Chosen Solution
Is there a way to replace a bent bluetooth antenna connector for the 20" early 2008 iMac? When I replaced the video card on my early 2008 20 inch iMac the bluetooth antenna was bent/damaged when I removed it from the bluetooth card. I’ve tried to bend it back into shape, but the connector was too damaged to fit back onto the bluetooth board. I didn’t see an Ifixit instruction to fix or replace the u.fl connector that snaps on the bluetooth board - just a method for replacing the board.
I often find replacing the cable is just easier! You can buy pre-made cables MHF4 to U.FL Cable: 2” 4” 6” 8" 10" lengths cutting off the end and mounting (soldering) it onto the antenna.
I’ve done this too, but to a mid 2017 21.5” iMac. The curious thing is I’ve bent the little gold tip on 1 of each pair of connectors, but WiFi still works fine, and my BT “magic” keyboard still works, and my watch will still unlock the Mac, but BT connections that require a more complex data stream (sound, mouse movements) do not. I THINK I should be able to solder new connectors to the antenna tips, but I cannot find part numbers.
