Ipod Audio Problems.

[warfront1]

Ipod model: 5.5 gen 80 gb ipod video

Hey guys this is the same ipod that was having those weird screen issues, that I corrected thanks to rockbox forums...
But of course my ipod has encountered yet another problem....

The problem:
The right side audio will not play, or will play lower then the left side..

My rigged fix:
If i clamp it on the right side a little under the screen, both sides will play seemingly normal (I'm not sure if the right side is fully functional, but to the ear it sounds right)

My question: what the hell is causing this issue, and how the hell is this clamp fixing it? lol
Also I was thinking about just forgetting about the phone jack, and getting a real high end line out for the usb port on the bottom of the ipod?
Any information and help will be appreciated. thanks

Pictures (highlighted is my rigged clamp:

[TexasRockbox]

The headphone ribbon cable could:

Have a broken/intermittent trace.

Be loosely/incorrectly connected to the  connector on the motherboard.

The connector on the motherboard is defective/loose solder leads.

Remember, these connectors have a little flip-up catch to hold the ribbon cable and the ribbon cable must be fully inserted and square to the connector before closing the catch.

[warfront1]

The cable running between the mobo and the jack was acting goofy.

I rigged it even further by using a piece of scotch tape to position it in the right spot to get both right and left audio.
So I have no removed my horrid outer clamp, so it looks like a normal ipod.

IS there anywhere can I can buy a ribbon cable.

[TexasRockbox]

A Google search for 'iPod Video 5.5g parts" should reveal some vendors.  The ribbon cable itself may be next to impossible to source but headphone jack/hold switch assembly, including the ribbon cable should be quite easy.