🔥 Get our lowest price on the MacBook Pro 16-inch. | Shop Now

How to Replace Rattling Speakers on a MacBook Pro 13″ A2251 2020 Model

How to Replace Rattling Speakers on a MacBook Pro 13″ A2251 2020 Model


OVERVIEW:

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing the speakers in a MacBook Pro A2251. Whether you’re dealing with blown tweeters, bass speakers, or both, this tutorial will help restore your MacBook’s sound quality. We’ll cover both options: replacing all speakers or just the bottom set. Our method avoids removing the logic board, making the process quicker and easier. All steps are expanded from the video to ensure clarity for every repair stage.

See official Apple specs for this model


REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1 TO 2 HOURS to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of internal components and moderate repair experience.


STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the bottom case, a suction cup to lift the panel, a T5 Torx screwdriver to detach battery and speaker screws, 98% isopropyl alcohol to loosen adhesive, a plastic spudger for safe prying, and tweezers for fine adhesive removal and cable management.


Remove the Bottom Case

  • Flip the MacBook over and remove all six Pentalobe screws.
  • Note the two longer screws located at the top left and right corners.
  • Use a suction cup to lift the bottom panel, then slide it to detach from the clips.

Disconnect the Battery

  • Peel off the tape covering the battery management unit cable.
  • Disconnect the battery flex cable carefully.
  • Use a T5 screwdriver to remove the pancake screw securing the battery connector.

Understand the Speaker Layout

  • Identify the top tweeters and the bottom larger speakers on both sides.
  • This unit has all four speakers blown, so the guide will replace each.
  • Top tweeter replacement may require removing the logic board, but this method avoids that.

Loosen Adhesive on Bottom Speakers

  • Apply 98% isopropyl alcohol around the edges of each bottom speaker.
  • Let the alcohol soak in to loosen the adhesive bond.
  • Apply additional alcohol passes if necessary for easier removal.

Unplug Speaker Connectors

  • Disconnect both bottom and top speaker cables from the logic board.
  • Take note of the wire orientation for later reassembly.
  • Use tweezers or a spudger for precision during unplugging.

Remove Bottom Speakers

  • Use a plastic spudger to gently pry out each bottom speaker.
  • Since these speakers are already damaged, you don’t need to be overly cautious.
  • Clean leftover adhesive with tweezers.

Remove Top Tweeter Speakers

  • Carefully pry out the tweeters using tweezers.
  • Be gentle if speakers are still functional, as the grill is easy to puncture.
  • The speakers are held by a thin ring of adhesive.

Clean Speaker Contact Areas

  • Use isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel to clean the mounting surfaces.
  • Ensure all old adhesive is removed to guarantee a strong new bond.
  • Let the area dry completely before applying new adhesive.

Apply New Adhesive Strips

  • Stick adhesive strips only on the outer edge of the speaker area.
  • Avoid placing adhesive where it could cover the speaker grill.
  • Press firmly to ensure good contact and prevent rattling.

Install Top Tweeters

  • Align each tweeter so that the wire curls under the logic board.
  • Press down firmly to secure the adhesive bond.
  • Repeat for the right side tweeter.

Install Bottom Speakers

  • Place the bottom speakers with the coiled cable section sliding under the logic board.
  • Press them into the adhesive for a firm bond.
  • Mirror the process on the right-hand side.

Reconnect All Speaker Cables

  • Plug in the bottom speaker connectors, using a spudger to seat them securely.
  • Plug in the top tweeter connectors as well.
  • Ensure all cables are flat and fully inserted.

Final Press and Check

  • Apply a final firm press on all installed speakers to secure the adhesive.
  • Double-check all connections and placement before reassembly.

Reconnect Battery

  • Replace the pancake screw with the T5 screwdriver to reconnect the battery.
  • Reconnect the battery management unit cable.
  • Replace the protective tape over the connection.

Reinstall Bottom Case

  • Align the bottom panel and slide it into place until it clicks.
  • Push down along the edges to seat it firmly.
  • Reinstall the two longer screws at the top and four identical ones at the bottom.

Power On and Test

  • Flip the unit over, plug it in, and power it on.
  • Play audio to test that the new speakers work and sound is restored.
  • Confirm there is no rattling or distortion.

CONCLUSION:

Replacing the speakers in a MacBook Pro A2251 is a rewarding repair that revives the sound quality of your device. By following these steps, you can avoid the hassle of logic board removal and still achieve a professional result. Proper adhesive placement and careful handling are key to a solid installation. With patience and the right tools, you can restore full audio functionality. Thanks for following along with our guide!

Before and After Speaker Replacement

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.


MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional speaker replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.


SHOP PARTS:


SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Proper equipment also improves repair accuracy and final results.


HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

  • Phone: 818-456-4479
  • Email: support@tekdep.com

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS:

Related Posts

Inside the 2024 M4 MacBook Air! A3240 Complete Teardown & Parts Guide

Curious about the M4 MacBook Air? We cracked open the A3240 to show you every screw, cable, and serialized part. Watch the full teardown and find replacement parts inside.

Technician removing the motherboard from a disassembled Razer Blade 18 laptop.

The Definitive Teardown & Repair Guide: Razer Blade 18 (RZ09-0484)

Looking to upgrade your Razer Blade 18? In this comprehensive guide, we tear down the RZ09-0484 model to show you exactly how to access the motherboard, install dual NVMe SSDs, upgrade to 64GB DDR5 RAM, and replace the battery safely.

iMac 2019 21.5 Repair, A2116 Logic Board Removal, iMac EMC 3195 Upgrade

Complete Teardown & Repair Guide: iMac 21.5-inch 4K (2019) | Model A2116

Inside the 2019 iMac 4K: We strip the A2116 (EMC 3195) down to the screws. Learn the correct way to cut the adhesive, remove the 'Dust Catcher,' and safely extract the Logic Board without damaging the 4K display.

Official TEKDEP Tutorials

Subscribe for expert tutorials, pro tech tips, and teardowns.

Configure Specs