How to Repair Speakers With Silicone

Silicone sealant and basic tools are used to repair replacement speaker parts.

Both home and car audio speakers are fairly durable and typically withstand a lot of wear and tear with no ill effects. However, the cone of the speaker can sometimes become damaged just through use over time. Rather than purchasing a new speaker, most speaker cone tears can be repaired with replacement speaker parts, a few basic tools and silicone sealant. Repairing a stereo speaker with silicone is an overnight process due to drying time.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Silicone
• Replacement spider
• Replacement cone

Instructions

1. Disconnect the power to the speakers either by removing the inline fuse, removing the negative battery cable of a car stereo with an adjustable wrench or unplugging the home stereo from the electrical outlet.

2. Remove the speaker cover with a Phillips screwdriver. Unplug the speaker wires.

3. Pull the old cone out. Use a plastic putty knife to remove the old cone seal and the spider.

4. Apply a bead of silicone around the circumference of the replacement spider's edge and lay it flat against the speaker frame to dry.

5. Apply a bead of silicone along the circumference of the new replacement speaker cone. Set it inside the speaker to seal against the rim. Allow the cone and spider to dry overnight.

6. Slip the speaker back into place and attach the speaker cables and power supply.

References

• Troubleshooting and Repairing Audio Equipment; Homer Davidson; 1999
• The Speaker Exchange: Recone Instructions - Unassembled