99 V70 Dash Removal to fix squeak

UpstateNY · Post by **UpstateNY** » 11 May 2009, 10:41

How do I get the dash off and is it a realistic backyard task? I have been extremely successful in taking my squeaky dashboard and making it unbearably squeaky. Obviously the dash squeaked and I thought maybe one suggestion outlined on the site was the answer so I thought I'd look at the dash bolts. They were tight. But not being willing to leave well enough alone, and being fully aware of how delicate they were I thought I would merely untighten them and snug them up - just to make sure. While doing this, I inadvertently unscrewed one. As I was applying some pressure while trying to screw it back in, the screw all of a sudden just bottomed out in the hole. Whatever it screwed into is gone! I don't think the bracket is broken - but who can see in there. I had hoped (foolishly) I had not made matters worse. Well, I certainly did. If I keep constant pressure on the middle of the dash with my left arm, as I drive with my left, the noise subsides. However, steering with one arm makes me uncomfortable, as does the constant pressure with my right arm. I am resigned to the fact that I'll likely have to remove the dash.
Any opinions? If I'm correct, I need instructions and haven't seen any detailed guidance in how to remove the dash. I don't even know what the dash piece/pieces look like. Are there instructions available? And, is it something I should try in my driveway - on MY WIFE'S CAR?

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 11 May 2009, 17:05

Hmmmmm..I've been postponing this for 18 months since I bought my S70. As you know, a fairly common problem. I just shoved wooden shims down between the dash and window. This worked fairly effectively but I don't recommend it because the plastic cover is now cracked in several places from the constant pressure.

So, I can't give you a personal evaluation of the following link, but it looks pretty good.

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... opic=68951

Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 11 May 2009, 18:25

V70DashboardRemoval1999.pdf: (904.31 KiB) Downloaded 2189 times

UpstateNY · Post by **UpstateNY** » 14 May 2009, 19:33

Thanks to both of you for the instructions. I must say that after reading them I'm more than a little intimidated. I can't believe the steering wheel and airbag have to be removed. If it weren't for that, I'd jump right in. I can see why you'd wait to do this and I think I'm in no hurry to start. If I do it, I'll let you know. Thanks again.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 14 May 2009, 20:25

I have a really bad plastic-on-plastic squeak noise from the center dash. I'd love to fix it, but I'm sure in the process I'd end up making a hundred more noises. I figure it's just one of those things I can live with, since I don't think it's worth the time and effort to mess with.

UpstateNY · Post by **UpstateNY** » 20 May 2009, 20:09

Does anyone have an idea of how long it would take to remove the dashboard? I'm sure I saw a posting about making new brackets for the dash, but couldn't find it again. And removing the airbag - isn't that a serious undertaking. That's what scares me the most. I'm half curious and half serious about removing it. That squeak is driving me nuts. And it's embarassing with company in the car.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 May 2009, 20:41

Here is how I dealt with mine on an 850. I think the 70 series is similar.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=15115

By the time you fight the dashboard out and let the epoxy cure figure on a full weekend the first time around. Even on the second time you still need to let the epoxy set up so it won't necessarily save as much time as it will aggravation.

...Lee

voltech1 · Post by **voltech1** » 21 May 2009, 23:22

I have seen this complaint on x70's that have had windshield replacements. The plastic edge on glass squeak caused by improper installation of windshield. Check to see if your windshield says volvo on it. A mobile installer could come to your house or office and fix it.

UpstateNY · Post by **UpstateNY** » 26 May 2009, 20:03

As a matter of fact I did have a new windshield installed. I can't say I noticed the squeak before the replacement because I had the windshield replaced shortly after I bought the car. And the plastic piece is broken in 3 places. Is it more likely the plastic piece is creating the squeak, than the broken dashboard mounts (although I do have one mounting bolt than just slips all the way into the mounting hole)? Is there a way to differntiate the sound of the squeaks from molding from the broken mounts? Any suggestions as to what I should do now?

MJJ · Post by **MJJ** » 04 Jul 2009, 09:29

Have any of you managed to get through this yet?

I have a '99 S70 and the dash is noticably loose on the RH side, with a wicked rattle to go along with it. I notice from the PDF that the dash itself appears to be secured by 4 long bolts accessible from within the engine compartment. I tried tightening these, but they seem pretty tight already.

So the question for you people who have had the dash out and have looked at it is: Are these 4 bolts really what anchors the dash itself? How could they be tight yet still there be movement of the dash?

Here's another question about a possible solution. Has anyone taken some of that expanding poly foam and squirted it in front of the dash in order to fill the gap and minimize rattle? I know, I know, I wouldn't use the whole can and fill up the blower or anything. But wouldn't a little ball of it do a nice job of settling things down?