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Even the best speakers are highly delicate and sometimes suffer damage. So, to keep your good subwoofers and speakers in good condition, owners should know some basic repair techniques. If your sub-speaker has a crack, puncture, or tear, below we’ll explain how to fix a ripped subwoofer cone.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Another great habit of getting into is cleaning your speakers routinely. For more on this, you can read our guide on how to clean a subwoofer speaker.
Insider Tip
Always double-check to ensure that the glue you’re using will adhere to the material of your speaker cone.
Given that subwoofers are usually placed out in the open with the speaker exposed, it’s not uncommon for the speaker to get punctured or torn. Cones can also get damaged if placed in an area with dramatic humidity fluctuations.
When this happens, the speaker makes strange flapping sounds, which can ruin the listening experience. Upon discovering the damage, many think they need to get a new speaker, but successfully repairing a subwoofer cone takes just a bit of technical know-how.
For more technical tips on subwoofers, check out our other resources, like how to fix a subwoofer with no sound or how to connect a subwoofer to a TV.
Stores sell specific kits with everything you need to perform a successful repair. Depending on your cone type, you may need to purchase different materials. For example, subwoofers usually have a plastic, silicone, or polypropylene cone, which requires an elastic foam patch. However, if your speaker has a paper cone, you should use paper to patch the tear.
Use a screwdriver to remove all the screws attaching the speaker to the enclosure.
Measure the size of the speaker cone’s tear or puncture, then cut out two patches that fully cover the damage. If the incision size is significant, create one patch to cover the damage and a larger patch to go on top of the first one.
Before placing on the patch, apply glue or silicone caulk with a small paint brush to the cracks or tears. Rub in the glue to ensure it goes in between the seam.
Take your patch cut out, add some extra glue to the cone’s surface area and place the patch sitting entirely over the tear. Once the patch is on, place a weighted object on the patch to hold it down. Leave the weight on for about an hour.
Glue on another patch to the outer side of the speaker. Then press it and let it sit for an hour.
Use the paintbrush to add more glue around the edges of the patches, then wipe away any excess glue with a tissue.
Allow the speaker about 48 hours to let the glue fully dry.
Before placing the speaker back in the enclosure, hook up the subwoofer to the amplifier and play something through it to test the security of the patch. Ensure the flapping or buzzing sound has gone away. Also, check the patches on both sides, ensuring no visible tears or leaks.
Warning
When repairing a torn speaker cone, avoid using super glue. Super glue becomes extremely rigid when dry and can eventually damage the outer foam ring.
STAT: The typical frequency range for a subwoofer is between 20-200 Hz. (source)
