T42p weak audio

[sbjoe]

Since I had the machine apart to replace the power supply socket several months ago the sound volume has been very limited. It's pretty much necessary for me to use a headset in order to talk to someone using Google Chat or to listen to any other audio playback. Is this likely a simple speaker problem that can be dealt with easily or is something else nearly as or more likely to be the source of the problem? I've just ordered a new fan/heatsink and am thinking that unless it's extremely unlikely to help I may as well pick up a speaker assembly as well. Thanks

[RealBlackStuff]

The speakers are located in a small plastic bar, across the front of the laptop, under the palmrest.
It's easy to damage them when taking the machine apart.
Replacing them is also easy enough.
Another problem might be a Southbridge chip coming loose, after motherboard flexing during your last 'operation'.
In that case, you need a new motherboard.