Getting rid of Rattles

[rodster]

Kacyk -- I'll get it done tonight after the dust on this day settles.

[TXSUT]

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

Do your door panels also creak every time you hit anything but the slightest bumps in the road? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, they do. What makes it even worse is that I like to rest my left knee against the door, which results in constant creaking. And when I move my knee away, I have to tug on the door handle to stop the creaking. It's absolutely embarrassing to give someone a ride, someone who is all excited to get their first ride in a Hummer...and the damn thing rattles and creaks like it's phucking Ford Tempo.

[rodster]

Steps to removing the door panels.

1. One phillips head screw holds on the plastic trim panel behing the door handle. Remove the screw and then the panel.

[rodster]

2. With the panel off, note the two 7mm hex head screws above the handle. Remove the two screws.

[rodster]

3. The door panel is now held in place by plastic fasteners. Work your fingers under any edge and pull straight away from the door. Brace against your pull -- once one lets go, they all tend to want to let go. If you let that happen, it'll put sideways stress on the remaining fasteners and break them.

You can see the fasteners in this picture. Some are black, some are white. (The gray insulation is pulled back and foam cut in this picture because I was replacing exterior door handles.)

[rodster]

A more accurate view of what you'll see with the panel off. This is the front passenger door. Note that the wires are grouped in a series of plugs. You probably won't need to take the panel all the way off. Note in previous picture the inside pull handle is tied to the wheel to hold it up.

[rodster]

4. Rear door panels require one additional step -- you must remove the narrow, vertical plastic that's aft of the window. It's held on by fasteners that you can see in this pic.

[rodster]

That's it. Removing any of the panels is easy. Take your time with the fasteners and you'll have no problem.

Great info!! Thanks for posting.

I've been thinking of taking mine apart to tackle the creaks and rattles, but I wasn't sure what I'd get into. This definitely helps.

A couple of questions:

What is the best way to grip the panels (both in #3 and #4) to make sure nothing snaps off when I start to pull?

Also, I've always thought that running some kind of trim or bead of sealer, caulk, or something would help tremendously on the plastic to metal source of the creaks. Do you have any opinion on whether this would help?

[dochummer]

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

I have the exact same problem with my sunroof, only it's an aftermarket webasto. the creeking is directly above my right shoulder. I've tried little pieces of dynomat, which didn't work... My best solution so far is sticking a candy bar up between the headliner and the glass....

[rodster]

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

What is the best way to grip the panels (both in #3 and #4) to make sure nothing snaps off when I start to pull? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Once you have fingers under the panel, brace the door so it doesn't move then pull the panel with short jerks using only your arms. Control the door, control your movement. You only need the fasteners to move an inch.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Also, I've always thought that running some kind of trim or bead of sealer, caulk, or something would help tremendously on the plastic to metal source of the creaks. Do you have any opinion on whether this would help? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

First, I'm not sure the problem is plastic on metal. Might be, might not be.

Take a look at the fasteners in pic 3 -- see the black "collars" around each fastener? That's part of what insulates the panel from the door. The insulators are about 1/4" deep and slide off the fasteners way too easy. If your door panels have ever been off (they may very well have been removed at the dealer before you bought the truck) and you're having lots of squeaks, I'd first check to ensure you have all the black insulators.

Check the two screws in pic two above. Are they tight?

Are the speaker screws tight?

One thing we don't know (although it might be suspected) is, is the noise coming from the door panel? It could be coming from inside the door. Perhaps go for a drive after you take off the first panel. Noise still there?

After verifying the source of the squeak (door v panel) and after verifying the insulators are in place and all fasteners and screws are well-seated then maybe, yes, one of the remedies you mentioned might be worth trying.

That said, personally, I'd be reluctant to start caulking, taping or otherwise sticking together parts that you may want to disassemble some day.

If your door didn't squeak when new, it stands to reason something is now loose and it seems feasible that what's now loose can be made snug again without adding caulk, etc.

[rodster]

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

Don't know what to tell you about that. I haven't been that deep in the headliner. PM Orange Crush -- I think he was just working in that area.

[kacyk]

Rodster,

Bravo! Thank you! It looks easy enough for even me to tackle!

[TXSUT]

Rod, you never cease to amaze me with your helpfulness. THANKS!!!!!!!!

-Pete

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

I'm not sure the problem is plastic on metal. Might be, might not be.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The reason I think it's plastic on metal is that on my prior '05 SUT there were several spots just under the door panel edge where the paint was scratched off.

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

That said, personally, I'd be reluctant to start caulking, taping or otherwise sticking together parts that you may want to disassemble some day.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

When I mentioned caulk earlier, I wasn't really thinking of sticking the door panels to the door. What I had in mind was laying a bead of caulk or some other rubber material to cushion the edges. I would let it dry for a while before reinstalling the panels.

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

If your door didn't squeak when new, it stands to reason something is now loose and it seems feasible that what's now loose can be made snug again without adding caulk, etc. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My previous '05 SUT squeaked from day one. My current '05 SUV seems much tighter, but I can still detect some of the same noises -- just not as bad.

I think there were some redesigned fasteners put into production during the '05 year, but I'm not sure if my truck has them.

[rodster]

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

When I mentioned caulk earlier, I wasn't really thinking of sticking the door panels to the door. What I had in mind was laying a bead of caulk or some other rubber material to cushion the edges. I would let it dry for a while before reinstalling the panels.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah, got it. It would be good to know how that turns out if you do it. It's probably only a matter of time before my truck develops the same problems.

[KenP]

Rod, can you swing by and fix the clicking coming from the mysterious speaker above my left ear?

Nice write up, Rod.

[dochummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Rod, can you swing by and fix the clicking coming from the mysterious speaker above my left ear?

Nice write up, Rod. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



I actually have the same problem. I unscrewed the onstar speaker and stuck my hand up there. There's a piece of metal that rattles against the roof.

My other idea is to trim the door panel edge in some kind of rubber or felt rather than putting anything on the door. It makes sense to me that the fit would be better on the panel versus the door. If I knew more about car interiors, I'm sure there is a simple solution.

BTW - How much more work is it to replace the door buckets once the inside door panels are removed?