Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) Right Speaker Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the right speaker in your Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8‑inch).

The right speaker is on the same side as the Surface Connect port.

If your speaker sounds crackly, like static, or isn't making noise, it may be damaged and in need of replacement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

The right speaker will be on your left-hand side, since the laptop is laying upside down.
Slide the point of a spudger under the right speaker connector and gently lift it straight up and out of the socket.
Don't lift on the cables themselves, or you may damage them.
During reassembly, hold the connector over its socket and press down gently with the flat end of a spudger until it clicks into place. If you're having trouble, don't try to force the connector into its socket—reposition it and try again.

Use the point of a spudger to separate the tape from the bottom of the fan and move it out of the way of the speaker cable.

Use your fingers to grip the speaker cable and gently guide it out of the clips along the edge of the fan.

Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the two 3.2 mm‑long screws securing the right speaker.

Remove the speaker.
During reassembly, place the speaker onto the frame so the grommets on the left edge go over their screw posts.

Make sure your replacement speaker has two rubber grommets installed on its left edge.
If it doesn't, remove the grommets from your old speaker and install them in your replacement.
Installing these can be tricky. Use your fingers to pinch the grommet and slide it into its notch.