Mechanical issue with mid/bass driver

[boudy]

Hey,

I have a 10" mid/bass driver that makes noise when playing music. Almost like a rattle, but it plays fine.

When I press the cone or the spider inwards it makes a pop type of sound when the motion stops. It does not make a sound returning to normal position. It makes the pop regardless of the range of motion.

I'd appreciate any suggestions on diagnosing and fixing this issue.

Thanks.

[Andersonix]

Is the glue holding the spider or surround separating anywhere? Are the leads rubbing on the back of the cone or basket? Some heavier cones sag, or tilt, over time and can be made slightly better by re-orienting (rotating) them.
Over time (or from excess heat/power), the varnish or epoxy holding the voice coil together can deteriorate, letting the windings separate and rub in the gap, necessitating a recone.

But it's also possible for the voice coil to be assembled off-center (or deformed at its end from a previous over-excursion where it went past the gap and got distorted finding its way back in), and this you might be able to 'massage' back into shape. If you slice off the dust cap and look into the gap, this kind of voice coil rub should be visible or at least become more obvious if you tilt the cone in one direction or another. You may be able to slide narrow (about 3/8 inch) pieces of stiff plastic sheeting material (~1/32th inch thick) around the gap and encourage the voice coil to straighten out if that's the problem.

[boudy]

Your reply prompted me to take a closer look, and sure enough, the voice coil lead was resting against the spider cuz I had bet the terminal connection down with my fat clumsy finger!

Now to continue with the break-in and measurements!

[Andersonix]

Well, at least I didn't write ALL of that for nothing!