MX5

My '01 UL ML has a crackling right front door speaker. Doesn't do it all the time but it's clearly on the way out. I want to replace both front door speakers at the same time, and I have found new OE replacements online but it looks like almost 300 bucks for a pair. That seems steep.

Has anyone replaced the front door speakers with some other brand, while keeping everything else stock, and had it sound good?

Looking for a suggestion of a specific brand and model # speaker....

Thanks!

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Ebay has new ones for $150. Or possible re-cone the current setup? I'm sure others can chime in.

js058515

I had the same question a few months ago but was unable to find anything that wasn't either expensive (OEM replacement) or needed some sort of an adapter to fit. Odd size speaker to keep us at the mercy of the stealership IMO. Anyways, I decided to attempt to repair mine with a kit from Simply Speakers. Now I need to find the time to take on the challenge. Good luck to you MX5, your UCF30 looks great after all these years.

Bocatrip

I replaced mine with OEM about 4 years ago which at that time cost me about $99 each. Our system will not allow aftermarket without jeopardizing the amp as well as making additional modifications.

MX5

Thanks - she is holding up remarkably well indeed

MX5

That's what I was afraid of.....guess I will just need to suck it up and pay the piper. I've had it balanced towards the rear for months and it actually still sounds great.

BradTank

My driver's side went out, I've heard it's pretty common since that's the door that's constantly opened and closed.

If you wanted to go cheap, I fixed mine with some liquid electrical tape, I just brushed it along where the foam had separated with a good coat to make sure the parts were connected and gave it overnight to cure and waited the next day to turn on. It's basically the same stuff speaker repair places use to repair speakers. The "flapping" sound was gone.

I just couldn't pay that much money at a dealership for an OEM speaker knowing how crappy they are. My subwoofer also had the same thing happen and I also fixed that with the liquid electrical tape.

jamsvet

Orange County Speakers. I've had them recone my 02, 03, and now the new 04 I'm buying. I'm sending them both fronts and the rear shelf speaker. Great company, I'll let you know how much. Prob a couple of weeks.

offbad

iTrader: (5)

i went with these
http://www.parts-express.com/prv-aud...-ohm--294-2701

correct impedance and size, and much more mid response than i ever had with stock ML

the rear doors are also 8ohm but 4"

2003 UL

PersianOne

My front passenger door speaker seems to be on its way out as well. More of a vibration sound when I turn up the volume, quite irritating, especially if my volume is turned up. I don't want to go aftermarket because I may as well change everything out and I don't want to do that yet. Anyone have the part number or a link to OEM speakers? Would it be hard to diy or should I just buy it and take it to a shop? Your LS looks really clean MX5! If you don't mind me asking, where did you get your trunk spoiler from?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

The rear sub is actually 12 - 14 ohms. It's a really odd speaker. Nobody makes one except ML. I wonder if they do these type of things on purpose.

Robles84

Crutchfield.com and many options to choose from

oldkystude

Buy the whole 5 speaker kit for about $50. I’d rather have fresh foam than NOS speakers which are possibly as old as the car.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F133141953048

jliusifer

My front passenger door speaker sounds like crap.My guess is that the foam is deteriorated. Instead of buying an aftermarket speaker and risk damaging the factory amp, I just bought the kit off ebay. Hopefully it works out!

VWTim

If you install speakers with similar power handling and impedance, the ML amp will not care one bit.

I installed these: https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.co...1/2-wool-cone/

I purchased enough for all doors, but have only installed the front so far. They do NOT bolt in directly. I was able to use the OEM speaker door adapter, but had to cut it down and trim/grind some of the reinforcement ridges. Took an afternoon with a dremel and a few bits and they sound great. I have photos of the mods somewhere, but never posted any online.