To fix squeaky interior trim noise in your car, follow these steps:
- Identify the two surfaces contacting and causing the squeaking.
- Remove one surface if possible.
- Rub a white, unscented votive candle against the place the surfaces connect if there is not enough room for felt tape.
- Spray a household dry lubricant spray against the area if people handle it often.
- Replace the surface you removed.
To fix squeaky interior trim noise, follow these steps:
- Unplug from your computer or turn off. If using wireless headphones, turn them off by holding down the power button for a few seconds.
- Check the factory procedures for your car and use special tools to get under the door panel and pop the clips or push-in plastic plugs with as little damage as possible.
- Use adhesive felt to keep the interior plastics from scratching a wooden table.
- Stop floorboards from moving or try to eliminate friction by driving pairs of finish nails into the floor at angles, so they form a “V” when in place.
- Use sound deadening or closed cell foam to help with squeaks. Disassemble and apply the material on the plastic pieces.
- Take your whole dash apart and put fabric tape on every joint to stop the screeching. Spray WD-40 or Rust Blaster at the pin where you can see it (in the center of hinge) and work the door back and forth a few times.
- Use WD40 or Rust Blaster to spray on and gently wipe excess away.
- Apply silicone spray under/around the glossy black plastic gear shift trim to eliminate creaking from the center console/gear shift area.
- Lubricate the surfaces between the plastic parts to make them smoother/slipperier.
- Use antifriction coatings, dry film lubricants, synthetic greases and oils, felts, foams, and tape to make the surfaces between the plastic parts smoother/slipperier.
In summary, identifying the two surfaces contacting and causing the squeaking, removing one surface if possible, and applying lubrication can help solve squeaky interior trim noise.
📹 How To Fix Car Interior Rattle Noises – (The Easy Secret)
Today I show how you can easily fix interior squeaks and rattles coming from your car! My Toyota Supra has annoying door …
How do you fix plastic creaking?
The silicone lubricant should be applied to a container, creating a puddle, and then transferred to the damaged plastic joint using an eyedropper.
How to stop plastic car trim creaking?
In order to rectify any instances of rubbing between components, it may be advisable to attempt to loosen the screws or bolts that are responsible for securing them in place. In the event that the aforementioned method proves ineffective, it is recommended to utilise small rubber washers with one adhesive side, affixing them between the two components in question.
How do you lubricate squeaky plastic?
The compatibility of a lubricant with plastic depends on its chemical structure, with silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons being the most suitable. Esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic, but solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide can weaken plastic parts. PTFE solid additives can provide dry lubrication or reduce startup friction. High viscosity oils are less likely to penetrate or crack plastic materials, while lighter loads require lower viscosity to prevent viscous drag.
For greases, a consistency of NLGI 1 or 0 helps reduce friction and grease-induced noise. Synthetic lubricants with high aging resistance are ideal for long-term applications, as they are more likely to attack plastic parts as they age. It is important to minimize outgassing byproducts of plastic, such as formaldehyde and styrene, to prevent the lubricant aging process.
Does wd40 stop plastic squeaking?
WD-40 Specialist® Silicone Lubricant is a safe and effective silicone lubricant that effectively lubricates and protects metal and non-metal surfaces like rubber, plastic, and vinyl. It leaves a clear, non-staining film once dried, making it easy to use on cables, pulleys, guide rails, valves, linkages, hinges, and locks. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -100° F to 500° F. The product has been tested at the WD-40 Co. Technical Center and ASTM D4172, with modified tests scheduled for 06/2024 and 07/2024.
Why does plastic creak?
In contrast to rubber, which lacks the ability to be stretched or broken by bending, plastic sheets are thin yet possess remarkable strength. The deformation of a flat plastic sheet results in a crinkled, creased mass, which is the cause of the crackling sound observed in plastic wrappers. This phenomenon can be attributed to the elastic properties of the material, which are analogous to those observed in plastic bodies. The capacity of plastic materials to regain their original shape is a fundamental distinction between these materials and other plastic bodies.
Can you use WD-40 on plastic?
WD-40 is not a permanent lubricant for metal surfaces or door locks, and should not be used for greasing plastic parts due to potential damage. Specialized lubricants offer lasting results for tasks like silencing hinges. For plastic components, use products specifically formulated for plastic. To apply WD-40, shake the can well, hold it 6-8 inches away from the surface, and apply in short bursts for better control. For precise application, use the included straw attachment to target specific areas.
How do you keep plastic from cracking?
