Sony XM5 Headphone [WH-1000XM5] - How to Replace a Damaged Headband


If your Sony XM5 headphones have a broken or damaged headband, this repair will restore their functionality and comfort. Common signs that indicate the need for this repair include a cracked or loose headband, or difficulty adjusting the headphones. Replacing the headband assembly can save you the cost of a new pair and extend the life of your headphones.

 

 

🚥 Repair Difficulty:
 Moderate / 45-60 minutes

This repair involves delicate disassembly, handling small screws and ribbons, and ensuring proper reconnection of multiple internal components, which requires patience and some technical skill.


 

Parts you'll need 🧰

  • A replacement Headband (Pick the right color for your Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones from the drop-down Below)

Tools you'll need 🪛 

If the tool cost seems prohibitive, check out our repair catalog to see if we offer repair services for your device. If it's not listed, we don't repair it.

Strong Pry Tool (a guitar pick, or the dull side of a butter knife can also do the trick) 
Anti-Static Parts Organizer Mat

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    Steps to Repair your Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

    If the repair process is daunting, check out our repair catalog to see if we offer repair services for your device. If it's not listed, we don't repair it.

    Step 1: Remove the Earpads

     

    1.1 Use the pry tool at the top of the right earpad and gently pry it up. Repeat this at the bottom and sides until the earpad comes off.

    Prying off the right earpad

     

    1.2 Once the earpad is off, remove the cushion underneath.

    Taking out the cushion

     

    1.3 Repeat the same process for the left earpad.

    Prying off the left earpad

     

    Step 2: Remove Screws and Covers

     

    2.1 Start with the right side: remove the screws using the Philips screwdriver.

    Unscrewing the right side

     

    2.2 After the right side is complete, remove the screws from the left side.

    Unscrewing the left side

     

    2.3 Flip the headphones over and remove the touchpad from the right side and the cover pad from the left side by gently unplugging them. Set them aside.

    Detaching right side touchpad

    Removing left side cover pad

     

    Step 3: Disconnect Internal Components

     

    3.1 Unplug the battery using the flathead screwdriver to carefully pry it out.

    Disconnecting the battery

     

    3.2 Disconnect the main internal wire from the power board using your fingernail and the flathead screwdriver to ease it up.

    Unplugging main internal wire

     

    3.3 Unplug the charger port ribbon and the MS port ribbon from the power board.

    Removing ribbons from power board

     

    Step 4: Remove the Power Board

     

    4.1 Remove the two black screws holding the power board in place.

    Unscrewing power board

     

    4.2 Move the power board aside carefully.

    Shifting power board

     

    4.3 Remove the two hidden screws underneath the power board.

    Taking out hidden screws

     

    Step 5: Detach the Swivel Assembly

     

    5.1 Use the flathead screwdriver to carefully lift the right swivel mesh halfway.

    Peeling right swivel mesh

     

    5.2 Free the clips underneath the mesh and remove the swivel assembly.

    Detaching right swivel assembly

     

    5.3 Repeat the same process on the left side. Note: You don’t need to unplug any ribbons on the left side.

    Starting left side swivel removal

    Continuing left side swivel removal

    Almost done with left side swivel

    Left side swivel removed

     

    Step 6: Install the New Headband Assembly

     

    6.1 Take the new headband assembly and begin by assembling the left side first. Place the assembly into position.

    Positioning new headband

    Aligning new assembly

     

    6.2 Fasten the two screws to secure the assembly. Tuck the wire under the mesh and press the mesh down.

    Securing left side screws

    Tightening screws on left

     

    6.3 Plug the main internal wire into the Bluetooth board and secure it under the clip.

    Connecting internal wire

    Tucking internal wire

     

    6.4 Attach the left ear cup by screwing it back into place. Ensure it is tightly secured.

    Aligning left ear cup

    Securing left ear cup

    Checking ear cup attachment

     

    Step 7: Reassemble the Right Side

     

    7.1 Repeat the same steps on the right side, making sure to pull the power board through the mesh before fastening it down.

    Right side assembly

     

    7.2 Reattach the power board with the two screws, making sure all wires are tucked in properly.

    Securing right power board

     

    7.3 Connect the main internal wire and secure it under the clip. Then reconnect all the ribbons to the power board.

    Connecting main wire

    Securing ribbons

     

    7.4 Plug in the battery last, ensuring it is fully connected.

    Connecting battery

     

    Step 8: Final Assembly

     

    8.1 Reconnect the touchpad and left-side cover pad, ensuring they are aligned and secure.

    Reattaching touchpad

     

    8.2 Fasten all remaining screws on both sides.

    Tightening final screws

     

    8.3 Reattach the right earpad by pressing it down firmly on the top, bottom, and sides until you hear it click into place.

    Clipping right earpad

     

    Congratulations!

    You’ve successfully replaced the headband assembly on your Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones!

    Job well done

     

    If you have any questions in regards to this repair, feel free to shoot us an email or text and we will do our best to reply to you as quickly as possible. Please inquire using our Repair Catalog if you are wondering how much a certain repair will cost. If you do not🛒 see your item in our repair catalog, it means that we do not offer repair services for it. 404040

    💬  360.362.1722
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