P751TM1-G fix for rattling/distorted speakers (may also help other models)

Last week I posted here about how my laptop's left speaker became loose after two weeks of ownership and started to sound very distorted past 20% volume. Well with my reseller's blessing and guidance, I took apart the top cover to gain access to the speaker and see if I couldn't do some self-repair.

What I found is that the foam damping material between the speaker housing and top cover grill was too thin and compressible so it wasn't doing its job to dampen the vibrations. That's why pressing down on the grill with my fingers made the distortion go away. These two verticals pieces of foam on either side of the vent are the culprit. And yes the speaker was screwed in tight and there were no foreign objects or hairs in there.

Spoiler

I picked up this window sealing foam at my local hardware store. Says on the bag it's designed for extra small gaps and it compresses down to 1/8" quite easily but still has less give than the OEM foam. Also has an adhesive backing which is really convenient.

Spoiler

I just cut a couple 1.75cm pieces of that foam and stuck them directly over the OEM foam, on both speakers, then screwed the speakers back.

Spoiler

And the result speaks for itself. No more distortion and even at 100% the sound doesn't break up: https://streamable.com/uxdvz

They sound much better now and I am a happy camper.

 

Also that window seal is really great for making foam dams around CPU/GPU dies and IHS to protect against liquid metal runoff, as many users such as @Falkentyne have recommended. Single stack for around bare die and double stack around IHS.

 

Actually this is something that also happens with the P775 series.
We are doing something very similar in a lot of units....

 

Good to hear that some resellers are taking the initiative on this!

 

I might have to do this...

 

Run into the same problem as me, eh?

 

Mine has it very slightly on the left speaker. Some distortion kind of sound.