Headphone · Apple · AirPods Max 1st Gen
Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen Driver Replacement
Driver Replacement guide for the Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set (Torx)
- Plastic prying tools
- Spudger tool
- Tweezers
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- SIM eject tool
Parts / materials
- Replacement AirPods Max driver module
- Precut driver adhesive strips
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
Safety
- Wear eye protection when using heat tools around plastic components.
- Keep heat gun temperatures below 100°C to prevent warping the plastic speaker assembly.
- Avoid touching or putting pressure on the thin center diaphragm of the replacement driver.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove Magnetic Ear Cushion
1 minGrasp the magnetic ear cushion on the damaged ear cup and pull it straight away from the housing.
- 2
Release Headband Stem
2 minInsert a SIM eject tool or thin pin into the small hole above the driver grille to detach the ear cup from the headband.
- 3
Peel Back Inner Scrim
3 minUse precision tweezers to carefully peel back the cloth scrim layer lining the inside of the ear cup frame.
- 4
Remove Housing Torx Screws
4 minUse a Torx screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the internal speaker housing to the outer shell.
- 5
Lighter Upper Housing
3 minInsert a plastic spudger around the perimeter seam to lift the speaker assembly out of the aluminum shell.
- 6
Disconnect Ribbon Cable
2 minUse a spudger to gently flip open the ZIF connector lock and disconnect the speaker ribbon cable.
- 7
Warm Driver Adhesive
2 minApply mild heat around the driver perimeter using a heat gun set to low for 30 seconds to soften the adhesive.
- 8
Pry Out Damaged Driver
4 minInsert a thin plastic prying tool under the metal rim of the driver and lift it away from the plastic frame.
- 9
Clean Adhesive Residue
3 minWipe the driver seating rim with isopropyl alcohol to remove old adhesive and debris.
- 10
Apply New Driver Adhesive
3 minPlace precut double-sided adhesive strips along the inner rim of the speaker housing.
- 11
Press New Driver in Place
2 minAlign the replacement driver contacts with the housing channel and press firmly into place for 30 seconds.
- 12
Reconnect Ribbon Cable
2 minSlide the driver ribbon cable into the board ZIF connector and snap the locking flap closed.
- 13
Secure Speaker Assembly
4 minSet the speaker housing into the outer shell and tighten the four Torx screws until snug.
- 14
Reattach Scrim and Cushion
2 minReapply the inner cloth scrim, snap the ear cup back onto the headband stem, and reattach the magnetic cushion.
After your Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen driver replacement
Power the AirPods Max 1st Gen back on and test the driver replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