To prevent cracking in plastic materials during winter, it is crucial to understand their low-temperature characteristics, control their use temperature, and pay attention to transportation and construction. Different types of plastic materials have different low-temperature properties, making it essential to choose the appropriate material for winter use. Some materials may become brittle at low temperatures, while others are better resistant.
To control the use temperature, it is essential to avoid exposing plastic materials to extremely low temperatures. If they must be used in a low-temperature environment, they should be placed in a relatively high-temperature place and insulation measures, such as wrapping them with insulation materials. This will effectively prevent cracking due to low temperatures and ensure the safety of the materials. Additionally, it is essential to avoid contact with chemicals and ensure that the service temperature of plastic materials is maintained.
What is the best lubricant for plastic?
Silicone greases are versatile lubricants that enhance the performance and life span of components by blending well with plastics and elastomers. They are inert towards plastics and elastomers, preventing structural variations. This makes silicone grease suitable for various mixed couplings, such as rubber-plastic or metal-plastic. While limited to the automotive industry, silicone grease’s versatility makes it an ideal product for lubricating plastics, making it a versatile solution in the market.
Can you use wd40 on plastic trim?
WD-40 Specialist High Performance Silicone Lubricant is a product that can be used to restore worn plastic surfaces on motorcycles, cars, and camping equipment. This product is effective in preventing cracks and breakage caused by PVC and plastic degrading over time. Its slippery and minimally-reactive nature makes it suitable for porous items like plastic, making it a great solution for cleaning and preventing cracks on plastic parts on vehicles, camping equipment, or outdoor furniture. Exposure to sunlight and elements can also cause discoloration, affecting the appearance of the vehicle.
What is a good lubricant for plastic?
Silicone greases are versatile lubricants that enhance the performance and life span of components by blending well with plastics and elastomers. They are inert towards plastics and elastomers, preventing structural variations. This makes silicone grease suitable for various mixed couplings, such as rubber-plastic or metal-plastic. While limited to the automotive industry, silicone grease’s versatility makes it an ideal product for lubricating plastics, making it a versatile solution in the market.
How do I stop my car plastic from squeaking?
PEOX is a water-based paste that creates a durable protective film on invisible areas to prevent squeaking noises and reduce friction wear. It should be applied in a thin layer using a cloth. For professional advice, call +49 551 770 730. The LEDERZENTRUM provides information on leather cleaning, repair, and maintenance, and can be found on lederzentrum. de. If the information is important to you, please send us a link and we will remove the spam.
📹 How To Find and Fix Dashboard Noises
Cameraman Brian recently purchased a 2013 Toyota Rav 4. He had a very annoying noise coming from the dash while he was …
Hi Eric, just want to say thanks for the great article. I was concerned about a dashboard “bump” noise on my Honda Jazz over past few weeks. I thought it was coming from inside the dash, so I follow your “fist knock” test and found out there is nothing loose from the dashboard. I knocked the glove box and it gives me the “plastic knocking” noise and it turns out, the plastic cover (that cover all electronics cable) under the glove box is not closed properly (the clip wasn’t attached properly) and it gives the plastic knock noise when I go over bumps. I took the cover off and clipped it again (the noise is gone now) I just fixed the noise by perusal your article. Thanks!!
I daily drove a 94 Miata for 7 years… THAT thing was an absolute rattle trap thanks to the age of the car, and the stiff suspension and harsh shocks. I spent years fixing and diagnosing squeaks, rattles, buzzes and chirps, and never got them all solved. My OCD wouldn’t let me stop. It always annoyed me so much. I think I had the entire dash out of the car and apart probably 4 or 5 times, doing this process to all of the pieces in it…
HI Eric, As a retired NIASE technician I had to smile when I saw you thumping the dash with your fist to locate the noise (s)! It was as if by magic my hand appeared on the screen doing just what you demonstrated.in the excellent article. After working at various dealerships on high end imports, I became my own worst enemy, I am now so sensitive to all manner of noises that it takes the fun out of driving. I find myself constantly diagnosing all manner of ailments no matter whose car I am in, especially my own! Right now I am chasing an interior plastic against plastic ‘buzzing’ noise that changes with temperature, type of road or engine rpm.At times I an bring the ‘buzz’ in and out with the throttle.If it did it all the time it’d be much easier to find or course. These intermittent sounds are the worst imho. I will be the first to admit that the average person wouldn’t hear the noise or be bothered by it if they did. Sadly I am not that person, I’m so sensitized now that the ‘buzz’ is all I hear. I anticipate hearing it as soon as I leave the driveway. Add to the fact that when the cold engine first starts I hear the noise on the passenger’s side of the car. Once the ICE ( Internal Combustion Engine ) << (Prius terminology), sorry. is warm enough to satisfy the computer, the engine goes off the high speed idle and the noise stops. Sad thing is that the noise appears randomly on the same stretch of road, at various speeds, making it more fun to locate! I was hoping that by now some enterprising manufacturer would have made a directional microphone and a was to record noises onto a thumb drive or the like. You'd be able to point the mike at different areas to isolate the location. But no one seems to have thought that far. I did see one that seems to be made for suspension noises and not dashboard sounds. I have yet to try my cell phone to see if I can even pick it up at all. Between the road noise and wind noise it may not be possible. I surely won't take it to the 'stealer' and pay hundreds for something I can do myself 🙂 Thanks for a great article I am sure it will help many folks. Regards, J T
Hi. Event if it’s an old article, it just helped me to take apart those pieces and stick some foam on them. I have the same car, but from 2016, and I recently started hearing a squeak from the dashboard, but only when it was warmer outside, and it started driving me insane. I saw some articles about taking out the media unit, but I did not know where were the squeaking points to make sure to fix them. Special thanks for the explanation and the logic for finding and solving those noises, I stuck some foam tape under the media unit, where it touches the climate screen top part, I’m waiting for tomorrow for a longer ride to see if it’s been solved. Thanks again from Romania!
