Main Speaker replacement instructions?
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Main Speaker replacement instructions?
Does anyone have good instructions on how to remove the dash to replace the speakers underneath? It sounds like we have a tear in our main center speaker but I'm not sure how to go about disassembling everything to get it out. What size speaker is it? I've had the infotainment head unit out (for a failed upgrade) but I presume the speakers hang to the underside of the dash instead. I haven't had much luck searching elsewhere for information.
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I sincerely doubt that you would have to remove the entire dash to replace the speakers. I haven't tried it personally, but there's a plastic grille that runs along the entire top of the dash that should be removable to get you access to the speakers and mounting screws. I would try carefully prying the grille up using a thin blade such as a putty knife or plastic trim removal tool and just work it loose along the edge. These things usually just clip in place so it shouldn't be too difficult to remove it.
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Ditto; the dash trim section closest to the windshield is basically just a 'let's hide the speakers and air vents' plastic piece, and so it it can be removed quite easily. Use some nylon trim tools to get under the edge and shimmy along it, etc.
The speakers will have couple anchor/bolts/screws, but normally dash speakers just lift right out the top....easy-peasy. Getting the replacement speaker is likely a lot more difficult than popping that cover off. Might skip over to Crutchfield.com to get the specs on what's up there in the dash it and see if any decent options besides the OE.
That site will also provide the details on the 'how-to'.
The speakers will have couple anchor/bolts/screws, but normally dash speakers just lift right out the top....easy-peasy. Getting the replacement speaker is likely a lot more difficult than popping that cover off. Might skip over to Crutchfield.com to get the specs on what's up there in the dash it and see if any decent options besides the OE.
That site will also provide the details on the 'how-to'.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 137
Likes: 25
Ditto; the dash trim section closest to the windshield is basically just a 'let's hide the speakers and air vents' plastic piece, and so it it can be removed quite easily. Use some nylon trim tools to get under the edge and shimmy along it, etc.
The speakers will have couple anchor/bolts/screws, but normally dash speakers just lift right out the top....easy-peasy. Getting the replacement speaker is likely a lot more difficult than popping that cover off. Might skip over to Crutchfield.com to get the specs on what's up there in the dash it and see if any decent options besides the OE.
That site will also provide the details on the 'how-to'.
The speakers will have couple anchor/bolts/screws, but normally dash speakers just lift right out the top....easy-peasy. Getting the replacement speaker is likely a lot more difficult than popping that cover off. Might skip over to Crutchfield.com to get the specs on what's up there in the dash it and see if any decent options besides the OE.
That site will also provide the details on the 'how-to'.
if you have removed it as you described I will give it another go but I tried for a while and gave up. Doesn’t help that there is no room to work there with the windshield in the way.
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AudiWorld Member
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Just found a video on youtube (
) that seems promising for this. Looks like 2012Q7204 was right, the A pillar trim does need to come out from both sides. Doesn't look too awful but I think I'll wait until I have at least a few hours available before I tear into it.
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Just found a video on youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B17tx4NIgQk ) that seems promising for this. Looks like 2012Q7204 was right, the A pillar trim does need to come out from both sides. Doesn't look too awful but I think I'll wait until I have at least a few hours available before I tear into it.
does anyone have the p/ns for the speakers or know if they can be repaired? I searched and they are mega expensive even for the base sound system which is what I have. Can I use Bose if same connector? Seems those are easier to find used.
i think i woukd be better off repairing but i can’t find the exact size foam rings.
Also, I have started the hunt for a nice 4.2 TDI with the V12 package. Please talk me out of this, before my wife does haha
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From: USA - NM
Again, seek out a major retail car audio specialist website to do this type of research; Crutchfield basically founded online car audio, and I've used them as both resource and for car audio upgrades since I got my first used car(s)...you know, back when we used to buy stuff from catalogs that arrived via the postman, etc. You are in France, so you can buy from Crutchfield or just get the reference information on what fits /is directly compatible with your 'base' sound system.
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Again, seek out a major retail car audio specialist website to do this type of research; Crutchfield basically founded online car audio, and I've used them as both resource and for car audio upgrades since I got my first used car(s)...you know, back when we used to buy stuff from catalogs that arrived via the postman, etc. You are in France, so you can buy from Crutchfield or just get the reference information on what fits /is directly compatible with your 'base' sound system.
. I am looking for the cheapest possible options which is usually used parts. If I can’t find those, I may just live without the speakers up there. I have been fading to the rear for a long time because they were blown and with them removed I can have my door speakers back at least and it sounds pretty good.
right now, I am driving with everything disassembled, airbags hanging out etc. so I need to find a solution quickly. I will check out Crutchfield to see if they have some cheapo compatible speakers thanks!
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From: Blind Bay BC Canada
You can find speakers here. https://www.audipartsca.com/search?search_str=speaker FWIW, I would buy aftermarket speakers. You can have a 100.00 radio and 10,000.00 speakers and it will sound great. You can also have a 10,000.00 radio with 100.00 speakers and it will sound like crap. Most radios put out good sound, The deciding factor on sound quality comes down to the speaker. You can buy refoam kits. Or you can take it to a speaker shop to have it repaired. You might even find some speakers on Marketplace.
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Joined: Jan 2021
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From: USA - NM
Those are relatively small speakers in your dash, and really nothing fancy, and so they are inexpensive to pick up some locally once you know the size/depth/ electrical resistance, etc. I'm talking you could go down to Wal-Mart and buy some extremely cheap, off-shelf, new speakers to throw in there, but you need to know the specs to match up to and be sure they'll fit, etc.
The cones on your old speakers may appear as intact, but they are also fragile/brittle from the age/heat, etc. that killed the foam surrounds.
I can totally see the value in rebuilding a well-made speaker. Dash-mounted speakers, however, are in the worst possible location/ environment, and so if they crap out due to the age/heat cycling damage of sitting at the base of the windshield for a decade or longer, then it just makes sense to throw some cheap, new speakers in there, whether your goal is to have 'decent' sound, or simply a completely functional system. It's the front row seating speakers that do the heavy lifting for the stereo imaging/separation you hear. How much you spend is up to you, but the dash speakers are small, generic sized, common speakers...nothing special or expensive is required...just a little research.
The cones on your old speakers may appear as intact, but they are also fragile/brittle from the age/heat, etc. that killed the foam surrounds.
I can totally see the value in rebuilding a well-made speaker. Dash-mounted speakers, however, are in the worst possible location/ environment, and so if they crap out due to the age/heat cycling damage of sitting at the base of the windshield for a decade or longer, then it just makes sense to throw some cheap, new speakers in there, whether your goal is to have 'decent' sound, or simply a completely functional system. It's the front row seating speakers that do the heavy lifting for the stereo imaging/separation you hear. How much you spend is up to you, but the dash speakers are small, generic sized, common speakers...nothing special or expensive is required...just a little research.
Last edited by '10Q7TDI_Prestige'; Mar 30, 2025 at 03:50 PM.