Refresh Your MacBook’s Sound System – A2485 Speaker Replacement Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In this repair guide, we’ll walk you through the full process of replacing both speakers on a 16-inch MacBook Pro A2485. This particular unit arrived with both left and right speakers blown and required a full disassembly to reach and replace the components. The repair involves careful removal of the logic board, multiple brackets, and delicate connectors, followed by the safe installation of new speakers. With the right tools and detailed steps, even complex repairs like this can be managed efficiently. Let’s get started.

See official Apple specs for this model

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 2 TO 3 HOURS to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty. It requires careful disassembly of internal components and experience handling sensitive connectors and adhesive parts.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a suction cup for removing the bottom case, a T3, T5, and T6 Torx screwdriver, a 4.0mm hex driver, a Phillips screwdriver (PH1), isopropyl alcohol to soften adhesive, a plastic spudger, tweezers, a scraper for adhesive removal, and 3M adhesive strips for the speaker installation.

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Remove the Bottom Case

• Use a suction cup in the center to pull the bottom cover upward.
• Pull the cover toward yourself while pushing the top case away.
• Set the panel aside once removed.

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Disconnect the Trackpad and Battery

• Remove the two T3 screws securing the trackpad flex cable and bracket.
• Unplug the battery management unit flex cable.
• Use a T5 screwdriver to remove the pancake screw connecting the battery to the daughterboard and safely disconnect the battery.

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Disconnect All Flex Cables

• Using a T3 screwdriver, start from the left and remove all brackets covering flex cables.
• Carefully disconnect: Touch ID, left type-C port, both speaker connections, headphone/mic jack, two right-side type-C ports, MagSafe 3 connector, LCD proximity sensor, two LCD connections, and Wi-Fi vent antennas.
• Unplug all the flex cables in the same order.

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Remove the Logic Board

• Use T6 for top logic board screws, then T5 for remaining screws.
• Use a 4.0mm hex bit to remove two nuts at the bottom.
• Bend all flex cables away and lift the logic board out gently using a plastic pry tool.

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Remove the Speakers

• Apply isopropyl alcohol around the glued-in speakers.
• Let it sit for a minute to weaken the adhesive.
• Pry out the speakers carefully from the case.

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Clean Adhesive and Prep Surface

• Reapply isopropyl alcohol on the remaining adhesive.
• Scrape off all residue using a scraper.
• Wipe clean and prepare for installation.

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Install New Speakers

• Apply 3M adhesive where the new speakers will sit.
• Remove adhesive covers and place the new speakers in position.
• Press down to ensure proper bonding.

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Reinstall the Logic Board

• Align the left side first to guide the SD card reader and USB port.
• Ensure no cables are trapped beneath the board.
• If resistance occurs due to heat sink grommets, remove and reposition.
• Seat the board flat.

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Reconnect All Flex Cables

• Plug in all connections starting from top left (Touch ID) and moving clockwise.
• Reconnect fans, keyboard, backlight, speakers, mic array, headphone jack, all Type-C ports, MagSafe 3, LCD proximity sensor, both LCD connectors, and Wi-Fi antennas.

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Secure the Logic Board

• Use 4.0mm hex driver for nuts on both sides of the board.
• Use T5 for all other screws except T6 for top two securing the heat sink.

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Reinstall All Brackets

• Use T3 to reinstall all cable brackets.
• Larger T3 screws go on bottom; smaller on top (for speaker brackets).
• Re-secure brackets for all flex cables on both sides and center.

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Reconnect the Trackpad and Battery

• Reconnect the battery using T5 and pancake screw.
• Plug in battery management unit cable.
• Plug in and secure the trackpad cable using T3 screws.

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Reinstall Bottom Case

• Align feet and receptacles at the top.
• Slide forward one side at a time.
• Click into place and reinstall pentalobe screws (longer on top, shorter on bottom).

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Final Check

• Turn over the unit and plug in the charger.
• Boot up the MacBook and confirm both speakers are functioning correctly.

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CONCLUSION:

Replacing the speakers in a MacBook Pro A2485 is a challenging task, but with patience and precision, it’s entirely manageable. This guide has walked you through every step from disassembly to final testing. Proper handling of delicate connectors and use of quality tools makes all the difference. With both speakers successfully replaced, your MacBook should now sound crisp and clear. Remember to test thoroughly before closing up the unit.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

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

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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.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Proper screwdrivers and adhesive removers make all the difference.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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