Front Speaker Rattles

[09Limited]

I realize there is another post on here about speaker rattles, but it seems that older posts don't get the attention that new posts do, so I'm starting a new one. I hope you guys don't mind.

 

I recently got an '09 Legacy 3.0R Limited with the Harman Kardon stereo, and both of the front doors now rattle something awful with low-frequency bass. It's driving me absolutely crazy and shouldn't be happening in a $33,000 car. Also, I only have the bass set on +3 out of a max of +6, and I don't listen to rock or rap. I listen to a lot of oldies and mid '90s! From what I gather, the front door speaker rattle is a recurring issue with Legacys.

 

Do you guys think it would be worth while to take it into the dealership and have them try to fix it? I have a bumper to bumper warranty. I notice on the driver's door that if I pull on the plastic at the bottom of the door (the pocket) it stops. I suppose I could shove a little block of wood down in there to remedy it, but I really don't want to have blocks of wood in my doors to stop rattles. Any of you know what I should tell the service department at the dealership? Anyone else know of any particular foam, or other mechanisms that can fix it? Anyone had their dealership fix their rattles? Thanks in advance.

 

Eric

[Heat]

I have an '09 LGT. I love the HK sound system. However, I've noticed that anything, and I mean damn near anything that you put in either of the side door panels will make the front speakers seem like they are rattling. Also, if you put anything in the front little flip up compartment (where the nav should be) you can also get some rattle.

 

It looks like you have already addressed this because you are talking about putting blocks of foam/wood in the panels. Even if you have a pen in one of the side pockets it will create rattle. I haven't had any problems now that I keep everything out of the door panels. I just wanted to make sure you have tried this.

[09Limited]

Thanks for the response. My side pockets are totally empty. I don't keep anything in them. It's obvious to me that what is rattling is the door plastic, or something inside the door.

 

There are two Subaru dealerships near me, and I'll probably call both and speak to someone in the service department about it. I'm praying that one of them says they are familiar with the door rattle problem and they know how to fix it.

[BAC5.2]

I've noticed some speaker rattle in my 09 Outback as well, even on 0 bass/mid/treb. I haven't really investigated it much, but it's definitely annoying.

 

Keep posted about what you hear from the dealer!

[09Limited]

Well all, I took my car to the dealership today and the service tech removed the door panels and installed pretty thick 3M tape along the perimeter of both front doors (between the plastic door panel and the metal door itself). Unfortunately, it STILL buzzes with low bass! I showed him afterward that it still was occurring and he said that there is nothing more he can do. He said if he installs a bunch of foam insulation behind the entire panel, it may interfere with the "regular door operations." So, now, I will either forget about it or take it to another Subaru dealership and see if a different tech can fix it!

 

I hope none of you get the same door buzzing problems I have. It's maddening. I'm afraid to try to fix it myself. The technician said taking off the panel is dangerous because I might break it and the clips. The tech also said that he had the service manager look at it and they did all they can do to remedy it. Oh well.

[CzarDestructo]

Unless they totally changed the door in 09, removing the panel is ridiculously easy. It's three screws and everything pops off.

 

The only real solution is to apply foam all over the inside of the door or at contact points. It's not a high end car so they use a lot of plastic, plastic rattles. It's a up to you to decide if you want to risk the warranty with installing Dynamat.

[jloori]

i plan on installing dynamat how does that void the warranty?

[09Limited]

Well, guess what. As I said above, the new 3M foam tape helped, but did not totally eliminate all buzzing. Guess what worked: putting my thick CD case in the door pocket! Easy, fast, free fix. No more buzzing. Now I'm happy!

[OhBe1]

The tricky part is getting to the screws. Have to pop off the covers without scratching anything. Protect the surrounding areas with tape, and make a small pry bar by bending & dremmeling a screwdriver.

[markc0220k]

how about cuting off some bass?

 

mark

[Onthewagon]

i plan on installing dynamat how does that void the warranty?

 

+1

[osaylegacy]

hey guys, sorry to hear your having troubles but it's also nice to know im not alone haha. My problem isnt on the doors however its on the rear mount sub with the 09 HK system. It's been totally fine since day one and i rarely have the bass at +6 yet 2 days ago i hopped in the car to go to VT and the sub was rattling like a mofo. any ideas on fixing this seeing it's not as simple as putting tape inside the doors/panels? I looked at it from in the trunk and it seems to be a part of the inner speaker bouncing around or something, i'm no expert so really im not sure whats causing it.

[dbird]

wow i just came here to post the same question.

 

i just noticed (in my 09 lgt) my passenger side door speaker rattling (the little one next to the door handle, not the big one on the bottom). it only happens on the higher bass sounds, not the deeper ones. i might just be paranoid but i think the driver side one is rattling too, but not as bad. a few months ago i left my windows cracked and went to work and it started pouring and the water dripped down my windows and when i got to my car the speakers were wet so i dont know if that has to do with it... but that was like a month ago and i just started noticing problems. anyway, it is driving me crazy because i love songs with a lot of bass and i love the way the harman kardons sound. every one says its not a big deal but i want it fixed!!!!