popeyecahn
Member
- :
- Ex CX5 Owner
- :
- '23 3 PRM HB MT
I replaced the front speakers today (Infinity REF-6502ix) and the ordeal, ah umm I mean job got me to thinking about posting my thoughts and tips. I'll gladly answer any specific questions if anyone has any about this procedure.
1. Cut out the OEM speaker from its base, it's easy as the assembly is all plastic. Trim away the supports as flush as possible, they shouldn't cause a problem with fit, but they may cut you. The leads will need to be cut as will the surround. Use this to form the basis for the mounting of the replacement spkr PROVIDED the height of any elements (notably the tweeter) does not make the total height of the mount + spkr = > 3" and actually a little less would be good as the door grille is pretty flexible.
2. The area with which to attach the new spkr is limited, make the best of it and attach the screws out as far on the spkr mounting tabs as possible and use either self tapping screws or pre-drill the hole. You may also need to cut away at the ridge for the tabs to rest flat (notching them at the placement spot) or file the ridge altogether that you have a flush mounting surface. I also used the foam tape that came with the spkrs, I would recommend this if space allows (it should...).
3. Use the OEM connector*. After cutting the leads to the OEM spkr, solder new ones to the white connector and be done with it. Don't have a soldering iron? Borrow or buy one, butt splicing is for amateurs. And why ruin the integrity of the system (other than the spkr) when it was working fine before the replacement bug entered your butt, right? Keep it, it makes sorting out problems later on simple. Dress the wires with either ties or tape or both.
*This is not an option for adding dash speakers though as there doesn't seem to be a known connector available to the unwashed masses that will fit the speaker plate in the dash. There isn't much if any data on changing out the current dash speakers, so this only applies to us lowly 4 speaker folk.
4. The white panel fasteners will break more than you like but they may still function for the purpose. And before attempting to snap the door panel back on, remove the ones remaining in the door itself (a right, royal PITA) and set them into the door panel before attaching it. Consider buying a bag of them from the dealer, the parts dept should have them, I understand the run $1 a pop.
5. Check you work. Twice. Trust me, having been distracted, then rushed and then I thought I was done, I attached the door panel (see above) and then while cleaning up, found 2 screws that attach the spkr mount were sitting in the floorboard. Pissed does not adequately describe my feelings.
6. Buy a set of proper tools to work with car interiors, they will save you in the long run. And all though it's still winter in many places as I write this, consider doing the work when it's warm, the plastic is more forgiving then.
7. Finally, get the info you'll need to do the job. The link is available on this site for the service manual, get it and read through the task, pay attention to the order of things and understand how it all comes apart and goes back together. And also read others experiences and ask questions. Unless you do this kind of work for a living or are gifted in the art of taking s*** apart, assume nothing because you'll break something.
Next week I'll do the rear spkrs with some Infinity 6032si after they arrive.
1. Cut out the OEM speaker from its base, it's easy as the assembly is all plastic. Trim away the supports as flush as possible, they shouldn't cause a problem with fit, but they may cut you. The leads will need to be cut as will the surround. Use this to form the basis for the mounting of the replacement spkr PROVIDED the height of any elements (notably the tweeter) does not make the total height of the mount + spkr = > 3" and actually a little less would be good as the door grille is pretty flexible.
2. The area with which to attach the new spkr is limited, make the best of it and attach the screws out as far on the spkr mounting tabs as possible and use either self tapping screws or pre-drill the hole. You may also need to cut away at the ridge for the tabs to rest flat (notching them at the placement spot) or file the ridge altogether that you have a flush mounting surface. I also used the foam tape that came with the spkrs, I would recommend this if space allows (it should...).
3. Use the OEM connector*. After cutting the leads to the OEM spkr, solder new ones to the white connector and be done with it. Don't have a soldering iron? Borrow or buy one, butt splicing is for amateurs. And why ruin the integrity of the system (other than the spkr) when it was working fine before the replacement bug entered your butt, right? Keep it, it makes sorting out problems later on simple. Dress the wires with either ties or tape or both.
*This is not an option for adding dash speakers though as there doesn't seem to be a known connector available to the unwashed masses that will fit the speaker plate in the dash. There isn't much if any data on changing out the current dash speakers, so this only applies to us lowly 4 speaker folk.
4. The white panel fasteners will break more than you like but they may still function for the purpose. And before attempting to snap the door panel back on, remove the ones remaining in the door itself (a right, royal PITA) and set them into the door panel before attaching it. Consider buying a bag of them from the dealer, the parts dept should have them, I understand the run $1 a pop.
5. Check you work. Twice. Trust me, having been distracted, then rushed and then I thought I was done, I attached the door panel (see above) and then while cleaning up, found 2 screws that attach the spkr mount were sitting in the floorboard. Pissed does not adequately describe my feelings.
6. Buy a set of proper tools to work with car interiors, they will save you in the long run. And all though it's still winter in many places as I write this, consider doing the work when it's warm, the plastic is more forgiving then.
7. Finally, get the info you'll need to do the job. The link is available on this site for the service manual, get it and read through the task, pay attention to the order of things and understand how it all comes apart and goes back together. And also read others experiences and ask questions. Unless you do this kind of work for a living or are gifted in the art of taking s*** apart, assume nothing because you'll break something.
Next week I'll do the rear spkrs with some Infinity 6032si after they arrive.
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