I don't turn ML loud, but enjoy a good bass on pop songs.
the sub rattles on some notes; more noticable if volume is up.

I inspected and felt around edges of sub. I did not find any tears.
I did not remove sub. only looked under the cover; watched it move up and down...

I have read the ML thread and some threads suggesting silicone glue around edges.

what else should I check?
before considering replacement or rebuilding.

tia,
mike wong
04 sport suspension.

 

. I've been on this Forum since 2006. I tried the glue method followed by refoaming and finally just bought a oem Lexus sub. Nothing will last and is just a temporary fix. I've read all the posts before trying the shortcuts. They don't last. Yes the speaker is expensive but it works and lasts the longest.

 

Yea, I have had my LS430 now for about 13 years (longest car I have ever owned) and now have 228K on it.

The sub is something I have had to deal with a few times over the years. I did a OEM replacement twice now, just a year later the foam started breaking down AGAIN. I have used some clear silicone on it and it works but, maybe for about 6-8 months and the popping comes back. I have done 3 coats on this and it does help for a quick fix.

There are also many threads on REPLACING the sub with a 3rd party one as this seems to be a common thing going on with these subs, as these cars get older and older.. If your planning to hold on to the car for a very long time, I might spend some time reading those threads before replacing with OEM.

 

You can't always see/feel the separation of the foam from the edge of the speaker assembly. Silicon glue (I tried) is a temporary solution. I re-foamed the sub in my '01 for $20 a few years ago with a well-known re-foaming kit and it has held up really well. I also re-foamed front door speakers. If you go with an after-market sub, be sure to choose a sub-woofer wisely (match speaker impedance to the amp), or you could blow your amp. As suggested, there are existing threads on replacing the sub, including in the FAQs.

 

I bought a foam surround from Simply Speakers and installed that to my subwoofer and that cured the buzz. Cheapest fix!

 

guess I forgot to report that I did not see any splitting; but applied silicone, since everything was opened up.
the silicone solved the rattle. but as I said, it's wife's car and I don't crank the ML to extreme.

happy to report this is 2021 and fix is still holding

stay safe everybody !