Nikon SB-5000 Flash Repair
As you may have read in my previous blog post here: https://t-e-o.net/nikon-reliability/ I have problems with my Nikon SB-5000 Flash.
After receiving quote of 221GBP for repair by Nikon, I decided to go-ahead and do flash xenon tube replacement by myself.
Below you can see full repair procedure which I have done on my Nikon SB-5000 flash to replace its Xenon Flash Tube.
![Nikon SB-5000 before repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-before-repair-1024x634.jpg)
Here it is flash before repair.
![Nikon SB-5000 XE Flash Tube replacement 1211Y](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-XE-Flash-Tube-replacement-1211Y-1024x864.jpg)
And the Flash Tube part itself. Part number is 1211Y and I have purchased it from ebay for 49.99$.
In old flashes Nikon SB-900 and Nikon SB-910 it was possible to replace only xenon tube for few dolars, but in SB-5000 whole assembly have to be replaced with genuine part.
![Pots for parts and bolts](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pots-for-parts-and-bolts-1024x530.jpg)
Pots Which I used for collecting small parts and bolts during disassembly process.
![Nikon Flashgun Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flashgun-Repair-1024x768.jpg)
After you rotate flash head at 90 degrees first step is to remove rubber seals on both sides covering set of bolts.
Do not afraid how you will glue them later, they were with sticky substance themselves so no glue was necessary.
For removal I used flat head screwdriver.
![Removing Nikon Flash Rubber Seal](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Removing-Nikon-Flash-Rubber-Seal-1024x768.jpg)
Removing Flash Rubber Seal on other side of the flash.
![Nikon Flash Bolts for disassembly](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flash-Bolts-for-disassembly-1024x768.jpg)
4 Bolts for removal from one side.
![Marked Bolts for unscrewing on Nikon Flash SB 5000](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Marked-Bolts-for-unscrewing-on-Nikon-Flash-SB-5000-768x1024.jpg)
And 4 screws from other side.
![Nikon Flashgun Disassembly](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flashgun-Disassembly-768x1024.jpg)
I used tweezers to remove screws not to loose them as they were very tiny.
![Spring Button for flash tilting](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Spring-Button-for-flash-tilting-768x1024.jpg)
Spring button for flash tilting. You have to be careful with this one when you are disassembling and assembling back.
![Side view of flash with screws removed](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Side-view-of-flash-with-screws-removed-990x1024.jpg)
Side view of speedlight with screws removed.
![Three Pongs - 3 wings screws on Nikon SB 5000 Flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Three-Pongs-3-wings-screws-on-Nikon-SB-5000-Flash-768x1024.jpg)
Special three pongs / 3 wings screws which Nikon have put make SB 5000 disassembly difficult for average DIY.
![Tools for Nikon Flash Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tools-for-Nikon-Flash-Repair-768x1024.jpg)
Tools used so far for repair.
Wiha Molybdan Screwdrivers
Bergeon N4932 Knife
Dumont Hi-Tech Tweezers
Using quality screwdrivers is essentials as one damaged screw can bring big troubles.
![Closeup View on 3 Pong Screw on Nikon Flashgun](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Closeup-View-on-3-Pong-Screw-on-Nikon-Flashgun-768x1024.jpg)
Closeup on 3 Pong Screw on Nikon Flash
![3 Pong Screwdriver Size 3.0 three wings](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3-Pong-Screwdriver-Size-3.0-three-wings-768x1024.jpg)
Zacro screwdriver which I used to unscrew 3 pong screws with size 3.0 tip.
![Nikon SB-5000 Disassembly](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Disassembly-768x1024.jpg)
Opening of flash with watch knife with blunt edge.
![What needs to be removed to release flash tube assembly](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/What-needs-to-be-removed-to-release-flash-tube-assembly-768x1024.jpg)
Keep special attention to orientation of freshnel glass /2 parts/ and also rear black divider. There are also 4 screws /2 on each side/.
![Nikon SB 5000 Flash Freshnel glass and rear partition](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Flash-Freshnel-glass-and-rear-partition-768x1024.jpg)
A bit more closeup photo.
![Spring loaded button on side of flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Spring-loaded-button-on-side-of-flash-768x1024.jpg)
Be careful not to loose this metal plate which is spring loaded and act as release mechanism for tilting the flash.
![Hidden Side screws on the flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hidden-Side-screws-on-the-flash-768x1024.jpg)
Here you can see side screws which are quite hidden inside the flash.
