Bose ie2 cable repair (base of the earbuds)

[sloth243]

I've used this set of ear-buds for a couple years, at least, and they are starting to break down.

Both wires, directly at the base of the ear-buds, are cracked. The left is even more damaged, and the wire(s) have likely shed their connection. The right side still works, but the left is no longer functional.

I've seen videos on how to repair broken wires in the middle of the cord (using solder gun, electrical tape, etc.) But if the cord break is right up against the ear-bud, is it possible to make a similar repair without somehow tearing into the ear-bud itself?

 

[i7Baby]

You'd need to pull it apart to see. Most times you can fix it, but you end up damaging the plastic etc. (which don't like soldering irons)

 

[sloth243]

Thank you for the quick reply.

Do you mean I would need to pull the ear-bud apart (first) to see ? I don't have much experience with this. I'm having trouble getting the visual on how to get the needed wires back together. With or without damage to the plastic in the process.

I didn't see any obvious way to take apart the actual ear-bud itself. But I might also try to link a couple pictures to show exactly what the cable looks like at the base

 

[i7Baby]

You need to be able to see where the wire is broken.

They are tiny wires. You need to be able to strip the insulation back without breaking the conductor. None of this is easy. It takes practice. Most people wouldn't even try to do the repair.

 

[sloth243]

Thanks again. I thought that might be the case, and my initial feeling would be NOT to even attempt. I'm going to try and post a picture of the cord / cable breakage location, but I just don't see how I would be able to separate the fine wires, in such a small space, without somehow breaking into the ear-bud itself..

 

[i7Baby]

Yep - I'm sure you'd have to pull the ear piece apart. Sometimes they're glued together. They're not made for repairing. Warranty would be by replacement.

 

[sloth243]

Yeah, I didn't notice any 'easy' way inside the ear piece itself. It's likely beyond repair (for me) at this point. And I think the warranty probably expired a couple years ago.

Thank you for all the help. I will probably spend some add cash towards another set that I don't accidentally abuse when exorcising, or while at work.

 

[i7Baby]

I've seen ear buds costing hundreds of dollars. I wouldn't pay more than $50 for them. You just can't beat sizable drivers for good sound.

If you've written them off then there's no harm in trying to repair them.