Is it time to install new speakers? If you hear rattling or excessive humming or buzzing coming from your car speakers, it may be time to replace your old speakers. Or, if you are looking for extra volume, you may want to add additional speakers. To install speakers to your car stereo system, you will need to tie the wiring into the current speakers. It is a simple process that you can do by following the steps below. Here's how to install additional car speakers:
How to install car speakers
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Gather the correct materials - You will have to gather the right materials first. You will need the following: Power drill with ¼” drill bit, Quick-splice wire connectors (recommended: Cal-Hawk Quick Splice Connector Assortment), Screwdriver set, and a Socket set and ratchet (¼” drive)/
Remove the speaker covering panel - You will need to remove the speaker covering panel closest to the location you wish to mount your additional speakers**. Follow the process used in Part 2 of this tutorial to remove the panel.
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Determine where you will run the wire - Figure out where you will run your wire from the new speaker to the existing speaker location. Ideally, you will want to run the wire in a hidden location.
Tip: Check if there is a void under the panel where you want to install the speaker where you can run the wire.
Note: If you are not able to route the wire under the panel in a hidden location, you may want to reconsider your speaker placement. Alternatively, you can run the wire along the surface of the panel though it will not be as attractive nor protected.
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Drill a hole through the panel to route the wires - Carefully drill through the panel with a ¼” bit. Use low speed if you can and very light pressure. As soon as the bit penetrates all the way through, pull the drill bit back out.
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Pull the wires through the hole - Gently pull the wires for your new speaker through the hole then fasten the speaker in place. The speaker itself will cover the hole you drilled through the panel.
Tip: Speakers may be fastened with screws or they may use heavy-duty two-sided tape to keep them in place. Use the fasteners that came with your new speakers to install them.
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Connect the new speaker’s wires to the existing speaker’s wires - Use quick-splice connectors to easily connect the wires. Put one side of the quick-splice connector over the existing speaker wire. Put the end of the new speaker’s wire into the quick-splice connector.
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Snap in place - Press the connector together firmly until it snaps in place. Quick-splice connectors penetrate the insulation on the wire and create a reliable connection between two wires. They are commonly used in accessory installations and car audio installations.
Organize the wiring properly - Route any wires carefully underneath the panels, choosing a location where they won’t get pinched by fasteners or rub through on metal or plastic.
Re-install the cover panel for the existing speaker - Install all the screws and trim clips in the reverse order of removal.
Overall, the process of replacing or adding speakers is relatively straightforward, and if you follow the guide above, you should be able to complete the task successfully. However, if you run into any questions along the way, you can always Ask a Mechanic.
Or, if you don’t feel comfortable performing this job on your own, you can call one of the certified technicians at YourMechanic to come to your home or office.
