Squeaky dash - solution

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Mar 2008, 15:24

A picture or two of the location of the screws would be a great addition! TIA

Post by **hausmeister** » 25 Mar 2008, 15:34

ok, that's the best i can do for now:

i marked the plastic panel which hides the screw... same location on the other side
Its a typical torx, rather small.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Mar 2008, 15:37

Thank you very much! Glad this is in the repair database!

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 26 Mar 2008, 09:53

DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE FIREWALL BOLTS! I don't know the torque specs, but to be safe, don't use a 3/8 ratchet...use a nut driver! These things are super fragile!

I just finished replacing the dash assembly in my 2000 v70r. After a year of trying every trick in the book to stop the squeaks, I decided to dive in and see if the mounts were cracked or broken. I was hoping they might be ok because the dash didn't move much. But when I got it out, sure enough, all four of the tabs were broken into a million pieces. This mounting system is rediculously weak.

The dash in my 850 was the same story only it LOOKED like it was ready to fall off. Two volvos= two dash replacements.

Nothing I know of will stick to plastic well enough to permanently repair the tabs, so instead of wasting a bunch of time with funky temporary fixes, you might as well just find another dash assembly. I found them used for $150-$375 shipped, But they aren't easy to find, I rejected two (broken) before I found one that was in good enough shape to use. The "disassembler" at volvo-saab dismanters said most of them are broken.

My conclusion is that most dashes are broken from over tightening the bolts. If your dash moves and the bolts don't, then the bolts aren't loose.... the tabs are broken. If you have already tightened the firewall bolts, the tabs are broken. If the plastic near the windshield is cracked, the tabs are probably broken. If you've had the ac evap done, the tabs are probably broken.

I'm not going to give a blow-by-blow of the job because it's already been done. Just do a search on dash replacement or AC evap. and you'll find something.

Funny... I had to switch the radio trim from the old dash to the new one and there are more bolts holding that little piece of trim on then there are holding the entire dash to the car!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Mar 2008, 15:19

larryh, I've heard of folks taking sheet metal and fabricating replacements for the tabs. I don't remember where I read this (pictures and all). Have you heard of this?

Post by **hausmeister** » 26 Mar 2008, 17:50

Well, I hope mine are not broken yet. When I tighthend them they seemed to be fine.

I'd like to see what it looks like in there.

Edit:
@MiJ
one of these? (had them in my favs)
sadly, the pictures don't seem to work.

http://www.volvoforums.com/fb.asp?m=47841
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... 20404&st=0

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 26 Mar 2008, 19:17

tough to get a good pic, but hopefully this will give you an idea...

washdup · Post by **washdup** » 17 May 2010, 07:58

Great writeup. Thanks for the detailed step-by-step!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 May 2010, 17:43

Here is how I fixed mine. I still get some squeaks when the sun shines on the dash so the felt tape may be preferable.

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

...Lee

washdup · Post by **washdup** » 17 May 2010, 18:12

I did stick a chunk of felt tape in the area that appeared to be the main source of the squeaking, while the bolts were slackened. So far it's much better. It can be the little things that niggle you to death with these old cars. Thanks again.