How do I replace the headphone/audio jack in the iPod, iPod mini, iPod nano, and iPod touch models?

If your iPod is no longer under the one year warranty period, Apple can replace a damaged audio jack in the iPod models for a price that generally is not cost-effective. After all, it is more profitable for all hardware companies if you purchase a new product rather than fix one that you already own.

However, if you have effectively isolated the audio problem in your iPod to the audio jack, and you are technically inclined, self-replacement is entirely possible, at least for some models.

iFixit provides instructions that can be used to replace the audio jack in the full-size iPod 3G, 4G, 5G, and classic models as well as the iPod mini.

This two part video disassembly series from MacRecycling can be used to complete the extremely challenging task of disassembling the original iPod touch and replacing the audio jack and other internal components:

From reviewing the instructions, you should be able to determine whether or not you would prefer to replace the audio jack yourself or hire a professional.

Site sponsor Mission Repair offers free hardware diagnosis and an affordable 24 hour iPod repair service by mail. Services include replacing the audio jack as well as fixing other hardware problems for all iPod models. The company offers "do-it-yourself" repair kits as well.