Audio Systems: 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS Speaker Problem, toyota avalon xls, toyota avalon

Question
We've had our 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS since around 1998. It is now my car and I've driven it for several years. About 5 or 6 years back, we had some trouble with the speakers. My mom took it in but they couldn't tell us what was wrong with them. I guess my dad toggled some knobs or something and made it go away...he wasn't very specific when I asked him about it. The point is, they are not working very well again. It's worse in the front--the driver's side speaker sounds like it's blown and the passenger's side speaker buzzes badly with the bass. It's not as bad in the back, the left side speaker is fine but the one on the right also buzzes, though not as badly as in front. I have made due by turning the bass knob all the way down and not turning up the volume too loud, but I am 19 and enjoy a good late night drive with the music blasting and the windows down. Could playing music too loudly cause this problem? The last time it happened, my mom was the car's principal driver and she never turned the volume up very loud. I was wondering if this is a common problem in Avalons and if it can be fixed or if I should replace the speakers. My audio system is just 4 speakers, one in each door and I just have the cassette player, no CD capabilities. My dad says that last time, the speakers sounded like they were blown, but they weren't so I don't know if they are or not. Can speakers just wear out and need to be replaced? Thank you!

Answer
Overpowering the speakers for long periods of time can do permanent damage to the speakers and/or the amplifier system.

The local car dealer usually does not have a competent audio specialist on staff.

But, if you take the car into a qualified car install/repair shop they can check out the system in a matter of minutes and tell you exactly what you need to repair in order to get it back to working condition.

Based on your description of the sounds you are getting out of the speakers I would say the speakers are badly damaged and need reconed or replaced.

Avalon audio system is good.  If cared for properly they last very long and will give good service - but this does not mean they will last forever.  The typical loudspeaker in a car environment is good for 5 to 8 years before failure, depending on moisture, humidity, rain level in your area, overdrive of power and so on.

Hope this helps.
C