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

 

If your Sony XM5 headphones have a broken or loose hinge swivel, this repair will restore their functionality and stability. This guide is ideal for anyone experiencing a wobbly ear cup or difficulty adjusting the headband. Follow the steps carefully to replace the hinge and extend the lifespan of your headphones.

 

 

This repair requires delicate handling of multiple small components, careful wire management, and precise reassembly, making it challenging for beginners. Additionally, the risk of damaging internal parts like ribbon cables and the power board adds to the complexity.

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Parts you'll need 🧰

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Steps to Repair Your Sony XM5 Hinge

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 Ear Pad and Mesh

 

1.1 Insert the pry tool under the ear pad and gently pry upward to free the clips. Once loose, pull the ear pad off.

 

1.2 Remove the mesh cover inside the speaker housing.

 

Step 2: Remove the Screws and Touch Pad

 

2.1 Using a 1.5mm Phillips screwdriver, remove all silver screws inside the speaker housing.

 

2.2 Flip the headphones over and carefully pull off the touch pad to expose the broken hinge swivel.

 

2.3 Use the flathead screwdriver to release the ribbon cable from the clip.

 

Step 3: Disconnect the Battery and Main Wire

 

3.1 Peel off the adhesive strip to access the battery and wires.

 

3.2 Pull the battery connector out.

 

3.3 Unplug the main wire from the power board.

 

Step 4: Expose and Remove the Hinge Swivel

 

4.1 Use a flathead screwdriver to wedge between the speaker housing and the gasket. Carefully pry it up, but do not remove it completely—lifting it halfway is enough to expose the internal tabs.

 

4.2 The power board partially covers one of the screws securing the hinge. To access it, remove the two Phillips screws holding the power board in place, then unplug the three ribbon cables.

 

4.3 Gently lift the power board just enough to access the hidden screw underneath. Be careful not to pull too hard, as it is still connected by ribbon cables.

 

4.4 Locate the two small black screws on the exposed tabs. Use a 1.5mm Phillips screwdriver to remove these screws, which secure the hinge swivel in place.

 

4.5 Pull the hinge swivel downward until it releases from the headband.

 

4.6 Save the plastic pieces from the hinge for reassembly.

 

Step 5: Remove the Old Hinge Swivel and Manage Wires

 

5.1 Remove the silver screw securing the wire clip in place. This screw is located near the hinge swivel.

 

5.2 Use a flathead screwdriver to break the plastic wire clip. Insert the flathead into the small crease and gently pry it apart until the clip snaps open.

 

5.3 Carefully pull out the wires from the broken clip. Since Sony designed it this way, this is the only way to release the wires for hinge replacement.

 

5.4 Separate the wires into small groups of six and twist them together into pigtails. This will keep them organized and make reinstallation easier.

 

5.5 Once all wires are removed, discard the broken clip and pull the wire bundle completely through the hinge.

 

5.6 Remove the final Phillips screw securing the hinge swivel in place.

 

5.7 Use a small pry tool to lift the hinge tab slightly. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to gently break the adhesive underneath the hinge, making sure to leave the adhesive in place as it holds everything together.

 

5.8 Grab the headband and hinge swivel, then pull the hinge swivel downward while making sure it is fully extended. Once it loosens, remove it completely.

 

5.9 If the Velcro piece at the bottom of the hinge comes loose, do not discard it—you will need it for reinstallation.

 

5.10 Remove the last remaining screw that was securing the hinge swivel.

 

5.11 Use a flathead screwdriver to pry up and remove any remaining pieces of the old hinge swivel.

 

5.12 Discard the broken hinge swivel, as it is no longer needed.

 

5.13 Apply fabric glue to reattach the Velcro to its original position. Use a flathead screwdriver to spread the glue evenly.

 

5.14 Allow the glue to dry for a few minutes before continuing.

 

Step 6: Prepare the New Hinge Swivel

 

6.1 Take the new plastic part and install it by threading the wire bundle through its designated opening. Carefully slide the part down along the wire bundle until it reaches its mounting position.

 

6.2 Insert the wire bundle into a rubber-based tube to help guide the wires through the new hinge. This will prevent tangling and make reinstallation easier.

 

6.3 Feed the rubber tube with the wires through the new hinge swivel, carefully pulling the wires through to the other side.

 

6.4 Once the wires are fully pulled through, remove the rubber tube, making sure the wire bundle remains intact and untangled.

 

Step 7: Install the New Hinge Swivel

 

7.1 Align the new hinge swivel with its mounting position, ensuring the wires are routed correctly and not pinched.

 

7.2 Secure the hinge by reinstalling the screws on both sides of the hinge swivel.

 

7.3 Clip the hinge into the headband by gently pressing it until it locks into place.

 

7.4 Slide down the plastic piece to cover the hinge and secure it properly.

 

7.5 Install the second screw to finalize the hinge attachment and ensure it is firmly in place.

 

7.6 Feed the wire through the opening, ensuring it is properly routed and not twisted.

 

7.7 Put the plastic tab back in place and secure it with a screw.

 

Step 8: Organizing Wires, Pigtailing, and Securing with Plastic Tabs

 

8.1 Insert each wire into the designated slot in the new plastic wire clip, ensuring they match the correct order. Press down gently on each wire to make sure it is fully seated in the clip.

 

8.2 Pigtail all wires together to make them tight and secure.

 

8.3 Put the plastic tabs back over the clip, ensuring they snap into place.

 

Step 9: Attach the Hinge to the Cup and Reinstall the Power Board

 

9.1 Place the hinge back into the ear cup, making sure it aligns properly with the mounting points.

 

9.2 Secure the hinge to the cup by fastening the screws removed earlier.

 

9.3 Place the power board back into its original position, ensuring it aligns properly with the mounting points, then secure it by fastening the two Phillips screws removed earlier.

 

9.4 Reconnect the main ribbon cables, ensuring each one is properly inserted into its connector.

 

9.5 Press down gently on each ribbon cable to confirm it is fully seated in its connector.

 

9.6 Reconnect the battery cable, making sure the connection is firm and properly aligned.

 

Step 10: Reconnect the Touchpad and Secure the Speaker Housing

 

10.1 Plug the touchpad ribbon cable back into its connector, ensuring it is fully inserted and secured.

 

10.2 Close the ear cup by carefully aligning the speaker housing and pressing it back into place.

 

10.3 Secure the speaker housing by reinstalling all the Phillips screws removed earlier.

 

Step 11: Reinstall the Mesh and Earpads

 

11.1 Place the mesh cover back onto the speaker housing and press it down to secure it.

 

11.2 Align the ear pad with the cup and press around the edges until it snaps securely into place.

 

Congratulations!

You've successfully replaced the hinge swivel on your Sony XM5 headphones! Your headphones are now fully reassembled and ready to use.

Test all functions to ensure everything is working properly. If you found this guide helpful, consider checking out our store for repair tools and parts!