How to Fix Blown Subwoofers

An old worn-out speaker that needs repair.

A blown subwoofer can seriously impair the audio quality of a car's stereo system. However, between the high cost of repairing a blown subwoofer and buying a new one, the sound quality is not the only issue to consider. Repairing a speaker can cost hundreds of dollars, and replacing a high end sub woofer can cost just as much. Repairing the speaker is not only a cost-effective alternative, but also a fairly easy task.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver Reconing kit (including cone, voice coil, spider, surround and glue) Putty knife Compressed air Soldering Iron

Instructions

1. Remove the speaker from its enclosure by removing the mounting screws holding it in place. Disconnect all attached wires.

2. Scrap the surround away from the edges of the speaker frame with the putty knife. Make sure to remove all of the surround and glue from the frame.

3. Pry out the speaker cone and voice coil with the putty knife. Cut the terminal wires from the voice coil, then remove the old cone, voice coil and spider.

4. Use the compressed air to remove dust particles from the voice coil gap. Insert the new voice coil into the gap. Place the spider around the voice coil. Apply small amounts of glue to the cone, then fit and center the cone onto the voice coil. Allow 24 hours to dry.

5. Apply glue to the surround and place it carefully onto the edges of the cone and speaker frame. Allow another 24 hours for it to dry.

6. Solder the old terminal wires to the new cone's/voice coil's terminal wires. If the new cone does not have pre-attached wires, connect small wires to the terminal wires, then drill small holes in the cone. Run these wires through the holes and solder them onto the voice coil.

7. Remount the speaker, making sure to replace all screws and disconnected wires.

References

• The Speaker Exchange