Dash Rattle

[tkeneklis]

I have a dash rattle that drives me nuts. When I go over bumps or hit a pot hole I get a noise like two small brass cymbals and hitting each other. It seems to come from the instrument panel. I have read posts on struts and others but this seems like a new one. Who can help?

[Clearancediver]

Tighten/retorque the strut races in the engine compartment. It costs nothing to do and likely will fix the problem. If it doesn't you've eliminated a potential cause ...

[tkeneklis]

Thanks I will try that.

[tkeneklis]

Originally Posted by tkeneklis

Thanks I will try that.

I tightened them but still get the rattle. Any other suggestions?

[Clearancediver]

Honestly can't think of anything else in dash area that would cause a sound. I would suggest you check your suspension and anything connected to the control arms. Worn bushings etc may be the cause. It also could be your struts are worn out ... So check the front springs to see if you have any issues there caused by bottoming out the struts...

[JCF]

The instrument panel is only held in by one screw. Easy to pull out and see if there is anything back there rattling around.

[tkeneklis]

Originally Posted by JCF

The instrument panel is only held in by one screw. Easy to pull out and see if there is anything back there rattling around.

Where is that screw?

[tkeneklis]

Originally Posted by Clearancediver

Honestly can't think of anything else in dash area that would cause a sound. I would suggest you check your suspension and anything connected to the control arms. Worn bushings etc may be the cause. It also could be your struts are worn out ... So check the front springs to see if you have any issues there caused by bottoming out the struts...

I have had the struts and shocks replaced but to no avail.

[JCF]

Originally Posted by tkeneklis

Where is that screw?

It's a torx screw

tilt the wheel down and fully out--look up at housing and see the single screw --remove it and pull towards you.

You don't need to unplug the cluster, there's enough room and slack to shift it around and see if there is anything loose.

[tkeneklis]

Originally Posted by JCF

It's a torx screw

tilt the wheel down and fully out--look up at housing and see the single screw --remove it and pull towards you.

You don't need to unplug the cluster, there's enough room and slack to shift it around and see if there is anything loose.

Clean up behind the instrument panel of dust etc. found nothing that would rattle but found nice places to hide cash and pistol.

[JCF]

If you have some help, are you able to replicate the noise by having someone bounce the car with their weight?

Next thing to check, if you're sure it's coming from the dash, is to pull the radio and see if there's something back there.

[Sterling Roadster]

As I understand it, when strut bearings fail they make a noise similar to what you have described. Otherwise, i'd be checking for loose metal in the engine bay, or possibly a heat sheild somewhere.

[tkeneklis]

Originally Posted by JCF

If you have some help, are you able to replicate the noise by having someone bounce the car with their weight?

Next thing to check, if you're sure it's coming from the dash, is to pull the radio and see if there's something back there.

\

Pulled the vents and radio and all I found was dust and better places to hide a revolver when crossing state lines.