Mazda3 speaker fix
Problem
I noticed a rattling coming from the front speakers in my 2014 Mazda3 i Grand Touring, particularly at lower frequencies.
It wasn’t loose change rattling and it didn’t seem to be any plastic body pieces rattling.
Workaround
At first, I just adjusted the Mazda equalizer to move the bass as low as possible.
I also adjusted my Spotify app to enable an equalizer and turned down the lower frequencies as low as possible.
Diagnosis
After searching online, I came across numerous posts that mentioned the same issue.
Someone discovered that it was due to a piece of the speaker assembly rusting out and coming apart. There is a drip guard above the speaker, but apparently it does not guard enough!
- https://mazda3revolution.com/forums/new-member-introduction-forum-news-guide/179170-2014-bose-speaker-rattle-solution.html
- https://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2014-2018-mazda-3-skyactiv-audio-electronics/229011-bose-speaker-rattling.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2LQWzRVo-c
There’s even a Technical Service Bulletin for it:
Fix
Materials needed
- 6 x Door Trim Panel Fasteners (Mazda Part GJ6A-68-AB1), to replace any that break ($3)
- 1 x Gorilla Epoxy ($7)
- 1 x Piece of sandpaper, to roughen up the surfaces to be glued
- 1 x Beer to congratulate yourself afterwards
The total cost was about $10.
Note: I actually found Nissan trim panel fasteners at a local auto parts store that were 99% identical to the ones I removed from the Mazda.
Process
- I removed and disconnected both front door panels. One fastener clip broke as I removed the panels, and about 4 more were broken as I removed them from the door frame.
- I disconnected the speakers and removed them.
- I used some sandpaper to roughen up the surfaces that were to be glued together.
- I glued the surfaces together with Gorilla Epoxy and let it dry overnight.
- I put a 2nd coating of glue around the edge in the morning, and let it dry for an hour or so.
- I put the speakers back in.
- I re-connected the speakers.
- I replaced all fastener clips in the door panels.
- I re-connected and re-attached the front door panels.
- I adjusted the equalizer in the Mazda and on my phone to return to normal levels.
Surprisingly enough, the door handles/buttons/windows were still functional and the speakers sounded perfect!
