testing for leaks in a sealed sub (1 Viewer)

[Joey Skinner]

What are some methods for testing a sealed enclosure for air leaks?

 

[Dave Poehlman]

I usually throw in a test CD and play a 10-15 Hz tone at a good volume so you can really see the driver moving.

You can usually hear if you have any leaks... they sound like rattles at that level. I just take the palm of my hand and feel for air blowing out anywhere (sometimes I might even lick my palm to make it easier to feel air moving across it).

This has also worked for ported enclosures for me too.

Most common area for me to find leaks are around the driver flange.

 

[ThomasW]

Got some stick incense, a lit cigarette or something similar that will generate a small stream of smoke?

Wave the smoke around all the openings in the box while paying a test tone. An air leak will cause the smoke to deflect at an angle.