Damage to your subwoofer and unfreezing it is the most annoying thing for most users. It is the most sensitive tool that can freeze easily, especially if the speaker is of low quality. Other reasons for freezing might include clipping of the amplifier, excessive heating of the coil, and tearing of suspension foam.
Furthermore, the problem often gets intensified due to the wrong approach of unfreezing the unit. The majority of the consumers try to unclog the system by tapping on it, which leads to the destruction of cones. Hence, leading to more problems. In order to solve the issue, this article encapsulates a step-by-step guide on how to unfreeze a subwoofer.
How to Unfreeze a Subwoofer?
Before you begin the procedure, it is recommended to identify the reason for the sudden freezing of your equipment. Also, take note of the severity of the problem. Oftentimes the issue is not severe and can be resolved at home. However, there are times as well where the apparatus has been damaged to a great extent, and repairing it at home might lead to further problems. In such situations, it is best to seek expert guidance. Thus, you should first consider these factors before beginning the process.
Apparatus Required
Following tools might be required while unfreezing the subwoofer of your car. They include; a small knife tool kit, masking tape, rubbing alcohol, Elmer’s glue, screwdriver, speaker repair glue, and epoxy glue. Therefore, you should first collect the required materials before proceeding to further steps. Preparing the materials beforehand will also prevent future troubles and will enhance your efficiency to a great extent.
Technique 1: Detaching the Subwoofer
The first and foremost step involves the detachment of subwoofers from the main apparatus. This can be carried out using a screwdriver. It can help you in unscrewing the material and offers easy access to the location where the subwoofers are placed. However, be extremely careful in the process as slight negligence might lead to the breakage of wires present around the area.
After you have successfully reached the speakers, take them out and monitor them carefully to identify the issue. Keep in mind to carefully monitor the cones, voice call, and suspension foam of the item. There is a different procedure for resolving problems occurring in different components of subwoofers, and thus, the identification of the problem is extremely significant.
The damage associated with the suspension foam can be repaired by gluing the equipment. Contrary to this, the problems in coils and cones can be resolved by replacing them. This can be carried out by removing the cone using a knife and cutting them through the dust cap. Afterward, you can cut the coil around the spider and take it out of the system. Finally, you can insert the new coil and attach the wires together.
Technique 2: Repair by Reconnecting
The second technique involves repairing the equipment by reconnecting it. You can perform this by replacing the main moving parts of the item. This procedure is known as recon and can be effortlessly carried out using a recon kit. The technique involves the removal of the existing coil spider and dust cap, and thus you would need to buy a new top-quality iron wire to complete the process. As mentioned earlier, epoxy glue would be required in the procedure to attach the materials.
Fortunately, the recon kit is integrated with epoxy glue and can make the process easier for the majority of consumers. Use the glue to attach the cone and dust cap with each other. Then, use white vinyl in the area for better efficiency. The other components, including the spider, can be attached to the gasket using transparent adhesives. Finally, you can insert the seeker back into the car after you successfully replaced all the materials.
Technique 3: Using a Tear Glue
Technique 3 involves repairing your gadget using tear glue. The process consists of fixing the tear of the subwoofer, for which you will require a specific tear glue mentioned previously in the list of required materials. Similarly, a power towel can be used as an alternative to the glue and can be modified into the size of a tear. Insert the paper towel in the torn hole and press it properly. Make sure to leave no room for empty spaces around the hole.
Secure it with the help of Elmer’s glue to prevent it from falling. The glue should be saturated properly around the towel instead of running in the form of thin fluid. Repeat the process at the back of the speaker and attach the paper towel perfectly, leaving no room for error. Let it dry overnight, and then close it properly, and you are good to go.
Technique 4: Replacing the foam
The subwoofers can also be unfrozen by replacing the foam if it is the primary reason for damage. The foam can be replaced by cutting it from the gasket. However, you must be extremely careful while doing so, as slight negligence might lead to the breakage of nearby wires. Carefully cut the frame and gasket by using a knife.
Afterward, use rubbing alcohol along with a paper towel to clean the area completely. After the area has been properly cleaned, apply the glue and spread it using your hands. Let it sit for some time and leave it to dry completely. After applying glue to the cone, the next step involves gluing the gasket back to the foam. Let it dry as well, and then insert it back to the frame. Remember to keep the cone in the center while doing so for a better outcome.
The Last Resort
If nothing else works and you are unable to identify the actual cause for the freezing of the device, it is recommended to reinstall the speakers. In order to perform the process, take a screwdriver and unscrew the apparatus. Replace the subwoofer from the system. As mentioned earlier, be mindful of the wires around you. The location and connection of the wires can be identified using the instruction manual available with the product. Reinstall the speakers and wires into the system. If the problem still persists after performing these steps, it is advised to seek expert guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a subwoofer to freeze?
There might be a variety of factors involved in the process. Mostly it is due to the overheating of the coil, which often results in permanent damage. This occurs when the amplifier gets clipped and generates square wave voltage. The specified voltage is converted into DC voltage by the system and overheats the coil, as mentioned earlier. Hence, freezing the cone as a result of excessive heating.
What happens when a subwoofer blows?
The subwoofer does not blow up due to smaller problems. Negligence in the long term often leads to the issue which occurs due to the supply of a huge amount of signal to the amplifier. Thus, it results in clipping and leads it to overheat the coil. Sustained clipping over the long term leads to permanent damage to the amplifier. Thus, leading the subwoofer to blow. A blown subwoofer can be identified through its loud and bad sound quality.
Do subwoofers wear out?
Indeed subwoofers are electronic gadgets that wear out after continuous usage over a long time. The built-in amplifier, when used regularly, might start generating loud and odd noise that might sound unpleasant to the ears. Similarly, the driver is another component of a subwoofer that is prone to damage and must be taken care of properly. Most subwoofers last between 5 to 8 years and should be replaced after that for better efficiency.
What to do when the coil of the subwoofer gets stuck?
To resolve the problem, you can carefully uncoil it using a knife. However, the process is extremely complicated, and a slight mistake might result in blowing off speakers. Keep in mind to never press the speaker to unfreeze them; it will damage the cones. Instead, use a flashlight to analyze the situation and readjust the coil back to its original position if the surrounding wires are intact. Afterward, push the subwoofers on both sides and test them. Contrary to this, if the wires have been broken, seek expert guidance and don’t try to repair the apparatus by yourself.
Wrapping Up
Subwoofers are the most sensitive component of a speaker and might get damaged due to voltage fluctuations, overheating of the coil, issues with suspension foam and cones. Therefore, they require proper maintenance for a better outcome. Similarly, identification of a problem and its location can help to a great extent if they display performance issues or get clipped.
Once identified, the problem can be resolved using various methods, including the replacement of suspension foam, using tear glue, reconnecting the equipment, and finally reinstalling the speakers if nothing else works. However, if the problem persists after adopting all the above-mentioned procedures, it is advised to seek expert guidance to prevent future troubles.
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