Speakers - Repair or replace?
05-07-16, 03:15 AM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Don't feel bad, I broke the drivers side window switch plate on one of the first times I disassembled the doors.
If I remember correctly,the dealer will sell you a new one for under $20. This would be without any of the switches etc. it was easy to swap the switches.
The can be tricky until you see how it is built and remember, the manual says to put tape on the screwdriver tip or you could spend $10 and go down to Harbor Frieght Tools and pick up the plastic release tools for cars.
If I remember correctly,the dealer will sell you a new one for under $20. This would be without any of the switches etc. it was easy to swap the switches.
The can be tricky until you see how it is built and remember, the manual says to put tape on the screwdriver tip or you could spend $10 and go down to Harbor Frieght Tools and pick up the plastic release tools for cars.
For what it is worth, I did a repair on my passenger side door speaker about two weeks ago. The rebuild kit cost me about $25.95 from Simply Speakers through Amazon. After reading through the forum DIYs and looking at two or three repair videos on YouTube I was ready. The job took me about 3 hours of actual work time, re-gluing the speaker cone took about 1/2 hour, removing the door panel about 1/2 hour and removing the speaker about 15 minutes. Once the glue dried it went together in less than an hour. Only one real problem - while trying to remove the window/lock master switch plate the plastic immediately cracked off when I inserted a #1 Blade screwdriver to release the spring catch. Actually, I cracked it twice, first one small piece and, on attempt two, a larger piece (it is all glued back together now and looks almost passable). The really bad part is that the mounting plate on the door unit cracked off also. (It was so brittle in actually fell apart in my hands). That was not replaced. The repair eliminated a nasty buzzing sound and vastly improved overall sound.
So, now there is the other door to do. I'm hesitating because of the larger and more used switch plate.
[IMG]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/80-img_1759_73a0ff40a6cdc5bb74210f03a38b830b21399744.jpg
In the inserted image you can see how the plate looks almost depressed into the armrest. If I proceed, and this one breaks too, I may be in for about 6 times the cost of my speaker repair kit to replace both switch plates. Any hints on how to facilitate removing the plate without harming it?
So, now there is the other door to do. I'm hesitating because of the larger and more used switch plate.
[IMG]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/80-img_1759_73a0ff40a6cdc5bb74210f03a38b830b21399744.jpg
In the inserted image you can see how the plate looks almost depressed into the armrest. If I proceed, and this one breaks too, I may be in for about 6 times the cost of my speaker repair kit to replace both switch plates. Any hints on how to facilitate removing the plate without harming it?
05-07-16, 06:59 AM
#17
Thanks for the reply. I did watch this video. Actually he is using a larger screwdriver that I tried. Upon the slightest insertion the plastic edge just broke. My car is a 2002. I live in Florid where the car was located for the last 14 years. That's about 14 years of baking.
In the video, around minute 27, the speaker talks about trimming the excess material from the replacement piece. That is incorrect. You will note that he had not removed the outer gasket. If he did, the mounting bracket screws would have been visible. Once you remove the bracket the replacement part fits perfectly, no trimming required. My gasket was almost totally dissolved and the original part only had the glued sections remaining, that is how I discovered the screws.
Well, maybe I grow a set and try it this afternoon. I was thinking of heating the piece with a hairdryer to soften it up a little, a doubt it will help.
In the video, around minute 27, the speaker talks about trimming the excess material from the replacement piece. That is incorrect. You will note that he had not removed the outer gasket. If he did, the mounting bracket screws would have been visible. Once you remove the bracket the replacement part fits perfectly, no trimming required. My gasket was almost totally dissolved and the original part only had the glued sections remaining, that is how I discovered the screws.
Well, maybe I grow a set and try it this afternoon. I was thinking of heating the piece with a hairdryer to soften it up a little, a doubt it will help.
05-07-16, 07:39 AM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
Before I had the proper tools, I used two screw drivers and popcicle ticks, the wood is softer against the plastic, wood shims may work too.
You get the wood to lift the plastic slightly then the slide the screw driver in to press the holding tab.
The best way is to have the $10 plastic tools.
You get the wood to lift the plastic slightly then the slide the screw driver in to press the holding tab.
The best way is to have the $10 plastic tools.
05-07-16, 07:42 AM
#19
Lexus Test Driver
05-07-16, 08:06 AM
#20
The screwdriver puts the force in a very small amount of surface area. The plastic trim tools spread that force out over a larger surface area. This reduces your chances of breaking the bits you are trying to remove. One of the times when the tool is as important as the technique.
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