Last updated on June 1st, 2022 at 06:14 pm
Cracked subwoofer cones are not something that you can simply ignore and hope they go away. In fact, if you don’t take care of the problem right away, it will only get worse and could eventually lead to permanent damage to your speaker. So, what causes a cracked subwoofer cone?
The causes of a cracked subwoofer cone can vary widely. Common causes include damage from exposure to extreme temperatures, physical impact, damage from exposure to moisture, manufacturing defects, or prolonged use.
However, you can repair the cone yourself or just replace it. If you can’t, then you have to take it to a professional.
Now, let’s look at the causes of cracked subwoofer cones and ways to fix them.
What causes a cracked subwoofer cone?
Subwoofer cones are typically made from lightweight materials such as plastic or paper, and they tend to be more susceptible to damage than other components in the sub. Here are reasons for which your subwoofer cones may be cracked or damaged.
Physical impact
The physical impact is the most common cause of cracks in subwoofer cones. The cone can be damaged if it is hit by something sharp or if it is dropped.
It’s not uncommon for subwoofers to be damaged by accident.
If the impact is severe enough, it can cause the cone to shatter. And, if the cone separates from the subwoofer, it can become lodged in the enclosure or get stuck to nearby objects and cause further damage.
Poor quality subwoofer or cone
The material of your subwoofer cone has a big impact on its durability. If you have a subwoofer with a paper or plastic cone, it may be more prone to damage than one with a heavy-duty metal bass.
So, you should get a high-quality subwoofer.
Subwoofer design flaws
If the subwoofer cone is not securely attached to the basket or frame, it can become loose and eventually break away. This usually happens due to poor design or manufacturing flaws.
If the speaker grille is not installed correctly, it can put pressure on the cone and cause it to crack. This is especially true if the grille is made from heavy material such as metal.
Repeated exposure to extreme temperatures
Cracks can also occur if the speaker is exposed to extreme temperatures, such as very hot or cold weather.
The temperature changes can cause the materials in the cone to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks.
Humidity and Moisture
Subwoofers are typically used in enclosed spaces such as cars or homes, and this can lead to the build-up of humidity and moisture.
If the humidity and moisture are not properly controlled, it can cause the subwoofer cone to swell and eventually crack.
Excessive Heat
The voice coil in a subwoofer is responsible for moving the cone back and forth to create sound. However, if the voice coil becomes too hot, it can cause damage to the cone.
The heat can cause the glue that holds the cone to the frame to melt, and it can also cause the cone itself to warp.
If the overheating is severe enough, it can cause the cone to catch fire.
Check out more about the overheated subwoofer.
Exposure to water
Water is another enemy of subwoofer cones. If the cone gets wet, it can swell and crack.
Water can also cause the glue that holds the cone to the frame to break down, which can lead to the cone separating from the subwoofer.
Manufacturing defects
Additionally, manufacturing defects can lead to the development of cracks in subwoofer cones.
For example, if the voice coil or other internal components are not properly aligned or if they are installed incorrectly, it can cause structural damage to the cone.
Lack of maintenance
One of the most common reasons for subwoofer cone damage is lack of maintenance.
If you don’t clean and maintain your subwoofer properly, it can cause the cones to become dry and cracked.
Loud Music
If the subwoofer is exposed to extreme sound pressure or playing your subwoofer at high volumes, it can cause the cone to crack.
This is because there is more stress on the speaker when it is playing loud music.
Over time, this stress can cause the cone to crack. if you have a high-quality subwoofer, this shouldn’t cause an issue like that.
Too much power is being delivered to the speaker
If you try to push your subwoofer too hard by feeding it too much power, the cone can overheat and eventually melt or catch fire. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen if you’re not careful.
If you have your subwoofer connected to an amplifier that is providing excessive power, it can cause damage to the cone.
This is especially true if the amplifier is not suited for a subwoofer and it is designed to power other speakers.
Without proper protection, excessive power can cause the cone to overheat and eventually catch fire.
Can you fix the cone on a subwoofer?
Cracked subwoofer cones are a common issue, but there are ways to fix them.
If the crack is small like a puncture or hole, you can use hot glue or silicone adhesive to seal it. But, cracks in the cone of a subwoofer are not always repairable. If the cone is damaged badly, you can replace it with a new one.
However, the good news is that you can still use the speaker if the damage is confined to the cone.
Now, let’s find out how.
How do you fix a cracked subwoofer cone?
Let’s take a look at the ways to fix a broken or cracked subwoofer cone.
1. Identify the cause
Before attempting any repairs, it is important to consider the cause of the damage.
If you are unable to identify the cause of the damage, it is best to consult a professional technician for assistance.
But, if you find out the cause and notice a cracked subwoofer cone, there are several possible solutions.
2. Repairing the cracked subwoofer cone
First, you can try to repair the cracked cone with hot glue or silicone adhesives. Silicone adhesive works the best in this cage.
