DIY ML Center channel replacement (04 GS)
03-17-10, 09:42 AM
#1
DIY ML Center channel replacement (04 GS)
After searching around and learning that many folks have had problems with their front center channel speaker being blown. I thought it might be helpful to post some photos of how to remove the center speaker.
The primary problem removing the center channel (especially on my 6 year old GS) is that the plastic has become brittle from sitting in the sun. My first attempt to remove the front speaker grill resulted in the plastic breaking under pressure.
After that failed attempt I decided to remove the vents and attempt to free it up from under the dash instead of pulling it from the top side.
I removed the vents. They came out by simply prying gently with a small flat blade screwdriver.
Unhook the hazard and the clock
hazard connector on left and clock on right.
You can see the center speaker held from the bottom by three clips.
I then pinched the clips and attempted to gently slide out the grill assembly. There was a large amount of creaking and cracking no matter how gentle I was. The three clips ended up breaking off the grill.
I then removed the speaker connector
Here is a picture of the ML center speaker
I cannot stress enough how brittle the three clips were that were holding in the speaker. They almost crumble in your fingers.
They snapped off with barely any force applied to them. I expect this is the case with any of the older models. As the plastic ages in the sun it becomes very brittle.
I will be ordering a replacement grill and aftermarket center speaker to replace the blown stock model. I will update with more pictures when the project is complete.
The primary problem removing the center channel (especially on my 6 year old GS) is that the plastic has become brittle from sitting in the sun. My first attempt to remove the front speaker grill resulted in the plastic breaking under pressure.
After that failed attempt I decided to remove the vents and attempt to free it up from under the dash instead of pulling it from the top side.
I removed the vents. They came out by simply prying gently with a small flat blade screwdriver.
Unhook the hazard and the clock
hazard connector on left and clock on right.
You can see the center speaker held from the bottom by three clips.
I then pinched the clips and attempted to gently slide out the grill assembly. There was a large amount of creaking and cracking no matter how gentle I was. The three clips ended up breaking off the grill.
I then removed the speaker connector
Here is a picture of the ML center speaker
I cannot stress enough how brittle the three clips were that were holding in the speaker. They almost crumble in your fingers.
They snapped off with barely any force applied to them. I expect this is the case with any of the older models. As the plastic ages in the sun it becomes very brittle.
I will be ordering a replacement grill and aftermarket center speaker to replace the blown stock model. I will update with more pictures when the project is complete.
03-17-10, 12:37 PM
#4
A far shot of the grill assembly or the hole in the dash?
03-17-10, 04:23 PM
#6
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The hole in the dash 
Thanks. btw, I posted some nice sub deals in deals page.
Thanks. btw, I posted some nice sub deals in deals page.Big Mack
08-23-10, 05:49 PM
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07-11-11, 06:36 AM
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ML center channel speaker grill replacement
I need to just replace the grill since it cracked. Is there any particular reason I would need to remove the vents to remove it or will it come out from the top if I am not concerned with breaking the tabs?
09-03-11, 05:12 AM
#15
First of all- My center channel speaker blew (I'm assuming the surround has separated, just like the OEM Mark Levinson 10" subwoofer's surround has, also)
THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting the pics though- that's a TREMENDOUS help.
I wanted to tell you that I bought a nice used replacement center channel ML speaker on ebay (It was like $60, shipped) That's where I'd recommend buying a new speaker.
What about that trim ring though... it that a SEPARATE part from the grill/speaker housing? I need a new one too.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting the pics though- that's a TREMENDOUS help.
I wanted to tell you that I bought a nice used replacement center channel ML speaker on ebay (It was like $60, shipped) That's where I'd recommend buying a new speaker.
What about that trim ring though... it that a SEPARATE part from the grill/speaker housing? I need a new one too.