![Nikon SB-5000 Side Screws](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Side-Screws-768x1024.jpg)
Other two on other side of flash.
![Correct way to put barrier in middle of flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Correct-way-to-put-barrier-in-middle-of-flash-768x1024.jpg)
Keep attention to way barrier in middle of flash is put. Cables are passing where is red circle in photo above.
![Isolation Part with sticky tape on Nikon Flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Isolation-Part-with-sticky-tape-on-Nikon-Flash-768x1024.jpg)
Next step is to remove sticky tape holding this isolation part around flash head and PCB.
![Nikon Flash Motor removal](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flash-Motor-removal-768x1024.jpg)
In Lower end of photo you see sticky tape holding insulation part and and on left side are two screws holding motor of flash.
![Top PCB of Nikon SB-5000 Flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Top-PCB-of-Nikon-SB-5000-Flash-768x1024.jpg)
Top PCB of Nikon SB-5000 and marked screw which is holding it.
![Nikon SB-5000 Flashtube Replacement](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Flashtube-Replacement-1-1024x768.jpg)
Take note where cabling are going from each side of flash tube.
There are total of 6 cables, 3 from each side.
![Nikon Flash Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flash-Repair-1024x708.jpg)
Top view of assembly. In centre is motor and on right side are cables soldiered and glued on top. And this is next to very tiny chip.
Really bad news for re-soldiering and repair.
![Nikon SB 5000 Motor](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Motor-1024x768.jpg)
You can see motor assembly here with top screw already removed and removing second screw carefully with tweezers after unscrewing it.
![Nikon SB 5000 bolts](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-bolts-1024x731.jpg)
These are screws and parts which I have in my part pot so far. Not a lot but it took me good time to reach this point.
![Nikon Flashlight Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flashlight-Repair-1024x768.jpg)
In top center you see where motor is pulling xenon tube assembly. Don’t forget to set it in same way with new tube assembly.
On right there is small sensor which is very fragile so be extra carefull with it.
On bottom are 0.6mm e-clips which were very difficult for removal.
I used very small watch screwdriver to pull them, but unfortunately one of them become bend.
While I was trying to straighten it, it fly away and with its microscopic size it wasn’t possible to found.
So I was put between two choices:
– to wait few weeks for replacement
– to fix it in another way
I choose second option for which you can read below.
![E Clip #047 0.6mm BS810-047 for guide shaft of motor in nikon flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/E-Clip-047-for-guide-shaft-of-motor-in-nikon-flash--1024x768.jpg)
Here are these extra special 0.6mm e-clips #047 /part number BS810-047/ if you want to order them.
![Nikon Flash Rubber Seal](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flash-Rubber-Seal-1024x768.jpg)
You can see how tiny is the e-clip compared to bolts and flash rubber seal.
![Nikon SB 5000 Flashtube Replacement](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Flashtube-Replacement-1024x768.jpg)
Here you can see drive shafts and place where e-clips were placed preventing shafts from any moving or slipping.
![Place where cables connect to PCB from flash tube](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Place-where-cables-connect-to-PCB-from-flash-tube-1024x768.jpg)
I took a photo so I can see later which was place where cables connect to PCB from flash tube.
![Nikon Speedlight Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Speedlight-Repair-1024x768.jpg)
Again, there are 3 cables on each side.
![Nikon SB-5000 Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Repair-768x1024.jpg)
Already installed cables and comparison with ones in new flash xenon tube.
![Nikon Flash Xenon Tube Replacement](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-Flash-Xenon-Tube-Replacement-768x1024.jpg)
As you can see in middle of photo cables were soldered and glued next to very small chip.
So I decide not to solder them on PCB, but to strip cables and solder them on the side.
As if I damage this chip with heat it will be expensive to replace PCB also.
![Cable Stripping](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cable-Stripping-768x1024.jpg)
I used cable stripping tool to strip cables.
![Guide shafts for motor removed from one side in nikon flash SB 5000](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Guide-shafts-for-motor-removed-from-one-side-in-nikon-flash-SB-5000-768x1024.jpg)
After I put new Xenon tube assembly on drive shafts I have left cables on side to connect.
This was most difficult part of Nikon Flash Tube Replacement.
![Cable Twisting with tweezers](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cable-Twisting-with-twizzers-768x1024.jpg)
To have secure connections I did first cable twisting with tweezers.
