Audio Rattle in 2000 SLE Convertible

[dalesh]

I recently bought a 2000 Solara SLE Convertible with the factory stereo. Every time music is played there is a loud rattle coming from the rear of the car with every base note. CLUES:
1. The rattle nearly goes away when the top is down.
2. The noise can only be heard from inside the car.
3. 1/2 of the exterior canvas top seal on the bottom of the rear window has come un-attached.
Is it the speaker, the glass top or something else?

[pongrunner]

I have the same car and recently developed the exact same problem. Did you ever solve it? Thanks.

[croggins]

I have the same problem with my 2001 SLE convertible. I presume the JBL Subwoofer is blown, with a torn cone, but have yet to get it apart to see.

[pongrunner]

I removed the rear seat back and indeed the sub-woofer had a tear of a few inches in the rubber surround. I pulled the speaker and used some black RTV silicone to stick it together. It worked and the rattle is gone. Don't know how long it will last or if a tear will develop in another area but it was a cheap fix for now.

[einzie1]

Greetings. Same issue same car(2001 Solara SLE V6 conv.), but I can't figure out how to remove the rear seat and find the Sub. The Chilton's manual was less than helpful to me. Any tips you're willing to share?

A warranty issue that has come to my attention is that the sub enclosure is loosened and rattling against the frame. Prescribed fix is foam tape between the sub box and mounting location AND between the driver and enclosure.....or the cone is torn. I don't know.

Originally Posted by pongrunner

I removed the rear seat back and indeed the sub-woofer had a tear of a few inches in the rubber surround. I pulled the speaker and used some black RTV silicone to stick it together. It worked and the rattle is gone. Don't know how long it will last or if a tear will develop in another area but it was a cheap fix for now.

[pongrunner]

Your timing is good. After eight months my sub developed the same problem again. I took it out and the torn section I'd repaired was intact but the surround was detached from nearly all the rest of the cone. I'm now looking into an after market sub but may try a second repair.

Bottom line, if you're going to fix a torn surround, I'd recommend applying the RTV silicone all the way around between the surround and the ring, not just in the ripped area, because if it hasn't torn yet it's likely it will eventually.

Removing the rear seat back is simple:

1. Detach the top of the fabric behind the seat by pulling out the 4 "buttons". A claw hammer works if you don't have a better tool.
2. Remove the 3 small phillips screws holding the plastic trim to the top.
3. Remove the 4 nut/washers holding the seat back to the frame; 2 at the top, 2 at the bottom.
4. Pull out the seat back.

*Can anyone recommend a replacement sub woofer that will fit the box without modification?

[einzie1]

Originally Posted by pongrunner

Your timing is good. After eight months my sub developed the same problem again. I took it out and the torn section I'd repaired was intact but the surround was detached from nearly all the rest of the cone. I'm now looking into an after market sub but may try a second repair.

Bottom line, if you're going to fix a torn surround, I'd recommend applying the RTV silicone all the way around between the surround and the ring, not just in the ripped area, because if it hasn't torn yet it's likely it will eventually.

Removing the rear seat back is simple:

1. Detach the top of the fabric behind the seat by pulling out the 4 "buttons". A claw hammer works if you don't have a better tool.
2. Remove the 3 small phillips screws holding the plastic trim to the top.
3. Remove the 4 nut/washers holding the seat back to the frame; 2 at the top, 2 at the bottom.
4. Pull out the seat back.

*Can anyone recommend a replacement sub woofer that will fit the box without modification?

Thanks so much for the response! I'll be able to do this before our vacation starts next week.
BTW, I used your repair method on some JBLs, for home years ago, and it has held up all this time. Your right, the key is to go all the way around if you don't want to repeat yourself.
As to recommending a sub driver, I might better know when I see the one in the car.
Thanks again!