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Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair

Introduction

I realized — a little too late — that a couple of retaining clips were rubbing against the top of the subwoofer/enclosure in my car. One clip was (thankfully) scratching the subwoofer enclosure carpet, but the other one had poked a hole on the subwoofer's rubber surround.

I removed the retaining clips so there would be no issues in the future, but the damage had already been done. So I figured what the heck — might as well make a guide!

What you need

  1. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair, Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 1, image 1 of 2 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair, Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Assess the damage. Depending on the severity of the cut, you may need some other scaffolding material (aside from RTV silicone) to enclose the hole.

    • This is especially true if a chunk of the rubber material is completely missing from the rubber surround.

    • In this case, all we need to do is cover up the tear with RTV silicone in order to make the subwoofer almost as good as new — functionally, at least.

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  2. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 2, image 1 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 2, image 2 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Unscrew the eight #2 Phillips screws using either a screwdriver or cordless driver.

    • Be careful if you use a cordless driver for either screwing or unscrewing — you don't want to strip the screws or the enclosure's holes. You also don't want to accidentally create another hole in the rubber surround with either tool.

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  3. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 3, image 1 of 2 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Use a flat pry tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) to prop up an edge of the subwoofer.

    • In my case, I just used the Phillips #2 screwdriver I had on-hand.

    • Slide your fingers underneath the sub so that you get a good grip on its edge.

    • Carefully lift the subwoofer out of the enclosure, minding any wires that may be tethering the sub to the enclosure.

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  5. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 4, image 1 of 2 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away any dirt/grease/grime that would otherwise tarnish the bond between the rubber and RTV silicone.

    • Inspect the underside of the tear and also gently clean it with a cloth, if needed.

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  6. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 5, image 1 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 5, image 2 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Time to get dirty. Put on your favorite brand of nitrile or latex gloves.

    • Put a dab of RTV silicone on a disposable plate, or some other clean, non-essential surface.

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  7. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 6, image 1 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 6, image 2 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Cut the end off a cotton swab in order to transform it into an RTV applicator.

    • Alternatively you can try removing all of the cotton from the swab, but you certainly do not want any cotton fibers to remain on the swab.

    • Dip the swab into the RTV silicone, and use it to apply the RTV silicone to the underside of the subwoofer tear.

    • You do not need a huge amount of RTV silicone on either side of the rubber surround — just enough to form a very thin layer.

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  8. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 7, image 1 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 7, image 2 of 3 Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • With the underside coated, put a dab of RTV silicone onto your gloved finger.

    • Gently spread the RTV silicone across the front of the torn subwoofer surround.

    • Again, you don't need gobs of RTV silicone in order to make a strong bond — just enough to form a thin layer.

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    • Perform this action at your own risk -- you may inadvertently open up the hole again, depending on its size.

    • Push down a couple of times on the center of the subwoofer to ensure that the RTV silicone doesn't accidentally impede the movement of the sub.

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  10. Subwoofer Rubber Surround Repair, Optional Step: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • After you're done applying the RTV silicone and testing the subwoofer's excursion, shine a strong flashlight through the now-covered hole, and ensure that no light bleeds through.

    • Ensure the sub wires are still connected properly, and reinstall the subwoofer back into the enclosure.

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Finish Line

24 other people completed this guide.

17 Comments

Did this method really work? Did u test your subs? Does the kind of silicone matter clear or black? I read forums and a product u can purchase at walmart called Shoe Goo would be the perfect candidate its flexible sealant.

Makkara - Reply

Also I have a Kicker L5 12" that has a small rip like a 1/4".

Makkara - Reply

I have repaired many using fingernail polish. It may take several applications depending on the size but it forms a strong durable bond. Also works great on the cone.

Matthew Putman - Reply

Where would I find this EVE silicone?

adamh2582 - Reply

Just be careful what silicone you use. Some may degrade the cone and other parts of the subwoofer.

Andrew Powers - Reply

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