Upgrade Your 2017 Nissan Sentra: Speaker Replacement Guide

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 59 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to crank up the tunes in your 2017 Nissan Sentra? If your factory speakers are sounding a bit, well, blah, then it's time for an upgrade! Replacing your speakers is a fantastic way to improve your car's audio quality without breaking the bank. This guide is all about giving you the lowdown on how to do a 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement. We'll walk you through everything, from choosing the right speakers to the actual installation process. Don't worry, it's totally doable, even if you're not a car expert. Let's dive in and get those speakers pumping!

Why Replace Your 2017 Nissan Sentra Speakers?

So, why bother with a 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement in the first place? Well, the stock speakers that come with your car, while functional, often leave a lot to be desired in terms of sound quality. The stock speakers are often designed to meet a price point, which means they might lack the clarity, bass response, and overall audio fidelity that a music lover craves. Replacing them can bring a whole new level of enjoyment to your daily commute or road trips.

Let's be real: factory speakers tend to be pretty basic. They might sound okay at low volumes, but crank it up, and you'll probably notice distortion, muddy bass, and a general lack of detail. Upgrading your speakers can fix all of that. Think crisp highs, punchy mids, and deep, resonant bass. Plus, a good set of aftermarket speakers can handle more power, which means you can also improve your sound system by adding an amplifier down the road. It's really all about getting that amazing listening experience when you're cruising down the street. It's a noticeable difference, and it makes driving much more enjoyable. Another reason to upgrade is that old speakers can deteriorate over time. The materials used in the cones and surrounds can degrade, leading to crackling, buzzing, or even complete failure. This is especially true if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures or humidity. Replacing your speakers ensures that you're getting a reliable and consistent audio experience.

Ultimately, upgrading your speakers is about enhancing your overall driving experience. Music is a huge part of many people's lives, and having a high-quality sound system can make your car feel like a much more enjoyable place to be. It's an upgrade that pays off every time you hit the road. So, are you ready to learn how to replace the speakers in your 2017 Nissan Sentra? Keep reading!

Choosing the Right Speakers for Your 2017 Nissan Sentra

Alright, so you're convinced that a speaker replacement is the way to go. Awesome! But where do you start? Choosing the right speakers is the first, and arguably the most crucial, step in the process. You want to make sure you get speakers that will fit your car, sound great, and meet your budget. Let's break down the key factors to consider when choosing speakers for your 2017 Nissan Sentra.

First off, compatibility is key. Your 2017 Nissan Sentra has specific speaker sizes in various locations (front doors, rear doors, etc.). You'll need to know these sizes to ensure that the new speakers will physically fit into the existing openings. Luckily, this information is readily available. You can easily find the speaker sizes for your Sentra by searching online, using a site like Crutchfield (which also offers vehicle-specific fit guides), or by checking your owner's manual. Common sizes for the Sentra include 6.5-inch and 6x9-inch speakers.

Next, consider the speaker type. You can choose from coaxial speakers (which have all the components – woofer and tweeter – mounted together) or component speakers (which have separate woofers and tweeters). Coaxial speakers are usually easier to install and are a good option if you're looking for a simple upgrade. Component speakers, on the other hand, often offer better sound quality because the separate tweeters can be positioned for optimal imaging. If you're serious about sound quality and are willing to put in a bit more work, component speakers are a great choice.

Think about the power handling of the speakers. You want speakers that can handle the power output of your car's head unit (the radio). If you plan to add an amplifier down the road, make sure the speakers can handle the increased power. Check the specifications for the speakers you're considering to find out their power handling capabilities (typically listed as RMS and peak power). Always make sure the speakers are compatible with the power of your head unit and/or any future amplifiers.

Finally, set your budget. Speaker prices can vary widely, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Decide how much you're willing to spend. This will help you narrow down your choices. Remember that you often get what you pay for, but there are also many excellent speakers available at reasonable prices. Reading reviews and comparing specifications will help you find the best value for your money. Also consider the sensitivity of the speakers; higher sensitivity means the speakers will be louder at a given power level. This is important if you're not planning to add an amplifier.

Once you have determined the correct speaker sizes and types, and after setting your budget, you can start shopping!

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Okay, before you start this 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement project, you'll want to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready to go will make the process much smoother and less frustrating. Here's a list of what you'll need:

New Speakers: Obviously, this is the most important item on the list! Make sure you've selected speakers that fit your Sentra and meet your audio preferences.
Screwdrivers: You'll need a set of screwdrivers, including both Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers, to remove the door panels and speaker mounting screws. Consider magnetic screwdrivers for ease of use.
Panel Removal Tools: These plastic tools are designed to safely remove door panels without damaging them. They are crucial for prying off the panels and avoiding scratches. A panel removal kit is a worthy investment. This will save you a lot of headache and avoid any unnecessary damage to your car's interior.
Socket Wrench Set: You might need a socket wrench to remove any additional fasteners.
Wire Strippers/Crimpers: You'll use these to prepare the speaker wires and connect them to the new speakers.
Speaker Wire: You might need some extra speaker wire, especially if the new speakers don't come with pre-attached wires or if you need to extend the wires.
Wire Connectors (Butt Connectors or Spade Connectors): These connectors are used to securely join the speaker wires. Butt connectors are the simplest, while spade connectors make it easier to disconnect the speakers if needed.
Electrical Tape: For insulating wire connections and securing wires.
Speaker Adapters (Optional): If the new speakers don't fit directly into the factory openings, you might need speaker adapters. These are especially useful if you are installing a different size.
Sound Damping Material (Optional): If you want to take your audio quality to the next level, consider adding sound damping material to the inside of the door panels. This will help reduce vibrations and improve the overall sound.
Gloves: Protect your hands!
Shop Towels: Keep the car clean.

