Manaray

Hey, Percy suggested that I ask you about the rear deck rattle on the GS's (specfically, a 2001 GS430 with the Mark Lev. sound system)....even with the stock ML sub, it rattles...I SORTA fixed the seatbelt "cup" rattle (I put Dynamat around it and secured it with Dynamat to the metal part of the decklid (underneath). Defintely no "Pro" job...more like hack job, but it works (for the most part) for now until I replace the whole system....

Now I play on going with the Velodyne (thanks Percy!) and I fear that I'm going to have a LOT more rattle....how did you fix that?

Did you do a free-air sub or a box? Which would you recommend...I'm not AGAINST putting a box in the back on the rear shelf (so long as I have room for the rear Strut Tower Bar)...

I saw someone's install who had just a big opening where the sub was with a box directly underneath...is that a good setup?

RealMarty

I'm not a car stereo expert like Gene or Percy, but if you are getting a rattle with the stock ML the dealer should fix it. I had problems with my stock sub after 3 years and the dealer replaced it. On a new 430 I'd let them do the work. Might as well let them earn their warranty bucks from Lexus before you mod the sub.

Manaray

Marty - Actually, Lexus is having my whole system replaced with a system of my choosing But no matter what sub I get, I'm sure I'm going to have rattle on the rear deck...

I also brought up the setbelt cup rattle with them (a long time ago) and they said they couldn't anything about it...it's not that any part of sound system is "faulty", it's just not a great rear deck setup for a lot of bass...

zushwa

I plan on just upgrading with a free air sub (stupid stroller!) but in your situation I'd do a sealed box, that is if you don't need all your trunk space (do you golf??). I don't know about with the strut tower bar. Whatever you do, don't leave that hole in the rear deck like that picture. I understand why it was left but I thought that was very unprofessional looking. I'm not saying go with the plexiglass and neon, but something to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Manaray

Well I would have it all covered up so you can't see it...I'm trying to do a very "stock" looking system which is why I'm trying not to do a box, but if it's the only way I can get clean rattle-free bass, then I'll have to do it...

I would probably seal it up and put some ports in it...but who knows...

mumbles

manaray,
Percy can correct me on this if I'm wrong, but the Velodyne uses a servo type feedback system to control cone movement, so you don't need to use an enclosure. If Lexus is replacing your system, make sure they use a substantial baffle board to mount the Velodyne to if it doesn't fit in the opening left by the ML sub.
Also, Lexus will probably have to remove the rear deck cover to replace the ML sub, so you might want to be there when they do this, and have some dynamat handy to put on the exposed rear deck before they reattach the rear cover, this will at least pad the surface between the cover and the deck and reduce some of the rattles.
Hope this helps,
Eric.

Mean Gene

Mana - I've done both the free-air & sealed ( currently ) route. If trunk space is your #1 priority, then the Velo is the ticket in a free-air configuration - great woofer anyway in terms of accuracy! A single 10" or 12" woofer in a sealed box wouldn't take up that much space & should allow the use of the rear STB. In fact, someone has pics of just such a setup posted around here - might take a look at those first. If U don't want pounding bass, the single woofer will rule ( tight & fast! ). As far as rattles, I'm sure U know about the license plate holder & third brake light as being sources. When I had my JL IBU4, only the plate holder rattled so I wouldn't expect U to have any others until or if U decide to try for some more SPL by using multiple woofers, which will more than likely eliminate the use of the rear brace. If the deck cover still shakes ( like mine did ), I had to shoot some screws into the MDF enclosure to secure it. Good luck with things & keep us posted, especially how U got Lexus to foot the bill!!!:eek:

xsuperjoex

ok first things first....

for the cup of the seat belt retracter....get to good hands hold it firmly and pull hard and the cup comes off problem solved..no dealer and no dynamat!!!


second i have a sealed encloser on the shelf in the trunk and i took out the stock sub so that the bass travels into the cabin...it sound completly awesome

third my entire deck rattles solution: this weekend i will take out the deck and seats and dynamat the entire part and make sure everything doesn't rattle anymore...


Just to let you guys know once you put a system of insane proportions like I have things rattle...things that didn't rattle before (example i had to dynamat the inside of my gas filler..it was one of the most annoying rattles in the world!!!...can be heard blocks away )


look at the picture NO CUP ON THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR!!!...try it it works!!!

NO SUB...very good bass