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Old 02-17-2009, 11:38 AM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Location: NorCal
Door handle buzz

I was thinking of replacing the speakers but have noticed that a large part of the reason the stockers sound bad is caused by the door handles buzzing from the vibrations. Pressing the door handle down very firmly eliminates most of the annoying buzz. I don't have the bass up (if anything it is in the negatives now) and it does not have to be loud to cause this.

Has anyone else had this and found a (hopefully easy) solution? I am thinking that replacing the speakers would be pointless if this wretched door buzzing continues

Am on the fence about taking this issue to the dealer, have had plenty of rattling and buzzing issues never solved by car dealers am not sure it is worth the potential mess of things made in the process of attempting it.

Thanks in advance for any help

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Old 02-17-2009, 11:40 AM   #2 (permalink)
 
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Location: NorCal
Note: It does not buzz all the time or mostly at the low volumes we have been keeping it at, which is why we have been able to live with it for so long, but I really would like to fix it

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Old 02-17-2009, 06:22 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Location: maplewood, nj
Sorry, I can't help. FWIW, I've not had buzzing with the stock or the replacement Polks - even at maximum volume so it's not a problem with all Smart handles.

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Old 02-17-2009, 06:28 PM   #4 (permalink)
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...second that... with after market units...no buzz...only

jetfuel

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Old 02-17-2009, 06:31 PM   #5 (permalink)
 
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Location: NorCal
Quote:
Originally Posted by mvaldes View Post
Sorry, I can't help. FWIW, I've not had buzzing with the stock or the replacement Polks - even at maximum volume so it's not a problem with all Smart handles.
I figured it was just a random thing, maybe some cars have a looser connection in the handle or whatnot. With hope it can be tightened or something.

As I was driving today it sounded fine with the radio at moderate levels, it is a bit quixotic and only raised our ire at certain times which is why it has not been a priority for the past (almost) year. Now that the car will have to go in for its first service it just came to mind to consider asking them to deal with it or not, plus I was thinking of new speakers as a little birthday gift

So, since you did the speakers I have to ask - in your opinion does it make a big difference? Will it really jump out at us? And is the DIY pretty easy or actually a real pain?

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Old 02-17-2009, 06:41 PM   #6 (permalink)
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...IMO...the stock speakers seemed to have a better bass down at low volume but it distorted at mid volume level...the Polks are better all the way around....crisp sound and just push the bass to +4 or +5 and enjoy it....my wife used to run 10 on the volume before the change..now 12-13....long live Elvis....
...for the imstall follow the DIY in the members page


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Old 02-17-2009, 08:23 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Location: maplewood, nj
Overall, I agree with Jetfuel, the speakers make a HUGE difference although I think the bass in the Polks is better throughout their range . As I recall, the installation took me about 1 1/2 hours and on the first side and 30-45 minutes on the second. This was my first time removing panels, so if you've done any of that before, it'll probably go faster for you. It wasn't a PITA, I actually enjoyed doing it.
The threads that were of great help to me are:
DIY Step by Step Speaker Installation (door)
and
Door Speaker Installation -- Shortcuts and Recommendations
BabyBenz has an alternate method that he describes here:
DIY Installing Component Speakers (door, alternate)
Hope this helps if you decide new speakers are in your future.

Last edited by mvaldes; 02-17-2009 at 08:27 PM.. Reason: add

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Old 02-17-2009, 10:32 PM   #8 (permalink)
 
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Location: Ingleside, Illinois
Drive: 2008 Dodge Caliber SXT 1.8
Maybe there's a bee hiding in your door handle?

Other than that, I'd say it might be a loose something in the door handle...

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Old 02-18-2009, 09:26 AM   #9 (permalink)
 
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Location: NorCal
Thanks everyone for the input (and mvaldes very kind of you to post the links, I had a couple saved but that will be helpful).

Ordered the Infinity 6022i, crossing fingers now

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Old 02-18-2009, 08:14 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Ordered the Infinity 6022i, crossing fingers now

Good for you! Keep us posted on how you like them and how the install goes.

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