Prevention Of Metal Contamination In Speakers - Crib # 197 (T-CRIB-197)

PREVENTION OF METAL CONTAMINATION IN SPEAKERS - CRIB # 197

COLLISION REPAIR INFORMATION

BACKGROUND

When performing body shop work on the listed vehicles where metal particles will be produced, cover speakers to ensure no metal particles contaminate the speaker assembly. If metal debris contaminates the speaker, it may become inoperative or the sound quality of the speaker may be adversely affected. There are a wide variety of speaker designs, please be careful and take precautions with any and all speakers when performing welding or body repairs.

Below are speaker illustrations and instructions for proper precautions to follow when performing welding or body repairs.

1. The designs shown below serve as a comparison of an average speaker (Figure 1), and Lexus GS and IS rear speakers (Figure 2). Lexus GS and IS rear speakers are more likely to be damaged if exposed to metal particles, though both types of speakers can be damaged by metal particle contamination. The illustration in Figure 2 shows one of the paths that debris can pass through the dust net, and then easily penetrate the air gaps (circled). If the air gaps are penetrated, then the speaker may become inoperative or the sound quality of the speaker may be adversely affected.

   Figure 1 represents an average speaker and Figure 2 represents Lexus GS and IS rear speakers (subwoofer)

   For more information on this and other important collision repair topics visit the Toyota Technical Information System (TIS)

2. Precautions to prevent metal contamination when performing welding or body repairs.
   1. When welding or cutting, cover all speakers with plastic covering to shield them from any metal debris and then place a welding blanket over the plastic shielding.
      • Speakers and  seats should be covered with a plastic protective cover underneath a protective welding blanket
   2. When removing and storing speakers, store the speaker inside a clean plastic bag.
      • Do not store "bare" speakers in boxes or exposed on parts shelves or racks