Creative Gigaworks T3 2.1 Speakers Volume Control Replacement

Soldering iron

Solder

Small Philips screwdriver

Cutting pliers

Super glue

New potentiometer (see details for purchase link)

(Optional) Adjustable wrench

Unplug your speakers and make sure they aren't powered

Unplug the volume control cable from the bass speaker.

Pull up firmly to break the glue securing the knob

Unscrew nut

Remove washer

Unscrew the 3 small screws

Remove plastic cover

Remove the circuit board from the base

Unplug the white plug under the circuit board

Cut the legs of the potentiometer to separate it from the circuit board

The legs of the old potentiometer will still be soldered to the board

Use the soldering iron to soften the solder and push the legs out the other side.

Alternatively, you can use the pliers to hold the board by the tip of a leg while you heat up the solder. The board will then release and fall down.

Repeat until you have removed all the legs from the board.

The new potentiometer might not have its legs aligned to the contact points.

Bend the legs until they align properly

The legs will also be too long to place the potentiometer level to the board. Cut the legs to the right length for all legs to touch the contact points while keeping the potentiometer level and close to the circuit board.

Hold the potentiometer firmly to the board and heat up the solder to allow the legs to set into place. Start with the two large legs.

Repeat the process progressively until the potentiometer has sunken a little into the circuit board holes and is level.

This step is just to position the potentiometer, the contacts don't have to be perfect.

Temporarily replace the plastic cover to ensure the potentiometer is well positionned.

Screw the 3 small screws to ensure everything fits.

Remove screws and cover again.

Solder the legs to the board, making sure contacts are good and that no two legs are soldered together.

Plug the main cable back into the board.

Place the board back on the base and screw the cover on.

Place washer and nut

Make sure your speakers are unplugged and not powered

Plug the volume control cable into the bass speaker

Power your speakers and check the volume control works.

Put a few drops of super glue in the hole in the center of the control knob

Carefully place the knob on the potentiometer and twist until they align and assemble

Hold down for a few seconds for the glue to set

Enjoy !