Steps of repairing cracked cone.
i. Examine the cracked or torn subwoofer cone properly.
ii. Attempt to repair it using hot glue, or strong silicone adhesive.
iii. Take a cotton swab and cut one end of it and use it.
iv. Apply the silicone adhesive with the cut end of the cotton swab and seal the part.
v. Leave it for a couple of days to sit the adhesive.
vi. Test the sound to see if it’s properly.
vii. If it doesn’t work, try to replace the damaged cone.
3. Replace the damaged cone
In some cases, it may be possible to simply replace the damaged subwoofer cone rather than repair it. This is often a more cost-effective solution.
It can be completed relatively easily if you have some basic DIY skills or you may contact a professional.
Now, let’s know about these 2 options.
Option 1. Trying to fix it yourself using a repair kit
If you are feeling confident, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.
This is usually not recommended, as it can be difficult to do correctly without the proper tools and experience.
However, if you are willing to take the risk, it is often possible to fix a cracked subwoofer cone by replacing the damaged components yourself.
So, to do this, you have to buy a new subwoofer code. But, make sure it matches the size and shape of your subwoofer.
There are many different subwoofer repair kits available on the market, which can be an effective way to fix a broken or cracked subwoofer cone. Some manufacturers also offer repair kits that can be used to fix it.
These kits typically include the materials and tools you need to replace the damaged cone with a new one, along with detailed instructions on how to do so.
Steps of replacing cracked cone.
i. Get a new subwoofer cone.
ii. Take the subwoofer apart and examine the damaged cone.
iii. Use a repair kit to remove the damaged cone.
iv. Replace it with a new one.
v. Reassemble the subwoofer and test it to see if the problem has been resolved.
Option 2. Taking the subwoofer to a technician
If your subwoofer is broken or cracked beyond repair, it may be worth taking the subwoofer to a technician for repairs or replacement. They will have access to specialized tools and equipment that can help them fix the problem quickly and effectively.
If your subwoofer is still under warranty, you may be able to get a replacement or repair from the manufacturer.
This is often the best option if your subwoofer is relatively new, as it will ensure that you get a high-quality replacement that is guaranteed to last.
4. Buy a new subwoofer
If your subwoofer is too damaged to be repaired, or if you simply want to upgrade to a better model, you may want to consider buying a new subwoofer altogether. This can be a good option if you are looking for high-quality sound or increased bass performance, as newer models typically offer more advanced features and superior sound quality.
Regardless of the method you choose, taking steps to prevent further damage will help ensure that your subwoofer continues to perform at optimal levels.
How do you fix a hole in a subwoofer cone?
A simple way to fix a hold in a subwoofer cone is using hot glue. But, sometimes after gluing, the subwoofer may not produce normal sound. So, a great way to fix the hold is to patch it up with some silicone adhesive.
To apply the silicone, take a cotton swab and cut one edge of it. Then, put the silicone on the hole or puncture and seal it using the edge of the cotton swab. Let it sit for a couple of days. That’s it!
How do you replace a subwoofer cone?
There are a few different ways that you can replace a subwoofer cone, but the most common method is to simply unscrew the old cone and screw in a new one. You’ll need to make sure that the new cone is the same size as the old one, otherwise, it won’t fit properly. Once you have the new cone in place, simply screw it in and tighten it down. That’s all there is to it!
Can you glue a cracked subwoofer cone?
You can glue a cracked subwoofer cone or pour silicone adhesives to fix a cracked subwoofer cone. However, it is important to choose the right adhesive for the job.
Can you repair a torn subwoofer?
It is possible to repair a torn subwoofer, but it may be more expensive than replacing the entire unit. The subwoofer cone may need to be replaced, and the surround may need to be repaired or replaced as well.
If the amplifier is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced as well. The cost of repair will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of parts.
It is important to consult with a professional to determine the best course of action.
What happens if you don’t repair the cracked subwoofer cone?
Cracked subwoofer cones are one of the most common problems that can affect your bass-heavy speakers. While this may seem like a minor issue, it can actually lead to some pretty serious problems if left unaddressed.
Cracks in your subwoofer cone can cause the cone to move out of place, which can lead to distortion in the sound and even damage your subwoofer completely.
Check out my other article about Subwoofer Only Works When I Push On It, and subwoofer is not loud as used to be.
Conclusion
Cracked subwoofer cones can occur for a variety of reasons, including physical impact, repeated exposure to high temperatures and humidity, manufacturing defects, too much power being delivered to the subwoofer, or even simple wear and tear.
If you are able to identify the cause of your cracked subwoofer cone, you may be able to avoid it happening again in the future.
If your subwoofer cone is already cracked, there are a few different ways that you can try to fix it. Depending on the size and severity of the crack, you may be able to simply glue the cone back together.
However, if the crack is too large or severe, you may need to replace the cone entirely.
I am Pallab Kishore, owner of Sound Gears Realm. I like to try different sound gears and home theatre systems. I like to share with you my experience with these devices, especially subwoofers so that you can get help to solve any problem.