Skip to main content
🔧
HowMuchToFixAI for a Greener Future
Audio
moderate

MacBook Air 15" 2017 Speaker Repair

Complete guide to MacBook Air 15" 2017 speaker repair. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.

💰 Cost:$50 - $150
⏱️ Time:30 min - 1 hour
🌍 CO₂ Saved:187 kg

🌍 Share Your Environmental Impact

Inspire others to repair instead of replace! Share how much CO₂ you're saving.

Share your impact:

💰 Cost Breakdown

Parts$30 - $90
Labor$20 - $60
Total Estimated Cost$50 - $150

💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.

🔧 Repair Overview

Speaker Repair is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Air 15" 2017. This repair involves replacing the damaged audio component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 30 min - 1 hour and requires moderate skill level.

🔧 Required Tools

🔩 Replacement Parts

What You'll Need

  • Replacement audio part (OEM or aftermarket)
  • Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
  • Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
  • Adhesive strips or glue
  • Clean workspace with good lighting

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1:

Step 1 - Image 1

Before proceeding, power down your MacBook. Close the display and lay it on a soft surface, top-side down.

Use a [product|IF145-090|P5 Pentalobe] driver to remove ten screws securing the lower case, of the following lengths:

Two 9 mm screws

Eight 2.6 mm screws

Step 2:

Step 2 - Image 1

Wedge your fingers between the display and the lower case and pull upward to pop the lower case off the Air.

Remove the lower case and set it aside.

Step 3:

Step 3 - Image 1

Grab the clear plastic pull tab attached to the battery connector and pull it toward the front edge of the Air to disconnect the battery from the logic board.

Do not lift upward on the connector as you disconnect it.

Step 4:

Step 4 - Image 1

Remove the following five screws securing the battery to the upper case:

Three 6.3 mm T5 Torx screws

Two 2.4 mm T5 Torx screws

Step 5:

Step 5 - Image 1

When handling the battery, avoid squeezing or touching the four exposed lithium polymer cells.

Lift the battery from its edge nearest the logic board and remove it from the upper case.

If you're installing a new battery, you should [https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Battery_Calibration|calibrate] it after installation:

Charge it to 100%, and then keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Then, unplug and use it normally to drain the battery. When you see the low battery warning, save your work, and keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery. Wait at least 5 hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.

If you notice any unusual behavior or problems after installing your new battery, you may need to [https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201295|reset your MacBook's SMC|new_window=true].

Step 6:

Step 6 - Image 1

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left speaker cable connector up and out of its socket on the I/O board.

Pry up from beneath the wires.

Step 7:

Step 7 - Image 1
Step 7 - Image 2

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left speaker off the adhesive securing it to the upper case.

Remove the left speaker from the upper case.

📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm

DIY vs Professional Repair

✋ DIY Repair

  • ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $30-$90)
  • ✅ Learn new skills
  • ❌ Risk of further damage
  • ❌ No warranty
  • ❌ Requires tools and time

🔧 Professional Repair

  • ✅ Expert installation
  • ✅ Warranty included
  • ✅ Faster turnaround
  • ❌ Higher cost ($50-$150)
  • ❌ Need to find reputable shop

Environmental Impact

By choosing to repair your MacBook Air 15" 2017 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 187 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Air 15" 2017 generates 190 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 3 kg of CO₂. That's a 98% reduction in carbon emissions!

Get a Personalized Repair Estimate

Upload a photo of your MacBook Air 15" 2017 and get an AI-powered cost estimate in seconds. See exactly what's damaged and how much it'll cost to fix.

Related Repair Guides