MacBook Pro (16-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.
Keep the Kevlar thread away from the battery while cutting the speaker adhesive.
Caution
Don't allow the Kevlar thread to rub against the enclosure or it will break
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 guide tool
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
Place the computer on the table with the battery closest to you.
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.
Wrap each end of the Kevlar thread around a Kevlar thread handle three to four times.
Lay the Kevlar thread between the speaker and fan screw as shown.
Keep the Kevlar thread flat against the top case and maneuver it around the corner of the speaker (1), as shown.
Important: Keep tension on the Kevlar thread to help position it.
Maneuver the Kevlar thread around the upper left speaker corner (2) and position it in the space between the speaker and the top case.
Important: If the thread dislodges, repeat steps 6 and 7.
Guide the thread down between the speaker and the top case. Then pull the Kevlar thread handle that's farthest from the trackpad to position the thread under the speaker.
Slowly, pull alternately on the left and right handles to start cutting the adhesive under the speaker. Continue to cut while bracing against the side of the top case to hold the computer steady.
- Warning
Don't allow the thread to touch the battery.
Use only the handles to apply tension to the thread. Don't use your hands or fingers.
- Caution: Don't allow the thread to rub against the enclosure or it will break.
Important: Adjust the length of the thread by wrapping and unwrapping it from the handles as needed.
Continue to cut the adhesive to the location just below the fan screw.
Place the thread handle that's farthest from the trackpad on the table. Then use the black stick to guide the thread around the corner below the fan screw, as shown.
- Warning
Don't allow the thread to touch the battery.
Use only the handles to apply tension to the thread. Don't use your hands or fingers.
- Caution: Don't allow the thread to rub against the enclosure or it will break.
Important
Maintain tension on the handle to allow the thread to be positioned behind the speaker.
Use alternating pulls on each handle as needed, bracing against the side of the the top case closest to you to hold the top case steady.
Pull the thread handle closest to the trackpad slowly to guide the thread under the speaker. Continue to pull until the thread is fully positioned under the speaker.
Important
Ensure you route the thread under the speaker flex connector cable.
If necessary, unwind the thread from the handle to lengthen the thread.
Slowly alternate long pulls on each thread handle to cut the adhesive until it reaches the location above the screw standoff (1).
Place the thread handle that's farthest away from the trackpad on the table. Then use the sharp end of the black stick to guide the thread around the speaker corner that's above the single-use battery cover.
Pull the thread until it's positioned below the speaker at the corner near the single-use battery cover. Then pull the thread close to the inside corner.
Important: You may need to raise the angle of the thread as you pull the thread toward the inside corner.
Position the thread around the corner that's between the speaker and the single-use battery cover. Then pull the thread toward yourself while holding the other handle in place. Pull until the thread reaches near the bottom of the speaker.
Place the thread handle that's farthest away from the trackpad on the table. Then use the Kevlar thread guide tool to push the thread down into the top case.
Pull the thread handle closest to the trackpad toward the lower corner of the top case until it's positioned under the speaker corner (1).
Route the thread around the corner next to the screw standoff. Then pull the thread handle toward the hinge side of the top case to cut to the inside corner. If necessary, increase the angle of the thread to maneuver the thread as close to the inside corner as possible.
- Caution: Don't rub the thread against the enclosure.
Route the Kevlar thread above the screw standoff and then around the corner (1). Then pull the thread closest to the trackpad toward the hinges.
Cut as much adhesive as possible with the handle closest to the trackpad as you pull the thread toward the hinges.
Insert the flat end of a black stick under the end of the speaker closest to the hinges. Then slowly lift the speaker to release the adhesive between the speaker and top case. Insert the black stick farther under the speaker as the adhesive releases, and continue to lift the speaker.
- Caution
Angle the black stick away from the battery.
Don't press on other components as you lift the speaker.
Don't bend the speaker as you lift it.
Don't break the speaker as you lift it.
Important: Hold down the top case while lifting the speaker.
Remove the speaker and thread from the top case.