![Cables Ready for Soldering inside Nikon Flash SB 5000](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cables-Ready-for-Soldering-inside-Nikon-Flash-SB-5000-768x1024.jpg)
Here are all cables on one side ready for soldering.
![Soldered Cables](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Soldiered-Cables-768x1024.jpg)
Soldered Cables on one side.
![Soldiered Cables on Other Side](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Soldiered-Cables-on-Other-Side-768x1024.jpg)
Soldered cables on other side.
![Kester SN60PB40](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Kester-SN60PB40-1024x1017.jpg)
All soldering was done with Kester SN60PB40 solder. Good quality solder is making work very easy.
For audio connections I usually use solder with silver /Ag/ but it require high temperature to work so not best for sensitive electronics.
![Weller EC2002M](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Weller-EC2002M-1024x739.jpg)
And my Weller EC2002M soldering station.
![All Tools Used for Nikon SB-5000 Flash Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/All-Tools-Used-for-Nikon-SB-5000-Flash-Repair-790x1024.jpg)
Here you can see most of tools which I used during repair of Nikon SB-5000.
![Tweezers Used for holding heat shrinking tube](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Twizzers-Used-for-holding-heat-shrinking-tube-768x1024.jpg)
Next step after soldering was to put heat shrinking tube on top of cable connections.
It is easy to be done if you hold tube/cables with big tweezers.
![Power Cables Glued next to chip](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Power-Cables-Glued-next-to-chip-768x1024.jpg)
I forget to show this picture earlier, but this is why I choose to solder cable outside of board.
First there was glue on top of cables, and over really small chip.
So damaging it while removing glue and soldering was real danger.
![Heat Shrinking tubes](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Heat-Shrinking-tubes-768x1024.jpg)
Here are heat shrinking tubes which I have pug on 3 of the cables connections.
![Cables after soldering and covering with tube](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cables-after-solduring-and-covering-with-tube-768x1024.jpg)
And 3 cables from other side after soldering and covering with tube.
![Drive Shaft fixed with hot glue silicone](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Drive-Shaft-fixed-with-hot-glue-silicone-768x1024.jpg)
To fix drive shaft without missing 0.6mm e-clip I used hot glue.
![Hot Glue Gun Dremel 930 Dual Temperature](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hot-Glue-Gun-Dremel-930-Dual-Temperature-786x1024.jpg)
I have applied it with Dremel 930 Dual Temperature hot glue gun.
I used lower temperature glue sticks and gun set at lower temperature.
Before I was using no-name Chinese glue gun, but it was very hard to make any precision put of glue with it, and Dremel 930 make a big difference.
![Silicone Closeup](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Silicone-Closeup-768x1024.jpg)
Closeup of silicone /hot glue/ which I have put.
![Cable tie to hold cables together](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cable-tie-to-hold-cables-together-1024x768.jpg)
Next step was to use cable tie to hold cables together.
![Size of cable ties used for repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Size-of-cable-ties-used-for-repair-1024x778.jpg)
Here it is size of cable tie which I user for repair.
![Cable tie cutted to shorted lenght](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cable-tie-cutted-to-shorted-lenght-1024x768.jpg)
Don’t forget to cut cable tie to shortest possible length.
![Assembly of Nikon SB 5000 Flash](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Assembly-of-Nikon-SB-5000-Flash-768x1024.jpg)
Assembly further was much easier.
Screw 2 screws on each side.
Put black metal divider behind flash.
![Special Tweezers for holding screw](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Special-Tweezers-for-holding-screw-768x1024.jpg)
These are special tweezers which I used for holding screws to put them in tight places.
![Nikon SB 5000 Glass Fresnel](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-Glass-Fresnel-1024x768.jpg)
Before putting back glass fresnel see which is correct way.
As even it looks same on top/bottom, side shapes are different and there is only one correct way you can assemble it.
![Nikon SB5000 Repair](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB5000-Repair-1024x768.jpg)
So here it is glass fresnel slided in, back divider also in place and black plastic protector put on.
So from here there were only to put two screws on top, and 8 screws on side and flash was fully assembled back.
![Nikon SB-5000 on Operations Table](https://t-e-o.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Nikon-SB-5000-on-Operations-Table-751x1024.jpg)
With this Nikon Flash Tube Replacement of my Nikon SB-5000 Speedlight have completed.
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