How To Fix Blown Out Speakers: 5 Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to the sound quality of your car’s audio system, the speakers play a critical role. However, when you notice a distortion in the sound or no sound at all, it’s often a sign of a blown-out speaker.

So, to help you find out why and how to fix it. In this article, we will provide a common cause and a step-by-step guide to support you.

Blown-Out Speakers: Common Causes

Several common causes can lead to this problem in-car audio systems. So, here, we give you these causes that can help you prevent damage:

Speaker Cone

The first cause could lead to a speaker blowout coming from the speaker cone. This is the part that vibrates to produce sound. If the shape or structure of the cone gets altered, it can harm the sound quality, leading to a blown-out speaker.

In detail, when you use it, you often play music at high volumes or have accidental physical damage (cracks, punctures, or rips). So, this can lead to your sound being distorted, a decrease in sound volume, or in severe cases, the speaker might not produce sound at all.

Speaker Surround

Normally, around the speaker cone, there’s an important part called the surround. This part is like a ring that connects the edge of the cone to the speaker frame, allowing the cone to move back and forth smoothly.

Over time, the surround can wear out or get damaged. Things like high levels of humidity, very hot or cold temperatures, or exposure to UV light can make this happen faster, especially with surrounds made of foam or fabric.

Furthermore, if this situation persists longer, it can lead to the cone not staying centered or it might move unevenly. So, this can cause more damage inside the speaker, like an overheated voice coil or a tear in the cone, making the sound distort or the speaker stop working completely.

Voice coil

Finally, it’s important to look at the voice coil, a critical component of a speaker. If the voice coil gets hurt or gets too hot and burns, it can cause the speaker to blow out.

Typically, this happens when you have the speaker at really high volumes for a long period or if the amplifier gives too much power to it. So, this can damage your voice coil, and as a result, the speaker might stop working altogether or the sound could come out distorted.

How to Fix Blown-Out Speakers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fixing blown-out speakers requires careful attention and a systematic approach. Follow these steps to repair your speakers and restore their functionality.

Step 1: Find your blown speakers

Identify which speaker is blown by listening to your car audio system. The blown one may produce a crackling noise, distorted sounds, or no sound at all.

When you identify which one has a problem, you continute to disconnect the problematic speaker and gain access to it. You can start by disconnecting any wires or cables connected to your speaker. Then, remove any paneling or faceplate that may be obstructing your access to it. In this process, you might need a screwdriver to accomplish this task.

Step 2: Inspect the broken voice coil

Once you’ve identified the potentially blown speakers, now, you check their voice coil. Should look closely for any visible signs of damage, such as burns or breaks in the coil. And if you notice any issues with the voice coil, such as physical damage or signs of overheating, it may need to be replaced.

Step 3: Identify the cone’s physical damage

Next, check the speaker cone for any visible damage such as tears or holes. Small damages can be repaired while larger damages may require a replacement cone.

Step 4: Apply adhesive and the repair kit

In this step, you use a special speaker repair glue and a patch kit to repair small tears or holes on your speaker cone or surround. Moreover, be sure to apply the glue to the damaged area or surround, following the instructions provided with the repair kit.

Next, gently press the patch onto the glue, making sure it covers the damaged area completely. Now, let the glue dry completely before continuing.

Step 5: Reinstall the speaker

Once the damaged parts have been repaired or replaced, reassemble the speaker in your car. Make sure all the connections are secure and the parts are aligned correctly.

In the process, you should secure it firmly using any necessary mounting hardware or screws. Take care not to overtighten the screws to avoid damaging the speaker or its housing.

Tips to Prevent Future Damage

While it’s essential to know how to fix blown-out speakers, taking preventive measures can prolong the lifespan of your car’s audio system. Here are some useful tips to prevent future damage:

• Avoid playing music at excessively high volumes, especially for long periods.
• Make sure your audio system is properly set up and that the speakers are compatible with your amplifier to prevent overpowering.
• Regularly check and maintain your speakers to detect any signs of wear and tear before they cause a blow.
• Keep the speakers away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Use high-quality audio sources and avoid playing distorted or clipped audio.

Conclusion

Fixing blown-out speakers in your car audio system is an achievable task with the right knowledge and approach. By understanding the common causes and following the step-by-step guide provided, you can restore your speakers to their optimal condition.

Remember to take preventive measures to avoid future damage and maximize the lifespan of your speakers. If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about the repair process, it is recommended to consult a professional car audio technician.

Read more: What Is LPF On Amp: 3 Quick Information & Application

FAQs