Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) Audio Jack Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

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Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) Audio Jack Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the 3.5 mm audio jack (aka headphone jack) in your Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8‑inch).

You may need to replace the audio jack if your cable has a loose connection when plugged in or if you hear distorted sound, static noise, or audio only coming from one side.

Before replacing the audio jack, test your headphones with another device to verify the issue isn't with the headphones themselves. Also, make sure the problem isn't software related.

Tools

Parts

Surface Laptop 7 Audio Jack - Genuine

Step 1

Before starting this repair, allow your laptop's battery to drain below 25%. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged.
Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

Step 2

Close your laptop and lay it down so the rubber feet are facing up.

Step 3

Gently slide one arm of your angled tweezers into the recess near the upper right edge of one of the feet.
You can also use the point of a spudger. However, you're more likely to damage the foot, if you're reusing it.
Use your tweezers to pry up and remove the foot.
The feet may eject very quickly—be careful not to lose them.
Repeat the process to remove the remaining feet.
To install a foot, align the pegs on the bottom with their cutouts in the frame and press the foot into place.

Step 4

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
While the Surface Laptop 7 uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.
Use a Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver to remove the four 4.5 mm‑long screws (with washers) securing the lower case.

Step 5

Insert the tip of an opening pick under the top edge of the lower case, about an inch (2.5 cm) to the left or right of the Microsoft logo.
Don't insert the pick near the outer edges or you'll damage the antenna bar.

Step 6

Twist the pick to lift the lower case enough that you can grip it with your hand.

Step 7

Lift the lower case and remove it.

Step 8

Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the two 2.3 mm‑long screws securing the battery connector cover.

Step 9

Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the battery connector cover.

Step 10

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the top edge of the battery press connector and pry up to disconnect it.
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 may take a few tries to align the connector—don't try to force it into place.

Step 11

Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the two screws from the right edge of the audio jack cover:
One 3 mm‑long screw in the top right corner
One 4.7 mm‑long screw in the bottom right corner
Use a Torx Plus 6IP screwdriver to remove the remaining 6.3 mm‑long screw in the top left corner.

Step 12

Remove the audio jack cover.

Step 13

Use a spudger to lift the hinged locking flap on the audio jack ZIF connector.
Use tweezers to grip the audio jack cable's pull tab and slide the cable out of its socket.

Step 14

Slide the audio jack out of its recess and remove it.
During reassembly, insert the audio jack into its recess and push the jack into its cutout on the frame. Make sure the port is fully in its cutout—the outer edge should be flush with the frame.