MacBook Pro (14-inch PROLED XDR, M5 Pro or M5 Max) Speakers Removal
Before You Begin
Warning
Read Battery Safety and follow workspace and battery handling guidelines before you begin.
Remove the following parts before you begin:
Tools
Adhesive activation roller
Cleaning putty
ESD-safe tweezers
Ethanol wipes or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes
Kevlar thread
Kevlar thread handles
Nitrile or lint-free gloves
Nylon probe (black stick)
Single-use battery cover
Speaker installer cap (left)
Speaker installer cap (right)
Note: The tools list includes tools needed for removal and reassembly. Refer to a full list of tools required for all repairs.
Important
The speakers must be replaced in pairs. Replacement speakers include Kevlar thread and a single-use battery cover.
Note: The images in this procedure show the removal and replacement of only one speaker. However, the procedure is the same for both speakers.
Removal
Hold the battery cover by the edges and lift it off the top case.
Place the single-use battery cover on the battery. Align the holes in the single-use battery cover with the foam pads in the top case as shown.
Use the flat end of the black stick to gently peel the speaker flex cable from the keyboard backlight.
Caution: Peel the speaker flex cable gently to avoid damaging the mylar on the keyboard backlight.
Wrap each end of the Kevlar thread around a Kevlar thread handle three to four times.
Important: Ensure that you insert the thread into the cuts in the handle.
Form a loop in the center of the Kevlar thread. Then use the sharp end of the black stick to position the thread between the speaker and the top case.
Hold the thread with one hand. Then pull the thread down the tip of the speaker to start cutting the adhesive.
Important: Use the black stick as necessary to keep the thread in place.
Slowly but firmly pull the thread back and forth from both ends to cut the adhesive and to begin to separate the speaker from the top case. Keep the thread taut by using your thumb to brace against the top case.
Use the black stick to guide the thread around the screw standoff and the first speaker corner.
Position the thread closest to the trackpad along the center rib of the top case. Hold it in place. Then pull on the other side of the thread to cut the adhesive. Stop cutting about halfway down the speaker (1).
- Caution: Do not use the black stick to guide the thread around the second speaker corner.
Position the thread closest to the trackpad around the next speaker corner. Slowly but firmly pull the thread back and forth from both ends to begin to separate the speaker from the top case.
Important
Continue to hold the top case steady with one hand.
Don't allow the thread to rub against the enclosure to prevent the thread from breaking.
- Caution: Keep the Kevlar thread and black stick away from the battery.
Pull back and forth on the thread to continue cutting the adhesive until you reach the bottom of the speaker (1).
Position the thread near the middle of the speaker as shown. Then gently lift the speaker with the thread to detach it from the remaining adhesive.
- Caution: Don't bend the speaker when lifting it from the top case. Cut additional adhesive under the speaker if bending occurs.
Use the ESD-safe tweezers to remove the remaining adhesive from the top case.
Use the flat end of the black stick and an ethanol wipe or IPA wipe to clean all residual adhesive from the top case.
- Caution: Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol can damage the battery on contact. Ensure that the wipe doesn't touch the battery.