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Introduction

If the speaker (driver) of your Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones is damaged and is not producing sound or the sound is distorted and you are unable to fix it, follow this guide to replace the speaker driver.

Before you replace the driver, refer to the troubleshooting pages Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Headphone No Sound from One Ear Cup and Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Distorted Audio Output for tips on resolving the issue.

Make sure the headphones are unplugged before you begin the repair.

This repair requires soldering. If you are unfamiliar or inexperienced with soldering, refer to this guide on How to Solder and Desolder Connections for instructions and safety information. It's important to solder in a well-ventilated room and to use safety glasses to protect your eyes. Soldering irons are very hot and can burn.

What you need

Step 1 Left Speaker

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Left Driver Replacement, Left Speaker: step 1, image 1 of 3

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Left Driver Replacement, Left Speaker: step 1, image 2 of 3

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Left Driver Replacement, Left Speaker: step 1, image 3 of 3

Grip the ear cup, gently twist it, and pull it off.
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the four 3 mm screws securing the driver.

Edit

Step 2

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Left Driver Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Use a spudger to pry the driver from the headphones but don't pull it or yank it off as it is connected by wire cables and could rip those out.
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the four 2 mm screws from the small circuit board in the housing.
You will be able to desolder the driver wires more easily once the board is removed.

Edit

Step 3

Desolder the two connections labeled L+ and LG to disconnect the left driver from the headphones.
Be careful when using the soldering iron as it is extremely hot and can burn you. Use safety gloves if possible and helping hands to hold the circuit board. Alternatively, tape the board to a solder-safe surface to make the process easier.
Although this guide demonstrates how to replace the left driver, the right speaker wires are soldered onto this board also. When replacing the right driver, desolder the connectors labeled RG and R+.