Fixed a rattle

[efusco]

Since having my MFD replace about a month ago I've spawned a new rattle coming from near the A-pillar and dash area in front of the steering wheel.

I could reduce it by pressing on the silver vent cover or on the black part of the dash.

Finally annoyed I went after it with vengence yesterday.

Intending to put weather stripping on the underside of the dash (black portion) and behind the silver vent cover I started with just removing the silver vent cover.

I found that I couldn't really find anything loose enough on the black part of the dash to be a likely cause of the rattle I had been hearing.

But in the process of tapping around I discovered that the plastic piece that is in the little triangle window inset was quite loose and upon tapping it reproduced the rattle I'd heard.

That piece popped out quite easily by lifting the side closest to the driver. I strategicly placed 2 pieces of weather stripping and replaced. That seemed to work.

I finished off with one little piece of weather stripping just under the black part of the dash right where the silver vent cover goes. And then 3 pieces on the vent cover near each pair of retaining clips. the replaced the vent cover.

I decided I'd try unplugging the center/front speaker as some have suggested that improves separation of the stereo sound. While I had that piece out I added a piece of padding to each corner of the speaker since I do have the occasional rattle from that.

In 3 short trips since doing this I've noticed ZERO rattles!! YAY!!

Total time involved maybe 10-15 minutes.

[bookrats]

Congratulations, Evan. There is no better feeling then fixing a minor annoyance yourself (particularly in a short amount of time, with no special materials).

And in regards to myself, I'd add "without injury to myself and/or others."

[efusco]

Originally posted by bookrats@Nov 16 2005, 02:46 PM
And in regards to myself, I'd add "without injury to myself and/or others."

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Been there, done that....look in the archives for the story of my blood-letting...er, XM Radio install. I believe I bled a bit doing my first EV button install too!

[bookrats]

Originally posted by efusco@Nov 16 2005, 02:20 PM
Been there, done that....look in the archives for the story of my blood-letting...er, XM Radio install.  I believe I bled a bit doing my first EV button install too!

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Yes, but according to the druids, that means you sanctified the XM radio and the EV button with your blood.

(Blood of a virgin? No -- that's only needed for ECU replacements. )