How to Repair an Open Speaker Diaphragm

Speakers are an essential part of any home theater setup.

The diaphragm (also know as the cone) on your speaker is the actual part of the speaker that vibrates the air to make sound and music. The electromagnetic in the rear of the speaker moves the cone back and forth in the frequency required to make the proper tone in the air. However, the diaphragm has to be relatively thin to move so quickly, and its movement makes it prone to rips and tears over time.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver set
• Replacement cone

Instructions

1. Buy a replacement speaker cone for your make and model of speaker. You cannot use other speaker model cones as they have a different-shaped cone and different material thicknesses. If you use a thinner cone than normal, your speaker's driver will rip it apart. If the cone is too thick, the driver will not be able to vibrate it.

2. Turn off the speaker and open up the speaker box. The exact process will depend on your make and model, but in most speakers the screws will be either in the back or under the speaker screen. Unscrew the speaker assembly from the box and pull it out of the box.

3. Gently pry the speaker cone out of the speaker frame by working a flathead screwdriver along the seam of the cone, where it meets the frame edge. Although you do not care about the broken cone, you do not want to damage the frame. Pull the cone out and place it to the side.

4. Seat the bottom of the cone right over the magnet driver, and push the center down very gently until the coil assembly at the bottom clicks in over the magnet driver. Push the edges of the speaker cone down and over the edge of the speaker frame until the entire lip is curled over.

5. Place the speaker assembly back in the speaker enclosure and reattach any panels that you removed. Plug the power back in, and test the speaker by playing music.

References

• Muscianshotline: Loudspeaker Reconing
• Colomar: Reconing