Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement

Introduction

This is a volume potentiometer replacement guide for the Razer Carcharias headphones. This guide is specifically for the original Razer Carcharias, not the updated Xbox/PC version, which has a different style of inline volume adjustment module and may need different steps to disassemble and/or a different replacement part.

What you need

Step 1 Opening the case

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Opening the case: step 1, image 1 of 2

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Opening the case: step 1, image 2 of 2

Use a pry tool to pry apart the volume adjuster case.
There are 4 clips on each side that may be broken - if that happens then expect to glue the case back together.
Remove the 2 screws holding the PCB onto the case.

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Step 2 Removing the faulty potentiometer

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Removing the faulty potentiometer: step 2, image 1 of 2

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Removing the faulty potentiometer: step 2, image 2 of 2

Using a thin tool, pry up the 2 legs locking the potentiometer to the board.
Optionally remove as much original solder using the soldering iron and braided solder wick. While gently prying the potentiometer upwards, use the soldering iron to heat the 5 pads of the potentiometer until the component is freed.

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Step 3 Connecting the new potentiometer

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Connecting the new potentiometer: step 3, image 1 of 3

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Connecting the new potentiometer: step 3, image 2 of 3

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Connecting the new potentiometer: step 3, image 3 of 3

Use a pair of pliers or strong tweezers to bend the leads on the new potentiometer straight.
Place the new potentiometer onto the board, making sure to pass the locking tabs through the board.
Solder the 5 leads while applying pressure to the top of the potentiometer so that it moves flush with the board while the solder is still liquid.
Since the locking tabs extend through the PCB, it's helpful to place the PCB on the edge of something like a cardboard box while soldering so that the locking tabs are free to extend below the PCB, allowing the potentiometer to be completely flush with the PCB.
Bend the 2 retaining tabs on the other side of the board flush using a spudger tool.
Now is a good time to test that the volume knob and microphone still work before reassembling the case.
If flux was used during the soldering process, it's a good idea to clean it off using isopropyl alcohol or a circuit-friendly cleaning solution before reassembly.

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Step 4 Reassembly

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Reassembly: step 4, image 1 of 2

Razer Carcharias Volume Potentiometer Replacement, Reassembly: step 4, image 2 of 2

If the "Mic" switch was removed, be sure to reattach it before putting the PCB back into the case.
Replace the 2 screws used to secure the PCB into the case.
Slot both rubber pieces back into the ends of the housing.
If the plastic clips were broken, apply glue to the marked areas to hold the case closed. Cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) or B7000 glue will work.
Press the case firmly closed and wait for the glue to dry.