[Yaesu] Problem with phone jack on older FT 980

[David Thompson]

I have had 4 different FT 980's and all have had problems with the stereo
headphone jack.  On two I (after finaly getting to the jack) I merely
squeezed the jack with a pair of
long nose pliers.  I kept the best two but now one of them again has a
problem with the headphone jack.  The jack has now failed to function.

I have a lot of older Boatanchor receivers and the jacks continue to work
after 40, 50, and even 60 years.  What is wrong with yaesu jacks.  I hear
the problem occurs in the older FT 901/902, the FT-1, and even in the
FT-1000D.
I ahve had 2 FT-920's with no problems (yet?).
I use Heil boom mic sets and listen to the SSB monitor to check on the
audio.

Any ideas on keeping the jacks working?   If I replace them any suggestions?
I assume any standard 1/4" stereo jack  will work.

73 Dave K4JRB