How to Install Rear Speakers in a 2007 Cobalt

The 2005 model year marked the final production year for the aged Chevrolet Cavalier. Its replacement, the Cobalt, arrived alongside the Cavalier in the 2005 model year and finally replaced the Cavalier in 2006. The 2007 Cobalt had three different engine sizes available: a 148-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine; a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine; and a 205-horsepower, supercharged 2.0-liter engine. The Cobalt came standard with a four-speaker, AM/FM/CD stereo system; it had two front door speakers and two rear window, shelf-mounted speakers. Installing new rear speakers on the 2007 Cobalt is relatively easy, but it requires removing three trim panels first.

Things You'll Need

  • Trim stick
  • Ratchet
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Fold down the Cobalt's rear seat-back cushion.

  • Remove the left and right upper lock pillar garnish moldings (the trim surrounding the rear quarter panel windows) by releasing the nine clips -- four on the bottom, two on the front and three on the top -- with a trim stick. Pull the moldings from the vehicle.

  • Lift the front of the rear window shelf trim panel and disengage the two clips holding the rear of the panel in place, using a trim stick. Pull the panel from the Cobalt, exposing the rear speakers below it.

  • Remove the four screws holding each of the rear speakers on the rear window shelf, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the speakers out and disconnect the wires plugging into the bottom of each speaker.

  • Plug the wires into the new speakers and set the speakers in the holes on the rear window shelf. Tighten the four screws on each speaker to 1 to 2 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

  • Set the rear window shelf trim panel back in place and engage the clips on the rear of the panel into the rear window shelf.

  • Place the upper lock pillar garnish moldings back in place over the rear quarter windows and press the moldings to snap the retaining clips into place.

  • Pull the rear seat up and lock it into place.