ML subwoofer defect and how to fix it
03-12-06, 11:02 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
ML subwoofer defect and how to fix it
I've read several reports of people blowing their ML subwoofer listening to music with too much bass. My IS350 has 800miles and I've already blown the subwoofer after a briefly listening to rap music. My warranty covers the blown sub, but I'm sure it'll blow again soon. The fix is pretty easy to do and I've tested the sub at high volume. If your subwoofer is busted just fix it, because it'll be better than before.
The defect: The glue between the diaphram and plastic ring doesn't hold up too well under extreme bass output.
Fix: Apply epoxy to the diaphram and plastic ring. JB weld is recommended.
Steps to fix it:
1) Remove the rear seat to get access to the rear deck. Read IS_250's thread on how to remove the seats. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ight=subwoofer
2) Remove the subwoofer and inspect the damage.
3) Mix ratio 1:1 JB weld.
4) Use a small flat mixing knife to apply epoxy. You can buy one at a local art store. You need something flat and small to apply the epoxy between the diaphragm and ring.
5) VERY IMPORTANT Let the subwoofer dry overnight or 12 hours.
6) Reinstall everything and test your sub with extreme bass music.
I wrote Lexus about the defect and suggested alternative adhesive on the subwoofer. I'm still surpirsed this little 7.5" subwoofer can put out clean bass.
[IMG]IMG_1149.JPG[/IMG]
The defect: The glue between the diaphram and plastic ring doesn't hold up too well under extreme bass output.
Fix: Apply epoxy to the diaphram and plastic ring. JB weld is recommended.
Steps to fix it:
1) Remove the rear seat to get access to the rear deck. Read IS_250's thread on how to remove the seats. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ight=subwoofer
2) Remove the subwoofer and inspect the damage.
3) Mix ratio 1:1 JB weld.
4) Use a small flat mixing knife to apply epoxy. You can buy one at a local art store. You need something flat and small to apply the epoxy between the diaphragm and ring.
5) VERY IMPORTANT Let the subwoofer dry overnight or 12 hours.
6) Reinstall everything and test your sub with extreme bass music.
I wrote Lexus about the defect and suggested alternative adhesive on the subwoofer. I'm still surpirsed this little 7.5" subwoofer can put out clean bass.
[IMG]IMG_1149.JPG[/IMG]
Last edited by emissivity; 03-12-06 at 02:48 PM.
03-12-06, 11:06 AM
#4
Registered User
Thread Starter
JB weld epoxy applied around the diaphragm. Yes, it does look messy but I'm sure you can else do a cleaner job than me 
I recommend applying the epoxy between the diaphragm and plastic ring for the best contact. You'll need a flat plastic mixing knife to do it.
I recommend applying the epoxy between the diaphragm and plastic ring for the best contact. You'll need a flat plastic mixing knife to do it.
Last edited by emissivity; 03-12-06 at 02:48 PM.
03-12-06, 11:22 AM
#7
Liquid Bra Champion
I don't think Mark Levinson had rap in mind when they designed the system.
I would use something with a little flex, like PFM. The stuff is great! To me JB is way to hard, and could itself lend to distortion or further tearing,
FYI. it's spelled diaphragm.
I would use something with a little flex, like PFM. The stuff is great! To me JB is way to hard, and could itself lend to distortion or further tearing,
FYI. it's spelled diaphragm.
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03-12-06, 12:55 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by TimboIS
I don't think Mark Levinson had rap in mind when they designed the system.
I'm not one to cruise around blasting hip hop loud enough to set off car alarms. But I often listen to classic rock with strong bass lines. And I tend to have the volume at a level that passengers--but not people in other cars--complain is too loud. I'm a little concerned if my options are to either rip up the interior of my new $44+K car or risk the sub blowing out.
03-12-06, 02:51 PM
#10
Registered User
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Tony1
Its amazing that they charge you about $1500 extra for the ML and then put
a crappy sub in.
a crappy sub in.
03-12-06, 03:01 PM
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Langdell
Which brings me to my question. Are these sub blow-outs showing up only when people are playing loud, thumping rap/hip hop? Or has it been known to happen from playing "normal" music at reasonably loud volume levels?
I'm not one to cruise around blasting hip hop loud enough to set off car alarms. But I often listen to classic rock with strong bass lines. And I tend to have the volume at a level that passengers--but not people in other cars--complain is too loud. I'm a little concerned if my options are to either rip up the interior of my new $44+K car or risk the sub blowing out.
I'm not one to cruise around blasting hip hop loud enough to set off car alarms. But I often listen to classic rock with strong bass lines. And I tend to have the volume at a level that passengers--but not people in other cars--complain is too loud. I'm a little concerned if my options are to either rip up the interior of my new $44+K car or risk the sub blowing out.
What blew my speakers: Too Short "Blow the Whistle"
I think the ML was designed for all types of music. The problem lies with the adhesive selection for mounting the diaphragm to the ring. I believe it's a minor issue that can be easily fixed in production.
03-12-06, 03:07 PM
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by IS_250
great write up.. was this the sub that they replaced? or did you opt to fix it yourself instead of having lexus swap it out?
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