Great article, Eric! NVH is a very expensive sector, and people who are really good at locating NVH issues have great job security with vehicle manufacturers. If you search online, you can find large sheets (or rolls) of 1/8″ and 1/4″ closed cell foam pretty cheap. It’s the same stuff a lot of the OEMs use to block noise from outside the vehicle, and it works great as a cushion for rattly parts. Neoprene also works well to dampen vibrations. Both are flexible and resistant to moisture; great for applying to trim pieces! 🙂
Hi Eric. Can you please provide detailed instructions on how to remove that long plastic piece on the dash. Do you just use your fingers to pull it down, then pop it out from underneath? Start from the passenger side? I don’t want to break any clips behind this plastic piece. I have a 2016 RAV4 with the same rattle from the dash. Thank you very much.
Kringed a bit when he was punching the dash, but problem solved very well. Despite some of the comments at the end of the day Toyota builds a quality product at a reasonable price. Strong resale values and generally high customer satisfaction ratings only reinforce this fact. Nearly all manufacturers have to implement cost cutting measures to remain competitive, some are able to do it better than others, while still retaining a quality product as a whole.
Rattles drive me nuts. I’ve spent many times banging the dashboard with my fist trying to get them to stop. They were really bad in my Ford even when it was brand new, but then weirdly got better once I had about 50k on it. So far my new Subaru has done well but I know they’re prone to rattles. This will definitely come in handy when that time comes.
Eric I can’t thank you enough for this article. I own a 2017 Toyota RAV 4 and recently discovered a rattle that appeared to be coming from the dash area. It was driving me crazy. Seriously considered selling the car. I dreaded bringing it to the dealer and likely spending $300 and leaving with the same rattle. I found this article of you working on a 2013 RAV 4. The rattle seemed about the same volume and same location. I had no idea how to remove the dashboard trim and two side vents until you demonstrated. I removed all those components and carefully insulated every possible area where there was plastic-to-plastic contact or a loose fit with dense foam and foam tape. I securely snapped everything back together and took it for a test ride around the neighborhood. I thought it was gone but after a few blocks THERE IT WAS! I went one step further…. I gently pried-off the trim around the instrument cluster and packed that with foam. That was the culprit. To my delight… ABSOLUTE SILENCE! Thanks to you.
Good article! I’ve tracked down squeaks and rattles in the past and have had success using clear silicone caulking (typically for use in bathroom and kitchen on sinks, etc.). Once you find the source, just put a very small dab on the area and the silicone will usually prevent them from rattling or squeaking and can still be easily disassembled in the future if necessary. I used silicone because I didn’t have the tape you mentioned but I did have silicone in the drawer. One way or another, we shall conquer the rattles!
My 2003 Toyota Tacoma had a rattle in the dash from day one right out of the dealer. I later learned that many other Tacoma owners have the same issue. I have a 2002 Chevy Express van that has many failing plastic interior parts. I fixed the broken arm rest mounting flange with epoxy and a broken plastic panel on the side sliding door panel with a few drops of silicone. I find that silicone is pliable enough to work with at the start yet firm enough after it dries.
