Framework Laptop 12 Audio Board Replacement

Written By: Arthur Shi

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Framework Laptop 12 Audio Board Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

5 - 15 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace the Audio Board in your Framework Laptop 12.

The Audio Board contains the headphone jack and speaker connectors. If your headphone jack breaks, you can fix that by replacing the Audio Board. If you're getting intermittent sound from the speakers, you can try to remove and reseat the Audio Board.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

The Input Cover is the part that contains the keyboard and trackpad.

Tools

Framework Screwdriver

Parts

Framework Laptop 12 Audio Board

Step 1

Before you begin repairs, unplug your laptop and shut it down from the operating system. This ensures that the laptop isn't in standby/suspend mode.
The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.
If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.
Make sure your Framework Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T-5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

Step 2

Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

Step 3

Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.
Your laptop comes with a spare set of screws in the frame above the battery. Be careful—the replacement screws aren't captive.

Step 4

Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

Step 5

Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

Step 6

Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.
Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.
There are magnets holding the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels like a lot of force is required, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Remove the Input Cover.

Step 7

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Audio Board along the left edge of the laptop.

Step 8

Use your fingers to lift the right edge of the Audio Board and pull it out of its recess.
Remove the Audio Board.

Step 9

Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

Step 10

Insert the Audio Board into the laptop at an angle to help align the headphone jack.
Use the two plastic alignment pins on the laptop to help with final alignment.

Step 11

Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw to secure the Audio Board.
Tighten the screw until it's snug. Don't over-tighten it, or you may strip the screw.

Step 12

Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.
Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.
Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.
Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.
Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

Step 13

Close the laptop lid.
Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

Step 14

Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.