Getting rid of Rattles

[kacyk]

I have two minor rattles, one in the driver side door and near the sunroof. I have a GMPP but that does not cover rattles. The wife doesn't give a rip but I have bionic ears (she says).

Anyway, is it better to take it to the dealer (since they deal with this stuff) or a something like a stereo shop, or? I'd rather not take on this adventure myself unless someone has step by step instructions on how to take the door and headliner apart. Even at that, I am reluctant.

[kacyk]

I have two minor rattles, one in the driver side door and near the sunroof. I have a GMPP but that does not cover rattles. The wife doesn't give a rip but I have bionic ears (she says).

Anyway, is it better to take it to the dealer (since they deal with this stuff) or a something like a stereo shop, or? I'd rather not take on this adventure myself unless someone has step by step instructions on how to take the door and headliner apart. Even at that, I am reluctant.

[MovinH2]

I have minor rattles every where. I just think it's the nature of the beast. Now on my Corvette it drives me nuts till I find out what's causing it, but on the Hummer it doesn't bother me.

motorhead. stops all the rattles.

[kacyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by shhrtbs:
motorhead. stops all the rattles. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So does 5 kids; shouting, crying, whining, farting in a mind numbing symphany of puke!

[rodster]

The door is very easy to crack open. I'm happy to write up the how-to ... when and if your desire for quiet exceeds your reluctance.

Where in the headliner is the noise?

[kacyk]

The noise from the headliner seems to be in the rear left side of the sunroof (strategically just over the left side of my head!).

Actually, the are rattle isn't that bad and it's not all the time. Also, I drive the rig only once a week. Maybe it's a guy thing...

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kacyk:
The noise from the headliner seems to be in the rear left side of the sunroof (strategically just over the left side of my head!).
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's a good thing -- the rattle must only be a few inches from where the headliner tucks under the rubber trim?

The headliner has some flex in it. To run wires I've peeled back the rubber and pulled the headliner down far enough to wedge in a standard size flashlight. That kept it open wide enough to work and provide light. You'll have to peel back the rubber for a good 8-12 inches to have that much flex. The rubber is not glued to the headliner, BTW.

If your rattle is indeed that close to the side, chances are good you can find and fix it.

[Dan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kacyk:
The noise from the headliner seems to be in the rear left side of the sunroof (strategically just over the left side of my head!).
... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have that too, same exact spot. It sounds like crinkling plastic cellophane.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dan:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kacyk:
The noise from the headliner seems to be in the rear left side of the sunroof (strategically just over the left side of my head!).
... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have that too, same exact spot. It sounds like crinkling plastic cellophane. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not saying this is a feasible idea ...

Wonder what would happen if you shot some expanding foam up there?

As posted on another thread today, rattles and creaks have been my worst complaint on these trucks. Everyone please post things you've done (that have actually worked) to fix squeaky doors, creaking dash panels, popping A/C vents, etc. I can use all the help I can get.

[rodster]

Tinnitus must be the great equalizer. Can't say I notice the noises in my truck.

But I am curious what you mean by popping A/C vents?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
But I am curious what you mean by popping A/C vents? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Heating and cooling my truck generates quite a bit of popping sounds while driving (I guess from expansion and contraction) during the more extreme temperatures (hot or cold). My guess is either the cheap plastic of the dash or maybe even the ducts themselves. I've had two '05's that have both behaved this way, so I don't think it's just a quirk.

[rodster]

You asked for proven methods and this is not that but it may offer an idea ...

I had the center dash trim and the rear vent trim off last week. The back of each vent is a male tube, the end/circumference of which is wrapped in foam with a tape backing. One of my vent's tape was malformed so the male end wasn't fully insulated from the female tube it went in. (Hope that makes sense.) Wonder if the area where the two pieces join could be the source of the popping?

Not a very good picture of the end of the female section, but this is the left center vent tube. You can see the flare on the end where the insulated male end goes.

[TXSUT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by mstams:

Heating and cooling my truck generates quite a bit of popping sounds while driving (I guess from expansion and contraction) during the more extreme temperatures (hot or cold). My guess is either the cheap plastic of the dash or maybe even the ducts themselves. I've had two '05's that have both behaved this way, so I don't think it's just a quirk. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's definitely not a quirk; mine does it too.

Guess I'd have to start taking the dash apart and running the heat/air to see if the popping went away. What a pain! Then again, maybe I could just start with the driver's side vent as I think all of the vents seem to pop...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXSUT:
It's definitely not a quirk; mine does it too. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Do your door panels also creak every time you hit anything but the slightest bumps in the road?

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dan:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kacyk:
The noise from the headliner seems to be in the rear left side of the sunroof (strategically just over the left side of my head!).
... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have that too, same exact spot. It sounds like crinkling plastic cellophane. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Could it be coming from that mysterious mic above your left ear?

My only complaint is the aftermarket VentShades. When the sun hits them they crack and pop just loud enough to drive me batty. I have to hold the DS to stop it.

[DH22G]

i get that same damn creek from above my head!!! it drives me nuts!!!.. i also get rattles from the bose logos on the speaker grills.. time to remove them!!!! no more bose anyway.. MB QUART Q SERIES BABY!

[kacyk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
The door is very easy to crack open. I'm happy to write up the how-to ... when and if your desire for quiet exceeds your reluctance.

Where in the headliner is the noise? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Rodster, an help on getting the door panel off would be much appreciated. In fact, you might post it here to help others as well. If possible, in the instructions assume I am 16 years old and the only thing I know how to do is open my zipper.

Also, I found the source of the crackling sound at the headliner. There is a spot just behind the sunroof that makes the noise. If I put slight pressure on it the rattle stops. It almost sounds like the headliner pulled away from the adhesive. Is is glued on? Shall I just spray some glue in there or wedge something there?