memcnulty

I have just completed the repair of the 6x9 speaker in my SC430. First, let me say that the various posts in this forum made it possible with a minimum of frustration. Thanks to those of you who took the time to create these. I have a moderate amount of DIY experience, but I believe most people, by following the posted instruction and pictures can be successful.
The total cost of repair was $24.95 for the repair kit from Simply Speakers.

My additions

1. There is a video on YOUTUBE In addition to the posts here, this video
gives step by step instructions and is pretty thorough. Two comments

a. I found taking the panel completely off make this so much easier. After
you are sure all of the screws and clips are removed it will seem like the
panel still does not want to come off. By grabbing the arm rest and lifting
it will release. It seems to have some hangers it rests in.

b. When you get the speaker out and are ready to replace the foam surround,
there are 4 screws hidden by the foam surrounding the cone. By removing
the screws, you can remove the plastic frame that holds the outside
edge of the foam. This eliminates trimming the foam surround.

2. The infamous two clips that are in the front of the door panel are very easy
to remove. In the video you will see him push the center with a Philips head
screwdrive and they will pop and enable you to remove. It really is that simple.

3. As you are working with this project, a number of interior lights will be on. If
your battery is suspect you may find a problem is the project drags on. I just
removed one of the battery cables.


I'm sure there are ways to improve the ML system and there are many posts to help with
that, but this seems like the most cost effective by far.

bacardi

check your subwoofer also turn the radio up open trunk and listen if the sub is making any noise. just found out mine is blown. welcome to the great lexus speakers. mite have to do to the sub what you did don't want to go 500.00 for a sub.

cadzilla88

Nice additional info

A1Lexis

iTrader: (6)

I repaired mine as well following the great DIY write ups and pics. My only regret........not doing the repair when I first bought the car.

memcnulty

Thanks for the tip on the sub. Did not realize it even had one until following one of the threads to the end.
Too bad they cheaped out on such important parts.

mandyfig

Do we need to order the foam guard?

barncat

With all the threads regarding repair and replacement of the speakers, should they be gathered together and placed in a Sticky?

A1Lexis

iTrader: (6)

^^^^ I agree. There should be a sticky on speaker repair. If they have not been repaired, in time they will be.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure all SC430 speakers will have to be repaired. If you look at Consumer Reports only the first few years had problems with speakers. Once you get to about 06 the frequency of repair drops way off. Maybe they changed the speakers at some point. I know when I was looking at SCs this stood out. I haven't had any indication that mine are deteriorating. I have an 06. It would be interesting to know if at some point Lexus changed the speaker. Also, anybody know what the cross over frequency is for the sub. I know the 6X9 seems to have a lot of base sent to them. Much more than a comparable home theater LRC speaker. I know I cross over my HT at 80hz. Just curious!

Harold57

I seem to remember VVTiBob publishing the crossover frequencies some time back.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Why doesn't that surprise me. He is the man.

mandyfig

So I tackle my driver side 6x9. I could not remove the panel, it seems to be stuck, so I just went below to remove the speaker, what a pain.

Looking at the speaker, the foam is intact (good thing I did not order the foam repair kit yet), the connection in the middle is solid (unlike the mid-range that I repaired on the Pass side last year using the sealant-glue).

So I test the speaker:

Vertical i sounds busted (sound like vibrating paper). I lay it upside, worse. But when I turn it facing down, the vibrating noise is gone.

I do not see anything than be repaired, anybody who has experience on speakers chime in.

If this speaker is gone, my choices are:

1. Get an ML replacement. Is it by piece or a pair?
2. Replace the 6x9 with another aftermarket speaker. Which one fits like OEM?

I know there are tons of speaker replacement threads around here...

mandyfig

Been looking at Crutchfield for replacement speakers (6.5) and they are all 4 OHMS and have been told they would be OK. Ther are no 8 OHMS. 8 Ohms are woofers only and none would fit the SC because of the depth.

How true is this?

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

I was in the audio business back in the 70s and we used to run 4 ohm speakers on amps rated for 8 all the time. I can't say for sure that this is OK in our system. some people here feel it can damage the amp. I'm not sure why that would be the case. Remember this is not resistance the ohms are referring to. It is nominal impedance. There is a big difference.

mandyfig

That's what the advisor told me as well. I ordered a set of replacements.

I still have to yank out the panel. It does not want to give. All clips, screws are off. Any suggestions?