Thunderbolt Display Cable Replacement

[bokkow]

Since 2011 I've had a Thunderbolt Display and used it daily with a MacBook Air. Although it is a bit dated now it's still in use and the design is, in my opinion, better than anything else out there. So I'm going to stick with it for a bit longer still and that made me decide to replace the built in original "all-in-one" Thunderbolt cable.

Due to continuously straining the cable with opposing ports on a MacBook Air (2012 model so even more space is needed with the MagSafe 2 converter) the sheeting at the Thunderbolt connector cracked open and shows the inner metal isolation. Next to it being ugly I don't know how long this will keep on working.

So I searched around and found quite a few eBay sellers offering replacement cables against low prices (all China-based), the product number is 922-9941 for who's wondering. I picked one that offered a cable for $19.- + free shipping, too good to be true perhaps but I went ahead and bought it anyway. Delivery is expected between 9-23 working days and we'll see from there

I'll keep you guys posted and try to document the process as well

 

[MH01]

Cheers for that. Be interesting what the quality is like

 

[StE823]

Any updates?

 

[Alexappleusa]

I have the same problem, a small amount of Duct tape has prolonged its life for now, but I'd love to know your experience with swapping the cable.

Was it an easy swap?

 

[Tavicu]

Had the same problem and decided to take the eBay road! I don't recommend it!

First of all the sellers don't test the cables! I got 3 and none of them worked! In the end i just sent them back for refund (lost a lot of time and the shipping fees) and paid 80€ to Apple to replace it. It was ready after one hour (they had the cable on stock)

If you decide to buy it from eBay and cha ge it yourself test the cable before opening the display! The cable is basicaly a thunderbolt cable. You can connect it on the back of the display and with the laptop. It should work right away if the cable is ok! Is really easy to change the cable once you see it's working!

 

[bokkow]

Sorry guys, I let this topic out of sight...

But indeed I share Tavicu's experience, received 2 cables, both are not working.

With the first one I actually went through the process of replacing it instead of testing the cable first outside of the display.
I took some pictures of the process to show off when it actually worked but ended up being frustrated of going through the replacing just to do it again with the original cable.

I received a second cable about a week ago after making a remark to the seller and this one I tested before opening up the display; not working either.

I don't think in The Netherlands letting this cable be replaced by Apple themselves will only set me back 80,- but at least I'm going to ask them now as I should have done in the first place...