How to remove mid-range from LSi15's?

Sami

I had no trouble removing them from 7's but these on the 15's seem to be a very tight fit and will not come off. At least not without putting a screwdriver in the tiny gap and forcing them out. I'm afraid that would put a bad scratch on the finish so how do I remove it without damaging the speaker even more?

The driver seems to be broken. When it moves it makes a crackling sound and it isn't anywhere as elastic as the one below it.

jcaut

I would try going in through one of the screw holes with a little pick, or a curved pick (hook) and try to get a little leverage to pop the driver loose. I figure there's some sort of gasket material under the driver frame, so you should be able to work something in there. A real small flat screwdriver might work.

Also, if you're sure the woofer is dead anyway, you could just puncture the cone. I'd do that as a last resort, however.

Sami

jcaut wrote: »

Also, if you're sure the woofer is dead anyway, you could just puncture the cone. I'd do that as a last resort, however.

Thought about it but I'd at least like to try to see if it can be saved. Most likely not.

unc2701

plastic putty knife- use the corner to pop it out. And that driver is toast, but if it's got a hole in it, you'll have a hard time getting polk to replace it under warranty.

Sami

Bought them used from CP anyways, so might as well just put a knife through it...

Sounds like it's not going to be fixable. It plays fine after I "pop it out", then goes back to distortion after 20 minutes or so.

danger boy

putty knife or flat screwdriver. but cover it in a cloth so it won't scratch any of the finish

dorokusai

Don't even think about using a putty knife or screwdriver....Jason(Jcaut) suggested the best way to remove the driver. Even a cloth covered tool will damage the finished cutout edges on the LSi models.

I've encountered that issue many times and dental picks come in real handy.

You can grasp the edge of the outer frame/basket, before the cabinet mounting hole and pull forward. You may have to tug all the holes to get some leverage on the driver but it's safer.

Sami

Still no luck, I tried my mom's knitting sticks but there isn't anything in between that it can hook into. I've thought about just going through the driver but I don't have a replacement yet. I'll get that one in, and then I'll get it done.

unc2701

get a bolt the same size as the hole in the driver frame and just drive it in. it'll tear up the hole on the driver a little, but it's junk anyway. Also try removing the other driver- if it comes out easier, then you can just reach through and pop the first out.

AndyGwis

Can you use gravity to help out? Take the screws out, lean the driver down towards the ground, then pat the back of the cabinet? Kind of like what you do when someone is coughing / choking. I just wouldn't hit it too hard.

Midnite Mick

Could see if the tweeter comes out easier. Can't remember how big the tweeter cutout is but if you can get your hand in there you could try to push the mid out. I remember removing my tweeter with little trouble. Just a thought.

Mike

Sami

AndyGwis wrote: »

Can you use gravity to help out? Take the screws out, lean the driver down towards the ground, then pat the back of the cabinet? Kind of like what you do when someone is coughing / choking. I just wouldn't hit it too hard.

First thing I tried, no help at all, it seems like there is some adhesive cluing it in as well although I could wrong. I tried the other driver, same. I'll try to remove the tweeter tonight.

ShinAce

It's likely a gasket that is keeping it stuck.

If you have a massive magnet(like a spare driver sitting around), that could work. Otherwise, remove another driver and get your hands dirty.

AndyGwis

I agree. You're going to have to pop out the tweeter and enter from the backside. . . I perfect idea for Valentine's day

Sami

AndyGwis wrote: »

I agree. You're going to have to pop out the tweeter and enter from the backside. . . I perfect idea for Valentine's day

I already told my wife V-day is for singles...

Sami

I got my replacement driver from Polk today, and cut thought the old one. Damn, still no luck in getting it out, it seems to be clued to the speaker. Yes, I'm not kidding, no matter how hard I pull it won't come out.

unc2701

Did you take out the screws?

jakelm

Sami, can you take a snap shot up close to what your working with?

Maybe pop the xover out and try it that way. Pop it out from the back.

What did Polk tell you?

Sami

jakelm wrote: »

Sami, can you take a snap shot up close to what your working with?

Maybe pop the xover out and try it that way. Pop it out from the back.

What did Polk tell you?

Solved it. Like always, force is with me. I took a hammer and used the nail remover end to hook it into the metal frame and a little twist (actually not that little), and it popped out. Luckily no cosmetic damage to the speaker itself, of course the old driver is all cut out so I can't really tell what was the problem with it. Most likely the rubber on it was bad, it would work and then just get stuck and start making popping noise.

With the hammer I was worried I would tear out the wood frame of the speaker and I would have to re-fabricate the mount. Luckily that did not happen. I'll have to test if it works now.

jakelm

Good deal.

Sami

Happy ending, that's all that matters...

jakelm

Damn...you really did a number on that driver... wow..:eek:

Sami

jakelm wrote: »

Damn...you really did a number on that driver... wow..:eek:

That's what happens when you don't obey me!