Can Woofers Be Repaired?


I have a pair of rather generic (but for me, still adequate) speakers from the '80s, where the woofer on one speaker has deteriorated. Specifically, the rubber/foamlike substance that encircles the diaphragm and connects it to the outer rim that is fastened to the speaker body has deteriorated. The woofer sound is distorted because of this, but would function normally otherwise.

I posed this question to this forum around four weeks ago, and received a few responses as to what to do, but unfortunately, I found that the thread was since deleted, and I didn't copy the info I received then. Any responses (which I will be sure to promptly save this time), would be appreciated. Thank you.
jsangelo
Yes.
Many "reconing" companies exist. They can replace the entire cone, but that is expensive. (usually good classic speakers have this done to them) You can buy just the foam surround too, and using rubber cement glue it in. You MUST make certain that the cone is centered properly or it may rub the voice coil and make icky noises. (playing the speaker with no surround present is very very bad for the voice coil, it may wear out from rubbing, and ruin the speaker)
I have a friend, who has some $30 big old JBLs. we "repaired" the surround with many many bits of duct tape cut in trapezoid shape and making a large enough curved lip to let them work pretty well for $30 speakers. They have been in use for at least 5 years that way... no complaints.
I've been out thousands to the vet for repairing my woofer. You're better off with a cat ;)
Parts Express sells foam surround kits by brand or generic.
I've never tried it myself.