Having the right tools and materials will make the 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement project so much easier.

Step-by-Step Speaker Replacement Guide

Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and start replacing those speakers! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Keep in mind that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the speaker location (front doors, rear doors, etc.). However, the general procedure is the same.

Step 1: Preparation

Park and Prep: Park your Sentra on a level surface and turn off the ignition. Engage the parking brake. Then, gather all your tools and materials and have them close by.
Protect Your Car: Cover your seats and floor mats with drop cloths or old blankets to protect them from any accidental scratches or spills.

Step 2: Removing the Door Panel

Locate and Remove Screws: Carefully inspect the door panel for any screws. These are usually located around the door handle, armrest, and along the bottom edge of the panel. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove these screws. The number and type of screws will vary depending on the location of the speaker.
Remove Trim Pieces: Some trim pieces might be covering screws or clips. Carefully remove these trim pieces using your panel removal tools. Be gentle, and don't force anything.
Release the Door Panel Clips: Once you've removed all the screws, it's time to release the clips that hold the door panel in place. Use your panel removal tools to gently pry the panel away from the door. Start at the bottom or the edge of the panel and work your way around, releasing each clip one by one. You might hear some popping sounds as the clips release; this is normal.
Disconnect Wiring: Once the door panel is loose, carefully lift it away from the door. Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the panel, such as those for the power windows, door locks, and tweeters. Be careful with these connectors and note where they go for easy reassembly.
Set the Door Panel Aside: With the wiring disconnected, set the door panel aside in a safe place where it won't be damaged.

Step 3: Removing the Old Speaker

Locate the Speaker: With the door panel removed, you should now see the factory speaker.
Disconnect the Wiring: Locate the wiring harness connected to the speaker. Carefully disconnect the wiring harness from the speaker terminals.
Remove the Speaker Mounting Screws: Use the appropriate screwdriver or socket wrench to remove the screws that secure the speaker to the door.
Remove the Old Speaker: Gently pull the old speaker out of the door. Be careful not to damage the door or any surrounding components.

Step 4: Installing the New Speaker

Prepare the New Speaker: If necessary, connect the speaker wires to the new speaker terminals using butt connectors or spade connectors.
Install Speaker Adapters (If Needed): If you're using speaker adapters, install them now, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Mount the New Speaker: Carefully align the new speaker with the existing mounting holes and secure it using the original screws or the screws provided with the new speakers. Make sure the speaker is flush with the door panel.
Connect the Wiring: Connect the wiring harness to the new speaker terminals. Make sure the polarity is correct (positive to positive, negative to negative). You may want to consult the speaker's documentation.

Step 5: Reassembling the Door Panel

Reconnect Wiring: Reconnect all the electrical connectors to the door panel.
Align the Door Panel: Carefully align the door panel with the door and make sure all the clips are lined up.
Snap the Clips into Place: Press firmly on the door panel around the edges to snap the clips back into place. You should hear a clicking sound as the clips re-engage.
Reinstall Screws and Trim: Reinstall all the screws and trim pieces you removed earlier.

Step 6: Testing and Final Touches

Test the Speaker: Turn on your car's audio system and test the new speaker. Make sure it's working properly and that the sound quality is to your liking.
Repeat for Other Speakers: Repeat the above steps for all the speakers you want to replace.
Clean Up: Once you've finished replacing all the speakers, clean up your workspace and put away your tools.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Speaker Doesn't Work: Double-check all the wiring connections to ensure they are secure and that the polarity is correct. Make sure the head unit is turned on. If the speaker still doesn't work, there might be a problem with the speaker itself or the wiring.
Distorted Sound: Check for loose connections or wiring shorts. Make sure the speakers are not being overdriven (playing at too high a volume) or that the speakers are compatible with the head unit.
Speaker Doesn't Fit: If the speaker doesn't fit, double-check the speaker size and make sure you're using the correct speaker adapters, if needed.
Door Panel Won't Go Back On: Ensure all the clips are aligned and that you haven't missed any screws. Double-check for any obstructions.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Upgraded Sound!

That's it, guys! You've successfully completed the 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement. You should now be enjoying a much-improved audio experience in your car. Remember to take your time, be patient, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Now, crank up the tunes and enjoy the ride! Hopefully, this guide helped you with your speaker replacement and gave you some insights. Enjoy the new sound and the upgraded sound system! Remember that you can always use the advice of professionals if you have any difficulties. Happy listening!