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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
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tsugury
251 posts
 
Was just thinking if you have or know someone who has one of those little steam machines. The glue or gasket material probably is so old it has dried out and is like concrete. Also there is an automotive gasket remover that might loosen things up if you are carful of the driver. Just an idea. TG
audiophanatik
59 posts
 
ya know, I had a buddy who had this problem once, i cant remember the brand, it wasnt anything spectacular.

He ended up putting a scewdriver through the driver and got so mad he threw the thing on the ground and broke the box open.

after careful inspection, it turns out that the subwoofer had had these little mushroom looking bolts on the back of the outer edge that anchor it down into the box. These would be put into holes cut in the box and slide through a groove next to the holes, and the "mushroom cap" would be anchored in.

turns out all he had to do to was unscrew the main screws on the outer edge, then twist the subwoofer about 4 degrees to the left and the anchors would hit reach an area large enough for them to pass through, anf the subwoofer would pop right off.

maybe try rotating that bad boy before using chemicals.

ive seen some furniture that fastens together in this manor.
sean OP
6,231 posts
 
Audiophanatik: I'll have to try that.

Corona: kind of "advanced but still gentle" thinking. I like it. A lot more work than a hammer and 2 x 4 though : )

All you other guys are gonna have me either high ( using chemicals ) or destroying the driver or cabinet : (

I'll see what i can come up with Friday as i have the day off. Hopefully, i can get this done and catch up on a few phone calls to "fellow Agoner's" that probably feel that i've "neglected" them and their problems. As you can see, i've got a few of my own.

Thanks for all the help so far and feel free to continue on : ) Sean
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gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I vote for destroying the cabinet! Good excuse to make a new, cooler looking one. :-)
jtee
13 posts
 
Take care not to warp the frame of the driver as you try to shimmy it out. If you do, you may as well toss it in the trash. Dont ask me how I know :)

Also, if it is in a sealed enclosure you it may not be able to seal it back up after you replace into the enclosure.
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