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How can i ......

get a woofer out of the cabinet ?

I have a good sized subwoofer with a 15" driver that i'd like to do some internal mods / repairs to. In order to do this, i have to take the woofer out as it is the only reasonable sized access point to the internals. The problem is, i can't get the rassafrassin' driver out of the box. I have tried everything that i know to do this without going "bonsai" on it. I almost think that the driver was not only screwed in but also glued in place.

The woofer is a JBL 2235, so it is a sturdily built driver. All of the screws have been removed that hold the driver in place and the rear hatch for the binding posts have been removed. Having done that, i can push directly on the rear of the driver and NO luck what so ever. I have even tried pushing on the driver from the rear while my brother tried to pry the driver out from the front using a large screwdriver as a wedge. The only result of that effort was a small amount of damage to the baffle from the screwdriver digging into the wood. Luckily, that is all hidden under grille cloth.

Short of resting a 2 x 4 on the back of the driver and whacking it with a hammer a few times, has anybody got any suggestions ? This one has been a real ....... to say the least and i want to get it out of the house. It is a gift for my Dad, so it can take up space over there once i can figure this out and get it done. ANY help or suggestions appreciated ( short of a stick of dynamite ) : ) Sean
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sean
marty9876
120 posts
 
Huh...

Make sure their are no internal mounts holding the driver in place. Feel around the perimeter on the inside the driver and make sure their are no "clamps". Being a 15" I would think you could get some leverage from the rear to break loose and glue/varnish.

Rocking/twisting motion on the magnet assembly to loosen things up. Hopefully not the magnet assembly itself.

Leave it alone for a day and come back with a clear head. Try not to think about it during the day.

Swift kick.

Good luck,
Marty
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
If you only need to gain access to the innards of the cabinet, why not saw a large access hole in the back of the cabinet and then reseal it after you're done modifying the unit? I know this is kind of a "last resort" approach, but if nothing erlse works ...
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Maybe a homemade gear puller type of approach, threaded rod that will push it slowly out from the rear as you turn the rod. You can make a wood support frame that clamps the box from the front and rear with only the rod pushing from the rear as you turn the screw against the rear. Hope you understand what I'm getting at?
aball
2,018 posts
 
I think Marty may be right. It may be attached from the back side. See if you can see anything with a flashlight from the back or what. You will be working a long time prying it out if the woofer is screwed in. Many modern things aren't designed to come apart (easily) once they are put together. Arthur
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Sean, you're gonna go "bonsai" on that thar rassafrassin' driver? You mean you're gonna sculpt Japanese trees on it? Hah!

If you decide to go "banzai" on it, I'd definitely see if there's a way to get around the back to verify nothing is keepin' that bugger in there other than glue or caulk.

If you don't find clips or internal screws on the back side I think prying it may be the only way, and unfortunately the scariest because you wouldn't want to bend the woofer assembly or damage the cabinet.

Good luck!
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