How to Replace a Burnt Out Port on a Wireless USB Hub

A wireless USB hub is very useful for your computer. Because so many devices attach by USB, you need all the ports on the wireless USB hub to be working. If one burns out it’s not especially difficult to replace in order to keep the wireless USB hub fully operational. As long as you know how to solder you shouldn’t have a problem with the job, and it should only take a few minutes to complete. The most important thing is to ensure you have the correct USB port as a replacement for the burnt out one.

Step 1 - Opening the Hub

To replace the burnt out USB port you need to open up the wireless USB hub. Different units will open in different ways. In some cases they’ll have to be unscrewed and in other instance the top will need to be pried off. Take off the casing in the appropriate way to show the inside of the hub. There will be a circuit board with each USB port connected by soldered connections. Don’t break these off.

Step 2 - Remove Old USB Port

The USB port will be connected to the circuit board of the wireless USB hub by four wires. It’s vital to note which color of wires connects where in order to install the new port. Two of these wires are for the transfer of data and two are for power.

These wires will need to be desoldered. Heat up the solder covering the wires and then use a desoldering tool to suck it up and away from the wires. When you’ve finished the desoldering ease the USB port away from the wireless USB hub. If it proves difficult to remove, ease it to and fro to pull it out of the connecting holes.

Step 3 - New Port

Make sure that your new USB port is the same as the old one; not all USB ports are identical. If necessary, take the port you’ve removed to the store in order to find a perfect match for it. You should be able to check the model in the owner’s manual.

It’s vital to make sure you attach the four wires from the USB port to the correct places on the circuit board of the wireless USB port. Apply the solder very lightly as you’ll only have extremely limited space. Make sure that the connections are strong and flexible. Once you’ve finished soldering, fit the new USB port into the holes on the wirless USB hub to keep it in place.

Step 4 - Testing

Replace the cap on the wireless USB hub. To test the hub, power it up and connect a device to the new port with a working USB cord. Go into your computer to check that the computer is reading the device. If it is, this means that the new port is working properly.