ML Rear Door Speakers in my (new to me) '03 LS
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
ML Rear Door Speakers in my (new to me) '03 LS
I just acquired a pristine '03 LS (ML and Nav) with 65k to replace my '02 UL with almost 170k. Everything is perfect except for the rear speakers. The subwoofer has been sent to Speaker Exchange in Tampa for refurbishing. The rear door speakers don't sound great. Before ordering new OEM speakers for about $110 apiece, I wondered if anyone has had good results with aftermarket speakers? I have searched the threads and found no recent posts on the issue. So please share your experiences in replacing the rear (or front, just for fun) door speakers in your LS. Thank you in advance.
#2
For $110 I would just bite the bullet and go for them without jepordizing your amp. My rear door speakers were never good but I don't really hear them so I've never replaced them.
#4
Pole Position
If the speakers are not blown, and if you are DIY capable, a reasonable alternative is to re-foam the speaker. Typically, it's the edge foam that deteriorates and causes distortion. Replacing the edge foam solves that issue. A speaker re-foam kit for 2 speakers is very inexpensive. http://www.simplyspeakers.com/mark-l...edge-kits.html
Since you're having the subwoofer repaired, the same place could easily re-foam the rear door speakers.
Since you're having the subwoofer repaired, the same place could easily re-foam the rear door speakers.
#5
Advanced
Thread Starter
True, I may re-foam them or send them out to speaker exchange. I was hoping there was a reasonable aftermarket alternative, just for the fun of it. I will have my '02 for another month or so, then start driving the '03. I may swap the rear speakers since it is looking like the '02 may be donated.
#6
True, I may re-foam them or send them out to speaker exchange. I was hoping there was a reasonable aftermarket alternative, just for the fun of it. I will have my '02 for another month or so, then start driving the '03. I may swap the rear speakers since it is looking like the '02 may be donated.
Last edited by Bocatrip; 09-21-16 at 08:23 AM.
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#8
Lexus Champion
+1... Re-foaming has worked well for me as well - 3+ years so far using a kit from Simply Speakers. The material used for the re-foaming kit will last many years, however, most re-foaming failures are due to detachment between the new foam ring and the metal speaker frame. Be sure to clean off all glue residual before gluing on the new foam.
#10
Pole Position
You can buy the refoam kit for $20 > http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-Le...cAAOxyi-ZTa734
A new Mark Levinson sub is $360+ > http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-OEM-FA...9UANqG&vxp=mtr
You'd have to get cost estimates from speaker restoration shops in your area, or ship your sub to them for refoaming.
A new Mark Levinson sub is $360+ > http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-OEM-FA...9UANqG&vxp=mtr
You'd have to get cost estimates from speaker restoration shops in your area, or ship your sub to them for refoaming.
#13
Lexus Champion
I tried using a razor blade to do the cleaning initially, but I had a hard time positioning the blade properly. Then I tried to use a screw-driver but the blade was too blunt. I find that a 1/4" wood chisel worked best for this task.
For safety concerns, I built a jig to hold the speaker in place so I can have use of both hands. Basically, I cut a hole in a piece of plywood for the speaker to sit in. I made one jig for the door speakers and another one with a bigger hole for the woofer. You will only need one screw to keep the speaker from rotating around in the hole.
Last edited by rkw77080; 09-21-16 at 10:17 AM.
#14
Pole Position
+1 ^ on proper and thorough cleaning and removal of old foam and glue on both the outer edge of speaker as well as the edge of the speaker frame. Also take your time "centering" the speaker with the new foam glued in place. Follow the included directions. Best results without rushing.
#15
Lead Lap
iTrader: (5)
i replaced my front door mids, rear door mids, and sub speakers.
i just matched impedance, diameter + depth, and range with everything on partsexpress.
been 2 years now and i'm not afraid of pushing the system at all on the ML (stock) amp, everything sounds great and probably a lot better than what was OE/factory.
03 UL
i just matched impedance, diameter + depth, and range with everything on partsexpress.
been 2 years now and i'm not afraid of pushing the system at all on the ML (stock) amp, everything sounds great and probably a lot better than what was OE/factory.
03 UL