This is so weird i just had this problen on a Rav 4 today at work. work as a mechanic at a toyota dealer. it was the lose plastic on the back on that black bar with the clock and hazard switch, i toke off the plastic piece an put some sticky stuff like bubbelgum on where it was clipped together so it was 1 solid piece. now it dont make noise. probably a problem we are gonna see some more off.
I had a car once that was so damn loud with a dash rattle I stuff about 3 years of trunk liner carpet behind it and the windshield to stop the noise used car for ya. I can’t imagine it coming from Volvo that way new but I’ve seen poorly put together BMW’s and dealerships that won’t take the blame when they make a mistake.
Nice one, always pays to keep your cameraman happy. That self adhesive foam is great for stuff like that, i hate rattles in the car, so my dash and centre console have their fair share of it added, along with a bit of silicon sealant along the back of joints on the console. Worst part of solving issues on a car your unfamiliar with is working out how something comes apart, i am always scared of breaking the plastic clips by pulling in the wrong direction on something, especially on older cars where the plastic gets brittle.
I had a 94 Corolla for 18 years – minimal plastic, lots of vinyl/faux leather (that never cracked with just minimal basic maintenance and UV protection) and cloth. Now all that is called ‘soft touch’ surfaces and considered almost a premium feature for shit’s sake. ALL new cars at the budget end are full of hard plastic. Sad.
I would put in a piece of foam inside of the seam of the rattling plastic piece. Sometimes rubber glue adhesives on one side of the part can stop the rattling as well. The 1990’s Toyotas plastic pieces had better tolerances than today’s cars. Looks like the car industry is just cutting corners these days with cheaper fitting plastic.
Eric, Thank you for posting this article on fixing dashboard noises. I had a rattle in the driver side heating vent that was very annoying. After perusal your article I purchased $6 worth of foam tape and felt tape and repaired this problem in about 15 minutes. This rattle had been driving me crazy for about 8 months. You are the best!!! Keep up the great work.
Came here looking for suggestions for rattles in my 94 Acura Integra with 360K miles. I don’t drive it much anymore but the dash and rear hatch rattles are super annoying. Some pieces rattle at a certain engine RPM, like the instrument cluster trim surround will rattle when the car idles high during cold start. Some of it I think is just because I’ve taken the trim out and put it back in numerous times since I bought the car 16 years ago.
I have a small rattle in my 2012 lexus .. its coming from the plexiglass covering speedometer etc.. i was thinking a few dabs of clear silicone caulking.. thoughts? It really doesnt bother me too much.. its very slight… and the stock stereo is still sounding amazing and turned up loud anyway, but when im driving grandma to the store it’s annoying.
What a difference having a camera man makes to free you up to do the work. Very helpful article. My wife’s Trailblazer has just sprung a clicking tapping from behind the instrument panel. Any ideas how to diagnose that? I’m sure the instruments are sealed up tight and getting to any loose parts back in there won’t be easy if at all possible. May have to end up living with it. But not before I give it a look see
I have seen many vehicles with rattles in them and it was annoying driving around with the noise distracting you as you drive on the streets and highways which are rough to begin with. The way that car is built will be a problem as for owner with the pop in parts. I liked it better when they had all screw in parts.
Eric. i am verry thankful for this article. I had much noisy back dec in my Honda Fd1, so i took the plastick back dec off anf fill every contact point with metal with foam and i am happy for what i did for more than a year now. unfortunatly since this summer as the temperature gets over 100f for more than a month i diagnose many faliures at the front dec, tacometer so if you put me or every one who still own this car as i know that the one of majors problems that honda got is that it is not verry strong to bear high tempratur. to how properly disassemble the front dec i will besoin more thankful. for the viewers. i can help on how to disassemble properly the back dec. thanks so much.
i have tiny rattles coming from the vinyl door panels which seem they are stuck with glue from the factory, and i dont feel comfortable by removing it. Also i have some rattles coming from the back, like some metal sounds, but everything that could make the noise is snug and dampened on the rear :/ Any ideas for each case?
Just got an after market stereo installed on my 2012 Nissan Altima and I have a rattle coming from inside the dash board. When the car is about 5-25mph you can hear it. when I am over 40mph it is completely gone. It’s actually not that bad because I ask other people if they can hear it and they say they can not. But when my factory system was in the car I do not remember hearing anything😏..anyways I guess I will turn up my music.
Eric, I have an Altima with lots of rattling coming from my driver side door. Any suggestions on the type of shop that could help me out with this? The dealer says they can’t do anything because it’s normal wear. I’m not buying their explanation because I’ve been in an older Altima that’s very quiet. Please help!
