MacBook Air 2022 (M2) Left Speaker Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

Comments: 5

MacBook Air 2022 (M2) Left Speaker Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the left speaker in your MacBook Air 2022 (M2).

The left speaker is on the same side as the MagSafe and Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports.

Tools

Parts

MacBook Air M2 2022 (A2681) Left Speaker

Step 1

Before you begin, discharge your battery below 25%, as a charged lithium-ion battery can be dangerous if accidentally punctured.
Power off your MacBook Air and unplug all cables.
Close the display and flip the laptop upside down. Keep the lid closed until you've physically disconnected the battery.

Step 2

Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove the four 6.4 mm screws securing the lower case:
Two screws with a short threaded portion near the hinges
Two screws with a long threaded portion near the front of the MacBook
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

Step 3

Apply a suction handle to the center of the lower case's front edge.
Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force to create a small gap between the lower case and the frame.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.

Step 4

During the next two steps you'll feel and hear four snapping clips release. If a clip doesn't release, insert your opening pick farther and try again.
Slide the pick to the bottom right corner to release the first clip.
Slide the pick around the corner and up the right edge to release the next clip.

Step 5

Insert the opening pick in the original gap created with the suction handle.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner and up the left edge to release the two remaining snapping clips.

Step 6

Four sliding tabs along the back edge of the MacBook firmly secure the lower case. Separating these tabs requires a lot of force—consider using gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the lower case.
Keep the lower case flat and firmly pull it straight away from the back edge, one corner at a time, to disengage the sliding tabs.
Don't pull up until the cover is completely separated.

It's obvious once you know how, but I think that stating the direction of force you apply to the lower case (towards the front) to separate the sliding tabs would be helpful.

Thank you for the great instructions!

Tatsuya Takahashi -

The back tabs are meant to slide down towards the track pad. Do not pull up on the back tabs

nick mulvaine -

Step 7

Remove the lower case.
During reassembly:
Set the lower case in place and align the sliding tabs with the screw heads they slide over. Press down and slide the lower case toward the back edge to engage the tabs—it'll stop sliding as the tabs engage.
When one side is engaged, it may push the other out of alignment. Check both sides as you push, there should be no gap along the back edge.
Once the lower case is flush with the frame, press down firmly along the perimeter to engage the four snapping clips.
You'll hear and feel a distinct click as each clip snaps into place.

Nice !

Clay Eickemeyer -

I'd bet that if iFixit was to source upgraded replacement lower case 'feet' with a material like nearly any earlier macbook air or pros had--less hard and slippery--they'd sell a lot of them. I'd buy several sets. The OEM feet are horrible and not very 'Apple' in quality.

Walt Keyes -

Step 8

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws securing the battery connector cover.
Due to screw variances, you may need to use a T4 Torx instead. Keep this in mind whenever you encounter T3 Torx screws during this repair.

Step 9

Remove the battery connector cover.

Step 10

Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the battery press connector.
To reconnect a press connector, align it over the socket and gently press down on one side until it clicks into place, then press down on the other side. It might take a few tries to align the connector.

Step 11

The left speaker will be on your right-hand side when working on the MacBook, as it's laying upside down.
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 1.5 mm screws securing the left speaker cable covers.

Step 12

Remove the two speaker cable covers.

Step 13

Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the left speaker press connector.

Step 14

Use a pair of tweezers to grip the right antenna connector, as close to its base as possible.
Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.
The antenna connectors on the logic board are very fragile. When disconnecting the cables, pull straight up—don’t bend them to the side.
To reattach antenna connectors like these, align the connector over its socket and press down with the flat end of a spudger. The connector should snap into place. This can be tricky and may take a few tries.

Step 15

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the 2.6 mm screw securing the right hinge cover.

Step 16

Grip the right hinge cover with blunt nose tweezers.
Pull the cover toward the bottom of the laptop and upward to free it from its recess.
Pull up and remove the hinge cover.

Step 17

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the three screws securing the left speaker:
Two 5.6 mm screws
One 3.5 mm screw

Step 18

Lift the left speaker straight up and remove it.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or check out our Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

88286 Reputation

One comment

hi, i wonder if after a replacement and the speaker still sounds distorted maybe it could be cuz of missing/loose screws? i dont know because i still feel anxious about having to open it up myself, like the one that opened it was a techinician that i sent the m2 with him to repair.

pina the dall sheep -