Dash rattle. Questions regarding alternate fix.

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 28 Feb 2016, 12:14

My 1999 T5 S70 has developed the dash rattle/squeak again. Had it pulled and fixed several years ago. I have yet to pull the dash cover to assess the damage. I assume since is was repaired once, my current dash may/could be damaged beyond repair. If it is then I am thinking of other options. I have called several salvage yards and only one has a clean dash to purchase. The one yard that does wants $300 for it. I am in Dallas if anyone know of anyone who has a reasonably priced dash.

My car has 160+K miles. Car is in above average shape. Runs and drives as it should. I commute to and from work (25 miles round trip). Just put new tires on it, both 02 sensors, axle, control arm, front brakes and stage 0 in the last month. I plan to keep at least another year and then give it to my nephew as his first car for HS.

I did some research on fixes.... found brackets, shims, spray foam from engine side of firewall and things of the sort. What I am wondering, and I know it is not the best option, but could one pull the dash pad and use spray foam in strategic places to support the dash without removing it? I would think access with the gauge cluster, radio, glove box, and cover off the dash you could gain access to the majority of the dash?

I would be happy document my attempt to fix if someone has an alternative fix. Any thoughts?

Post by **rspi** » 28 Feb 2016, 21:30

There are usually several of the x70 cars in the Pull and Pay's there in the Dallas area. I can't imagine any of them costing more than $60. I'll be there in a few days if you'd like a little help.

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 03 Mar 2016, 18:02

RSPI would be honored. When do you land/arrive in Big D?

Post by **sleddriver** » 03 Mar 2016, 18:29

Blandis:
My previous dash top has been sitting indoors in a box in my house for years. Got a new one when I upgraded to the DPL stereo system. I'm down South near Austin. Not sure if 99's share the same top as 98's. PM me if interested.

I've used silicone grease, self-adhesive felt & foam tapes, hot glue, caulk, etc. to silence parts rubbing on something else.

Post by **mecheng** » 04 Mar 2016, 07:02

Shove some rubber between the dash and the body, cured 90% of the squeaks for me. I put them where I noticed the squeaking.

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Mar 2016, 07:47

sleddriver wrote:Blandis:
My previous dash top has been sitting indoors in a box in my house for years. Got a new one when I upgraded to the DPL stereo system. I'm down South near Austin. Not sure if 99's share the same top as 98's. PM me if interested. ...

Just to clarify (check the OP, it is very clear): blandis is looking for a locally sourced dashboard, not a dash pad/cover/top. The dash itself is a very different beast from the dash pad.

In my experience the junkyards are often much less than helpful on the phone, compared to when you are there and have removed a part etc. Anyway $300 for a dash from the yard is absurd. At the U-pull I've been to the most, they are currently going for $51 (http://upullrparts.com/prices?catID=13)

Post by **sleddriver** » 05 Mar 2016, 12:29

Erikv11: Point taken. My mistake.

Replacing the entire dashboard sounds like a LOT of work. Sure glad mine isn't loose or squeaking.

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 06 Mar 2016, 07:34

Sled appreciate you offering. I need the actual dash unit, not the cover. Removing the dash is not that bad of a job. My concern is that since it was repaired once, that a second repair may not be feasible/possible. I found one yard that has two cars (pick and pull scenario) and both places are under $70 for the dash assembly. May go next weekend and check them out.

speedyt5 · Post by **speedyt5** » 06 Mar 2016, 09:57

I was just at the yard here in Austin, at least 5 or 6 70 model cars, one of them was in really great shape and as of last week the whole dash was in it. I did this job myself, it is very easy, you just need patience and a hand to get the new dash inside. Have you tried tightening the 4 bolts at the firewall first? Sometimes they just get loose and need a tightening, if they keep spinning and don't tighten, your dash mounts are done, if they can tighten then you should reduce a significant amount of rattle. There is something else as well; there are two bolts on each side of lower dash near the footwells, you remove the plastic cover for the trim that goes over the carpet, you can try pushing up and down on the dash while tightening the bolts and sometimes that can help as well. I can give you more help if you want through text or pm. Let me know if you need any help, I have done this job two different times.

As for the foam, there is a shop that uses a loaner car her in Austin and they foamed the dash, it seems to have worked but I can still hear rattles while I am in that car.

RSPI, are you making it to Austin at all, or just Dallas?

blandis · Post by **blandis** » 16 Mar 2016, 09:56

Completed dash repair on Monday. Followed Roberts youtube video which really covers almost everything. Only issue I had is the center bolt (goes through the firewall) on the passanger side would not line up. Pulled it twice to try to address... dash sits to high. Gave up and moved on.

Installed new ignition while I had it apart as it was due. Key started acting up a week ago or so.

No squeeks or rattles. Will be anxious to see how long this holds up.