A subwoofer speaker is an important component of any audio system.
A subwoofer enhances the bass of any sound playback on it. It is an expensive but worthwhile investment for your audio needs. So, it is especially disheartening when the coil of your subwoofer gets blown out.
Quickly and easily learn how to fix a blown subwoofer coil by reading my article below.
Things You Need to Get Started
Here are the important tools you need to repair a blown subwoofer coil. You can easily find most of these in any nearby hardware store.
- Replacement coil
- Multimeter
- Air compressor
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Soldering iron
- Glue
Once you have all these tools, you’re ready to start repairing a blown subwoofer.
Steps to Repair a Blown Subwoofer
Blown subwoofers are a common issue caused by power surges and improper wiring. Luckily, with the right instructions, repairing them is an easy feat.
You can fix a blown subwoofer coil in just eight steps.
1. Evaluate the Coil’s Condition
Before anything, you’ll want to ensure that a blown coil was the cause of damage to your subwoofer.
An easy method to test this is by using a multimeter. Connect the speaker terminals to the multimeter and check the readings. If there is no movement on the meter, the coil is most likely damaged. On the other hand, if any resistance is shown on the meter, then the coil is still functional.
Other components may be damaged if the multimeter shows resistance, but the subwoofer isn’t working properly. Otherwise, continue to the next step to repair the coil of the blown subwoofer.
2. Remove the Speaker from The Frame
Once you confirm that the subwoofer’s problem lies in the coil, you can start the repair process.
Separate the speaker from the frame by unscrewing the mounting screws. Carefully remove the speaker from the frame with all the wires still attached. Take note of the location and connection point of each wire. Then, remove all the attached wires from the speaker.
It might help to take a picture of the removed speaker with all the wires still attached. This will make the reassembly process easier since you’ll have a guide to follow for the re-wiring.
3. Remove the Surrounding of The Speaker
The speaker surround is the soft ring glued onto the speaker cone.
Remove the surround of the speaker by using a putty knife to cut through the glue binding the surround to the cone. Carefully work around the glue and remove the surround.
Ensure to avoid puncturing the ring or chipping the speaker to prevent further damage.
4. Remove the Coil, Speaker Cone, and Spider
The next step is to remove the coil and speaker cone from the subwoofer.
Use the same putty knife from the last step to gently pry off the coil, speaker cone, and spider. You’ll notice that terminal wires connect the components to the subwoofer. Cut the wires to separate the coil and speaker cone from the subwoofer.
Don’t stress about cutting the wires, the new coil comes with new terminal wires that will be attached at a later step.
5. Clean the Coil Area
Debris such as dust and dirt in the coil area can cause the coil to deteriorate faster.
Clean the coil area by wiping off any visible debris. Then, use an air compressor to clean up between the gaps and other hard-to-reach areas.
This might seem unnecessary, but it’s always better to prevent any future problems caused by the debris.
6. Replace the Coil and Spider
Finally, it’s time to replace the coil of your blown subwoofer.
Take the new coil and attach it inside the coil gap area. Place a new spider around the coil to ensure that the new coil is fully supported. Apply glue to the cone, enough to affix the cone to the coil but not too much to avoid overflow, then gently place it on the center of the new coil.
Give the glue at least 24 hours to dry fully before moving to the next step.
7. Reassemble the Speaker Surrounding
Start reassembling the speaker surround once the glue of the coil fully dries.
Put glue on the surround’s edges where they will come into contact with the speaker frame. Line up the surround with the edges of the surround’s cone and the speaker frame. Firmly press together the surround to the speaker frame. Make sure that both components are glued together before letting go. (1)
Once more, wait at least 24 hours to give the glue time to dry fully.
8. Reassemble the Rest of The Components
The final step is to reattach all the other components removed in the earlier steps.
Start with the wires removed in step 3. Attach the new coil’s terminal wires to the old ones’ location. Then use a soldering iron to affix the terminal wires firmly.
If the new coil does not come with pre-attached wires, use smaller wires to connect to the terminal wires. Make small holes in the new cone. Push the wires through the holes, then use a soldering iron to hold the wires in place firmly.
Check the speaker cone to see whether it has fully sunk into place. If not, push the cone along its sides until the entire circumference is embedded inside the subwoofer.
Finally, reattach any other removed components back into their original position. Insert the subwoofer into the frame. Anchor it back into place by tightening the mounting screws.
Wrapping Up
A blown subwoofer coil doesn’t immediately mean having to buy a new subwoofer.
Most of the time, a blown subwoofer coil is still salvageable. All you need is the proper tools and the right steps to repair it. In addition, you’ll also learn important DIY skills that you can apply to other projects. (2)
Save money by repairing instead of buying, and learn how to fix a blown subwoofer by consulting my easy-to-follow guide above.
Take a look at some of our related articles below.
- How to hook up 2-amps with 1 power wire
- Why do rats chew wires
- How to attach wires to a circuit board without soldering
References
(1) glue – https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/best-super-glue-4171748
(2) DIY skills – https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/worth-the-effort-10-diy-skills-to-finally-master-this-year-214371
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