LS430Lexus

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.

Bocatrip

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.

LS430Lexus

I tend to agree but was just curious about aftermarket options that I may not be aware of.

Tom57

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.

LS430Lexus

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.

Bocatrip

Had my subwoofer refoamed by a sound system tech . Starting rattling 2 years latter. I was told the voice coil could be bad.

Tom57

I re-foamed my subwoofer 3 years ago, still sounds fine at full throttle.

rkw77080

+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.

MR ED

What's the cost of re-foaming the subwoofer done by a shop. Mine is definitely blown and I was considering replacing it.

Tom57

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.

MR ED

Thanks for the links, I'll attempt to re-foam it myself and see how it turns out. The door speakers can be re-foamed as well?

Tom57

Yes, I've done on my '01. Kit to refoam two (2) door speakers - $20 > http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-Le...cAAOxyi-ZTa734

One (1) new door speaker > $125.

rkw77080

The key to success is the cleaning... After scraping off most of the existing foam from the speaker metal frame, I brushed on some Goo Gone and let it sit overnight. Then I used a 1/4" wood chisel to finish removing the old glue and foam down to bare metal. Then finally, I used some alcohol or paint thinner to remove any Goo Gone residual. This way, you have a clean metal surface for the new foam to attach to.

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.

Tom57

+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.

offbad

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