Peavey speaker magnet vent foam

[Axtman]

I have two 12 inch Peavey Balck Widow speakers. On the back of the magnet there is a vent hole with a metal mesh on it. Inside the hole here used to be black foam. Well this foam has deteriorated and has been removed.

Should I replace this foam? If so, with what? Or can I just leave it out.

Thanks,

[tedmich]

I believe the foam was to filter out the pumped air that helped to cool the voice coil, but ended up degrading like any urethane foam (see "foam speaker surrounds" and creating more problems than it solved.
There are more durable elastomer open celled foams made of EPDM or silicone but probably not worth the bother.
A fine stainless mesh might be a permanent solution, McMaster Carr PN 92715T73 or a related SS filter cloth could be cut to size

[The Dude]

If the metal mesh is still there, I wouldn't worry about it. Of more concern is that the old foam may still be floating around inside the gap. Make sure you don't see chunks of foam rolling around inside.