Installing Speakers in a new vehicle, DIY or Paid Professional?
Posted by Next_Put_6961@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 9 comments
Hello!
I just got a 26 Subaru Forester and I decided against going the next trim level up to get the upgraded HK speaker system.
Instead, I was thinking about just replacing the speakers with higher quality aftermarket speakers. I've been bouncing around on Crutchfield realizing that prices for speakers are actually incredibly reasonable.
Just debating if it's a DIY or if I should call someone locally and get it installed? Anyone have any experience with newer Subarus? It feels like the 16" infotainment system makes it a bit intimidating.
NikkorMatt456@reddit
Crutchfield is a great source for car speakers because not only do they provide installation instructions, they also tell you which sizes of speakers fit in the factory locations for your car, both the diameter of the speakers and their maximum depths.
Also, there is a good chance of breaking a few of the plastic clips for the door panels. You can easily reinstall the panels and drive the car for a few days while waiting for replacement clips which can be ordered online. Your car is new enough though for clips to be fine.
AffectionateFruit454@reddit
Crutchfield has excellent installation instructions for anything you buy from them. You may need to invest in some panel tools, but they can be inexpensively sourced from Harbor Freight.
wpmason@reddit
Yep… if you use the proper tools (like plastic trim pry bars) and take your time not to screw anything up, it should be fine.
Definitely buy from Crutchfield to get the plug and play harnesses for your vehicle too.
RHS1959@reddit
Definitely shop Crutchfield. Their customer service is excellent.
Miliean@reddit
It's not THAT hard to do, the thing is that removing the trim panels is somewhat is an acquired skill and on a new vehicle I'd sure not want to break any of them.
Basically it's an excursive in pulling on a plastic thing just past the point where you are 60% sure you're going to break it, then it comes lose (or you break it).
It's not a hard thing, it's just being smooth and confident in how you undo the clips and also confirming that you've actually removed all the screws before you start pulling on plastic. It's certainly not intuitive.
Next_Put_6961@reddit (OP)
Great response. Thanks for the feedback! That’s where I was, too.
I’m certain it’s something I’m going to want to do eventually, but it may just be worth to have a legitimate operation handle it. Even if DIY is incredibly tempting, the panel piece is something that worries me.
Appreciate you
RHS1959@reddit
If you are reasonably handy speaker replacement is pretty easy.
jrileyy229@reddit
What are you trying to accomplish? Just changing speakers out doesn't mean you'll get better or louder sound.
Dr---Beeper@reddit
If you have to ask, random strangers on the internet, if it's safe to take your car apart, replace the speakers, you don't have the knowledge to do it.