Hey guys,

I apologize for the noobish post since car sound systems aren't really my thing.

I just got a 2004 (1st gen) S40 and I'm LOVING it ... except for one thing. The area around the rear speakers rattles terribly, to the point where playing music with any sort of bass makes it almost completely unlistenable because of the vibration from the back. I'm not exaggerating folks, it THAT bad. The front speaker housing for the door speaker is also a problem, but less so than the rear. The previous owner really abused this car, I can tell. Good news is that the car is still under factory warranty until December.

My situation: the way I see it, this is a factory system (premium sound) and its good enough for me, but it has no earthly right to rattle THIS much. I've driven real pieces of junk in the past and the speakers didn't give me much of a problem.

My questions: is it normal for these factory speakers to make the housing rattle this much in the S40? Is the assembly really that shabby? Anyone else have/had this problem in their S40 from the getgo?

Also, would I have to put in some dynamat for a STOCK system for this (I have no plans to upgrade the speakers or add subs), or do you think that opening up the housing and tightening everything up would do it?

It really should not rattle this much, I've driven an well used 1st gen S40 with no audio problems. Since you have warranty I would get it looked at before it runs out. Rattle could be blown or pierced speaker cone, loose assembly is not likely but possible. What sort of music are your playing? If you turn the bass way up, even most cars would rattle then.

I'll tell you something. I have a S40T5 2005 model and I love it!!!
But what you see is of very good quality. What you don't see is well thought out and very well designed but in order to meet price point car manufacturers must use quite a bit a molded plastic snaps, clips and so on with as little parts as possible to make it easy to service but mostly easy to assemble because that is were the cost is. So it is bound to have some ware and defects now and then. That is the price we must pay for modern commodities :grin:

If it is a newly owned car I would take it to the dealer. I'm sure it is an easy fix...

FYI I agree with poopbunny, with low bass at higher volume you can reach speakers and housing limits to handle vibrations...

Greg