hear it click into place.

Congratulations! Your Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones are Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the leather headband cushion cover on the Sony XM4 headphones. Test the fitment and comfort of the headband, audio quality, Bluetooth pairing, and touch panel response to ensure the repair is successful.

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 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.