Question to those that have removed the factory stereo - noise behind dash?

[spud72]

Hi All,

My factory 6-disc stereo developed a bit of an issue, so the dealer swapped it out with a new one, all under warranty (as it should be). This was early last week.

I've noticed now though over the past few days, I hear a bit of a noise in the center dash area when I go over a rough road - it almost sounds like something is loose.

I downloaded the tutorial for taking out the factory stereo and it appears it is all bolted on from the front/face area, so I doubt something is loose in the back.

However, I was thinking maybe the wire loom/harness is rubbing against something when I hit a bump.

Question is this: Since I don't feel like taking my dash apart "just for fun" - is there something behind the dash that the stereo wiring harness could be rubbing against?

I do not want to take it to the dealer, as it really is very minor, and I think they caused it in the first place. I'm just being a bit anal.. and it's so minor I could live with it if need be.

 

[pipspeak]

I'd hazard a guess it's a loose clip of some kind but I honestly can't remember much from when I replaced my HU last year. The wire harnesses are pretty thick and sturdy and won't have been moved much, so that's not the problem. And as you say the HU itself is securely bolted to the metal frame of the dash.

The flimsy parts were the clips that hold various dash components in place... they can break or simply fall off when taking things apart. If one breaks it might never be retrieved from the depths of the dash. I had one break on me but it seems to have lodged somewhere quiet, thankfully.

If you can live with it then do... it might eventually go away. Taking everything apart is not technically hard, just a PITA and waste of two hours. Even then there's no guarentee you'll find the source of the noise. Meanwhile you could just reach behind the center part of the dash from the front passenger footwell and wiggle stuff around to see if that helps.

 

[robsrunner]

If it sounds like it's behind the radio then all you can do is take it apart and look. It could be a harness or loom like you said not tucked in the right spot.

The loom on my factory alarm makes a squeaky noise when I'm on bumpy roads. I will take apart the lower dash by the fuse panel when I hook up my Homelink mirror and fix it. I just need some time on a weekend to get these projects started.

I know what you mean about dealers getting in your stuff. They usually end up messing something else up in the process. I'm like you, I'm very detail oriented and hate people that do crappy job.

 

[vando45]

"I know what you mean about dealers getting in your stuff. They usually end up messing something else up in the process. I'm like you, I'm very detail oriented and hate people that do crappy job."

That's why I do a lot of that stuff myself.

They could have left a screw out, or dropped one (very easy to do). There are instructions on this site about taking your radio out if you want to check it out yourself, but if it was me, I would take it back and tell them to fix it. And don't forget you'll be needing a loaner car until they get it fixed.

 

[GYoter]

Its actually really easy to take the stereo out. Doubt it would take more than an hour to take it apart, check it out and get it back together. Even if you dont find any obvious culprit, just taking it apart and moving stuff around might inadvertantly solve the problem. Once you tear into it a couple times it doesnt take more than 20 minutes to get in there.

 

[spud72]

Its actually really easy to take the stereo out. Doubt it would take more than an hour to take it apart, check it out and get it back together. Even if you dont find any obvious culprit, just taking it apart and moving stuff around might inadvertantly solve the problem. Once you tear into it a couple times it doesnt take more than 20 minutes to get in there.

I think I'll be doing that this weekend.

Thanks for the input guys.