I have a 2016 Chevy Impala LTZ and the damn thing rattles everywhere, dash, back doors, pillars, been in the shop over 20 times in 3000 miles. Even the paint by the Chevrolet crest on the trunk is clouding up.. Piece of absolute garbage. on the other hand my 05′ Range Rover has had nothing go wrong in 50,000 miles that I’ve owned it and nothing absolutely nothing rattles. Only downside is 12MPG
I have a 2013 Ford Focus Titanium and lately the car has developed all sorts of creaks on the interior of the vehicle. I’m pretty good with basic repairs but I’m not comfortable taking apart trim pieces on the car. I would probably end up making things worse. Where is a good place to start to have someone look into repairing this sort of thing? My local repair shop? Dealership? Thanks in advance.
If there are screws that wont stay tight (sp?), they usually have a clip in the dash that they screw into. These clips especially after removing and installing stuff many times need to be replaced and they are about 5-20c each at the dealer. I had terrible rattles after the dealer replaced the heater core and they had to take apart the whole dash. Didn’t rattle at first but after a month all the dash was rattling. Many screws had come off due to the clips.
Just a tip from an anal heehaw car guy who’s worked with tape A LOT… if you insist on touching the sticky side, touch a bunch of clean spots on clear packing tape first to pull the dirt and oil from your fingers.. don’t touch anything else in between… sometimes it’s hard to not touch the tiny pieces, and pulling the oil and stuff from your hands first really helps the long term stickiness of the tape. . Nice very man !! 👍 👍
We’ve went from manufacturers designing things and testing them, which generally got rid of things like this, to the creation of a new field, NVH, which seems to be populated by deaf people with thick skin.Really annoying thing is that it applies to all manufacturers and all of them have their get-arounds, which tells you they know they have a fault which should have been designed out, but just appears as a technical service bulletin. People who pay six figures for their cars would be delighted if they could see the TSB for the Jaguar dash rattle which starts, “”If” the customer complains of noise or rattles,,,,”
I am gonna putta piese here and a piese there, everywhere. Might as well go call Toyota and tell them if you can work in the department of noise reduction and demand a high salary since it always would pay to fix their rattling dashboards. For myself, yes, I hate it too. I am considering sledgehammer, best noise killer ever 😉
Man that Rav 4s interior is as bad as my Firmonts! I had to do that in my Fairmont wagon to fix the rattles, and its super quiet now. I got the idea from my brothers Zephyr when we changed the spedo cable a bunch of little foam squares were attached to the dash, and we realized thats why its so quiet compared to mine.
So, I stopped the article at 3:40 because I had to make this comment. Toyota’s quality seems to have gone WAY downhill from the early 90’s through mid 2000’s models that I have most of my experience with. Just looking at these plastic pieces that are barely attached to one another, rattling around like they are, I’m not even sure the Fiat designed Chryslers that I work on are this cheaply made. And believe me, they are cheap junk.
unrelated topic, a family member of mine has a rover 620 and was driving around when it suddenly stops, had loads of petrol. when you turn the key to try and start it, it does not get a spark any ideas while I am here would be great the car is not worth spending loads on but if it’s fixable at all would be useful.
guys, I have a rav4 2016, it is a lE, have already sent the car to dealer for 2 times for repairing. they are documented. But acturally I have drived to dealer for 5 times totally. the other 3 times they just said they can not fix it unless I pointed it. The fuccing rattle is still exists, I really want to sell this car. Is anybody knows how to complain it with toyota? or to dealer?
I’ve used different sized adhesive foam weatherstrip as well. When i first put some performance motor mounts in my MX-5 that unearthed a whole new world of dash rattles. Now i’ve got it narrowed down to one dash rattle inside the vent diverter box and a bunch of door rattles soon to be adressed. Thanks, Eric for finding me some legit product to use in this application!.
My wife’s car was almost totally destroyed by the previous owner, things broken on it I can’t even believe… one of the things was the passenger side mirror. When the car would idle the vibration of the car made this hollow plastic rattle, it was constant and LOUD. I had to take the mirror apart and I lined the edges of it with electrical tape and put it back together, now the rattle is gone. I’m not sure what exactly the person did to the mirror, but a few of the retaining tabs were broken off inside it, so maybe they were just goofing around with the mirror and broke the tabs off. Either way it was chronically obnoxious.
For those that can’t get a hold of any of this, double sided 3M exterior grade tape (spend here, because you don’t want this to liquefy inside your dash, remember, this is hot during summer) and foam, which you can buy at any shop that deals with textiles. And if you really can’t get your mitts on foam, then, you can just go to any hardware store and buy foam wrap. It’s not as good, but for a few strips, it will work.