JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement

Introduction

This guide will walk you through the steps to remove and replace a tweeter speaker from your 1st generation JBL Boombox speaker.

It should be noted that the first seven steps are necessary on both sides, but after the mesh cover is removed you only need to remove the side that you are replacing. If you are replacing both or taking further steps towards repair, removing both will be necessary, and this guide is written with language assuming both sides are being removed.

What you need

Step 1 Remove the Rings

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Rings: step 1, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Rings: step 1, image 2 of 2

There rubbery rings on either end are only held in with friction.
Stand the speaker up and push down hard, and you can use a counter-clockwise motion to remove the ring.
Please note that you have to push down HARD to get the amount of torque needed. Probably harder than you think at first.

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Step 2 Unscrew the Handle

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Unscrew the Handle: step 2, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Unscrew the Handle: step 2, image 2 of 2

Using your Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the six screws from each side.
That is 12 total screws.
Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

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Step 3 Remove the Handle

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Handle: step 3, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Handle: step 3, image 2 of 2

Using a steady and firm pressure, pry the handle on one side and it will pull away from the body on the bottom.
Once you've flexed the handle far enough, lift it upwards to slip it over the end on one side.
With one side removed, the handle should come off with no issue or hesitation.

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Step 4 Alignment for Reassembly

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Alignment for Reassembly: step 4, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Alignment for Reassembly: step 4, image 2 of 2

On each side of the handle, there is only one space that has two holes next to eachother.
On each side of the body, there is only one screwhole that has a plastic post next to it.
These must be lined up properly. The handle can physically fit in either direction, but if you line it up incorrectly the screws will not line up properly and it will not be secure to put back together.
Attempting to screw it in on the wrong side or with the plastic alignment post in the wrong position can cause damage to the body of the device.

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Step 5 Loosen the Mesh Cover

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Loosen the Mesh Cover: step 5, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Loosen the Mesh Cover: step 5, image 2 of 2

Using your opening tool, pry into the seam in the mesh cover on the bottom, lifting up the back side.
In the absence of an opening tool, a flathead screwdriver, a butter knife, or anything else capable of gentle prying will suffice.
Using your Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove these four screws.
Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

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Step 6 Remove the Mesh Cover - Rear

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Rear: step 6, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Rear: step 6, image 2 of 2

Using your opening tool, pry into the back of the mesh cover where indicated to release the two catches.
When both catches are released, the back cover should hinge completely backwards and be completely open.
When reassembling, make sure these catches line up properly. Attempting to force them closed if not lined up properly can result in breakage and a loose mesh cover.

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Step 7 Remove the Mesh Cover - Front

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Front: step 7, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Front: step 7, image 2 of 2

Using your opening tool, pry into the front of the mesh cover where indicated to release the two catches.
When both catches are released, the front cover should hinge completely backwards and be completely open.
When reassembling, make sure these catches line up properly. Attempting to force them closed if not lined up properly can result in breakage and a loose mesh cover.
With both the back and front released, the mesh cover should easily lift away.
When reassembling, make sure these posts line up properly, as well. These posts are only on the front and ensure the mesh cover does not physically touch the speakers.
Attempting to force them closed if not lined up properly can result in distorted sound or damage to the speakers.

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Step 8 Remove the Tweeter Housing

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Tweeter Housing: step 8, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Remove the Tweeter Housing: step 8, image 2 of 2

There are six screws surrounding each side of the tweeter housing.
Unfortunately, due to the angles involved, it is impossible to take a photo that shows all six. Just know they are relatively evenly spaced out.
Remove all six screws from each side, twelve total.
Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.
Once the screws are removed, be careful not to pull the housing away. The tweeter speakers are still physically connected to the motherboard, and pulling the housings away can damage these connections or the motherboard.

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Step 9 Disconnect the Tweeters

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the Tweeters: step 9, image 1 of 2

JBL Boombox Tweeter Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the Tweeters: step 9, image 2 of 2

After separating the tweeter housing, carefully disconnect the tweeters.
The left side has only one connection to disconnect.
The right side has two connections to disconnect.
There may be some adhesive such as hot glue securing these connections. If so, remove it before disconnecting to avoid damaging the wires.
Once both sides are disconnected, you are finished removing the tweeters.

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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Take extra care where noted in the guide as some parts look universal but they will only fit on one way or side.