Help - need your thoughts on rattle repair
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Help - need your thoughts on rattle repair
I've had a vibration/buzzing sound in my car since new. It occurs at different speed/rpm/gears - basically if I'm not hot footing it and don't downshift, but give it some gas, this vibrating noise will pop up. Unfortunately, it does it at some typical around town and highway speeds. I can drive (speed wise) or shift around it, but it is nonetheless annoying. Finally spoke with my dealer's service manager about it. We went for a ride, so I could have him hear it, and he agreed and thought it might be a heat shield vibrating. They had the car for half a day and here's the report. They believe they've traced the buzz to somewhere inside the dash. They pulled off the console and tightened a few things, to no avail. So, his question to me, do you want us to pull off the dash to find this? It's a warranty issue, so $$ is not a concern. I'm just concerned that, the way cars are manufactured these days, it won't go back together as well as it came from the factory. Am I worrying too much? Should I let 'em at it? The buzz bugs me, but truth be told, if I had to pay for them to track this down, I could probably live with it. Your thoughts? Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Help - need your thoughts on rattle repair (wamara)
I understand your concerns; I too hate "Squeaks" and let them drive me &^^%$(*. Your problem is probably where you thinks it is, but I had one there too which turned out to be the passenger sun visor. I had another which sounded just like your car, which I traced to the passenger side latch for the top. There is a padded inset in the latch handle that is made of plastic and is a simple press-in fit with three "legs" for attachment. Mine had only two and was buzzing like crazy. You never know; check them out. Good luck! :)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Help - need your thoughts on rattle repair (carpe dm)
Carpe dm, I think they used "chassis ears" to track the sound. I know they had it up on a lift, and drove it some. To me, it always sounded like the vibration was coming from the transmission tunnel. I know the location of these sounds can be deceiving, but I will have to assume that with the 2-3 hours they spent on the car, their "location" diagnosis is correct.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH, USA
Re: Help - need your thoughts on rattle repair (wamara)
The question is, do you trust the tech? If so, let him at it. I have taken mine apart for a radio part I broke (don't ask) and for the shifter. It comes apart pretty easily and fits back together nicely! If you think the tech is some idiot with ham fists, I wouldn't let him. . . . . he'll probably do more damage than good with your "un-important" problem. Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: paradise valley az. us
Re: Help - need your thoughts on rattle repair (wamara)
I would suggest let them do it,these dashes go in and outreal EZ and theres a good chance they will trace it there,if they prove wrong send them to the area your thinking of .Yours Truly David S.
