How to Install a Metal Gimbal Ring on Grado Headphones

By Grado Labs | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: How-to Guides

Step-by-step instructions for replacing a metal gimbal ring on Grado RS1, Statement Series, PS1000, and PS2000 headphones, with fit checks and common mistakes.

Quick answer

To install a metal gimbal ring on compatible Grado headphones, remove the old ring, align the new metal ring with the headband block and driver housing, and reattach the pivot pin. Metal gimbal rings fit the RS1, all Statement Series, PS1000, and PS2000 models; for other models, use plastic gimbal rings instead. Work slowly and check the pivot fit before applying force.

Check your model before you order

Metal gimbal rings are not universal. Grado lists them as fitting the RS1, all Statement Series headphones, the PS1000, and the PS2000. If your headphone is not on that list, the correct part is a plastic gimbal ring. Using a metal ring on a model that takes plastic can prevent the pivot from seating correctly and may damage the headband block.

Plastic Gimbal Ring — plastic gimbal ring

Gather the right parts and a clear workspace

You need one metal gimbal ring for the side you are repairing. Gimbals are sold as individual pieces and can be used on either the left or right side, so order the quantity you actually need. Set up a clean, well-lit surface and keep small parts in a tray so the pivot pin does not roll away.

Remove the old gimbal ring carefully

Support the driver housing with one hand while you work the old ring free from the headband block. The pivot pin is the small part that connects the ring to the block; once it is out, set it aside immediately. Do not pull the cable or twist the housing while the ring is loose, because the cable runs through that area.

Seat the new metal ring and check alignment

Slide the new metal gimbal ring into position so its pivot holes line up with the headband block. Before you insert the pin, rotate the ring through its full range of motion by hand. It should move smoothly without binding against the housing or the block. If it feels tight, stop and recheck the orientation rather than forcing it.

Reinstall the pivot pin and test the movement

Once the holes are aligned, push the pivot pin back through the ring and block until it seats. Gently rotate the housing up and down and side to side. The ring should pivot freely with no wobble and no grinding. If the movement is stiff, the pin may not be fully seated; if it is loose, check that the pin passed through both sides of the ring.

Step-by-step gimbal ring installation

Confirm your model takes a metal ring: Check that your headphone is an RS1, Statement Series, PS1000, or PS2000. If it is not on that list, use a plastic gimbal ring instead. Checkpoint: metal rings are only for the listed models.
Remove the old ring and pivot pin: Support the driver housing, free the old ring from the headband block, and set the pivot pin in a tray so it does not get lost. Checkpoint: do not pull the cable or twist the housing.
Test-fit the new metal ring: Slide the ring into place and rotate it by hand before inserting the pin. It should move smoothly without binding. Checkpoint: if it binds, recheck orientation instead of forcing it.
Reinstall the pivot pin: Align the pivot holes and push the pin through the ring and block until it seats fully. Checkpoint: the pin must pass through both sides of the ring.
Check movement and seating: Rotate the housing through its full range. Look for free movement with no wobble or grinding. Checkpoint: stiff movement means the pin is not fully seated; looseness means it missed a hole.

Grado parts that fit this job

Metal Gimbal Ring: Genuine Grado replacement metal gimbal rings fit the RS1, all Statement Series, PS1000, and PS2000 models. For models not listed, use plastic gimbal rings. Gimbals are sold as individual pieces and may be used for the left or right side. Order the correct material and quantity for your model so the pivot seats properly and you do not buy more rings than you need.
Grado Headphone Replacement S-Cushions: Grado Headphone Replacement S-Cushions are consumer-replaceable genuine ear cushions. They are standard on SR60, SR80, and SR125, and also fit all Prestige, Reference, Statement, Professional, and Limited Edition headphones. If you are already handling the gimbal area, this is a good time to check whether your cushions need replacing, since they are user-replaceable.