2GS Stock Subwoofer Replacement w/ pics
#46
#47
My ML sub's foam ring is also separating from the outer edge... rattles and sounds like crap.
I did a lot of reading on the many threads in this section, but they go back YEARS .... and all the recommended replacements on here seem to be discontinued ... :/
We need some UPDATED sub recommendations!!
I did a lot of reading on the many threads in this section, but they go back YEARS .... and all the recommended replacements on here seem to be discontinued ... :/
We need some UPDATED sub recommendations!!
The ML subwoofer isn't too bad once the surround is in one piece. It's a lot cheaper than replacing the speaker and you know it fits, won't damage the amp and that the amp has enough power to make it work. None of these is certain when you replace.
Since I replaced the surround, I noticed some fuzziness in the bass. I coated the underside of the rear deck with and it made a terrific difference. Bass notes are much cleaner now.
Last edited by natman; 07-17-17 at 05:51 PM.
#48
Driver School Candidate
Thank you so much for this write up!
I'm tired of going to all the DIY that are stickied on the sub to see that none of the pictures load up, this write up is refreshing and well appreciated. Don't worry about anyone saying its a REPOST because a lot of the old sticky DIYs have expired pics and are useless.
I'm tired of going to all the DIY that are stickied on the sub to see that none of the pictures load up, this write up is refreshing and well appreciated. Don't worry about anyone saying its a REPOST because a lot of the old sticky DIYs have expired pics and are useless.
#49
My ML sub's foam ring is also separating from the outer edge... rattles and sounds like crap.
I did a lot of reading on the many threads in this section, but they go back YEARS .... and all the recommended replacements on here seem to be discontinued ... :/
We need some UPDATED sub recommendations!!
I did a lot of reading on the many threads in this section, but they go back YEARS .... and all the recommended replacements on here seem to be discontinued ... :/
We need some UPDATED sub recommendations!!
I'm on the hunt for a replacement too. Do you happen to know how much power the stock amp puts out?
#52
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best guide online.
Notes for idiots like me
REMOVE these bolts. For some reason, this wasn't obvious to me...
REMOVE them...
While doing 6, the center brake light must be disconnected. It is not easy to observe until you pull forward 10 inches or so.
Not needed. It can hang from these.
No need to remove these. In 2001 GS300, they cannot be access by hammer from trunk. But, the black plastic stretches enough to simply "unhook" from these plastic clips.
Also, for $23 you can probably repair the sub.
Notes for idiots like me
3- Push up the headrests and pull up the flap to expose the nuts holding the top of the seat to the car.
While doing 6, the center brake light must be disconnected. It is not easy to observe until you pull forward 10 inches or so.
6...Then remove the three plastic retainers using a flathead or other flat surface under the deck
7 - This is the black plastic padding behind the seat and above the deck. It is held at the back of the car by similar plastic clips as you just removed up front. I was able to unscrew these part way then use a hammer to gently tap them out from in the trunk.
Also, for $23 you can probably repair the sub.
The following users liked this post:
paulr1 (09-13-19)
#56
Now I will say, I'm not happy with this setup.
The rear desk is too weak to mount up anything with significant power. With this setup, when it really gets to breathing and you hit a low 30hz note you get almost as much rattle and flex from the deck shelf as you do output from the sub. So if you REALLY want to go this route, just plan to reinforce the shelf with welded in steel or glued/bolted wood/MDF to reduce flex.
So I'll be ripping this out, plugging it back up and doing a baffle board against the back seat with 2 or 3 woofers over the winter.
The rear desk is too weak to mount up anything with significant power. With this setup, when it really gets to breathing and you hit a low 30hz note you get almost as much rattle and flex from the deck shelf as you do output from the sub. So if you REALLY want to go this route, just plan to reinforce the shelf with welded in steel or glued/bolted wood/MDF to reduce flex.
So I'll be ripping this out, plugging it back up and doing a baffle board against the back seat with 2 or 3 woofers over the winter.
#58
Thanks OP!
The replacement foam did the trick and the GS is rattle free! If you are like me and are w/o trunk spoiler, taking out the 3rd brake light will likely shake loose a filament or two if they are, say, 16 years old or so. They are 168 bulbs and I swapped all 5. Ordering them online in advance would have saved me a few bucks. Also, trim removal tools are a must if you want to re-use the plastic clips.
The replacement foam did the trick and the GS is rattle free! If you are like me and are w/o trunk spoiler, taking out the 3rd brake light will likely shake loose a filament or two if they are, say, 16 years old or so. They are 168 bulbs and I swapped all 5. Ordering them online in advance would have saved me a few bucks. Also, trim removal tools are a must if you want to re-use the plastic clips.
#59
Hi,
Awesome guide, thank you for putting this up there, OP. Just cracked my sub yesterday (age got to it I guess) and need to glue it or replace, this post will be very helpful for that de-assembly.
Regards
/ungern
Awesome guide, thank you for putting this up there, OP. Just cracked my sub yesterday (age got to it I guess) and need to glue it or replace, this post will be very helpful for that de-assembly.
Regards
/ungern
#60
Long time, horrible work
So, some months ago I finalized replacing the foam... The actual worst part of ht work is trying to remove the foam from the cone. Despite soaking the old foam edge in rubbing alcohol, most of the time I got the cone paper with me as well, almost ruining the cone, i.e. nowhere to glue the foam. Managed to avoid total chaos, but this is a job I'll hopefully never have to do again. Nerve wrecking.
The glue provided with the replacement foam from Springfield Speaker Repair was was less than comfortable for good coverage.
Another part one can mess up, is reinstalling the back of the seat. The screws can easily make new threads in the chassis, i.e. mess up the existing threads, ruining the attachment. I lost one of the lower ones.
My kid helping out
This is just not a job for normal people
Finally done
The glue provided with the replacement foam from Springfield Speaker Repair was was less than comfortable for good coverage.
Another part one can mess up, is reinstalling the back of the seat. The screws can easily make new threads in the chassis, i.e. mess up the existing threads, ruining the attachment. I lost one of the lower ones.
My kid helping out
This is just not a job for normal people
Finally done
The following users liked this post:
paulr1 (09-13-19)