Rattle/Resonance help needed!

earwicker7 · 05-13-2010, 06:54 PM

This is technically not an audio question, but I think it needs an audio expert to solve (read on, you'll understand why).

A lot of people have been getting either a rattle or resonance in their dashboard. It seems to come from around the center area near the instrument cluster. The rattle/resonance occurs around 2.5-3k rpm and seems to be much worse under load. It also gets worse with aftermarket exhausts (makes sense, as they are much louder).

I've tried every normal route including the dealership; they said it was a faulty instrument cluster, but the new (supposedly non-faulty) cluster didn't change anything. The only thing I can think of is to ask you audio experts what you do when your hi-decibel audio systems cause similar problems. I'm sure Dynomat would probably help, but how do you normally go about determining which part is causing the problem?

For the record, I'm guessing this is a resonance issue, as it seems rattling would be more spread out across various rpm levels.

antennahead · 05-13-2010, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earwicker7

This is technically not an audio question, but I think it needs an audio expert to solve (read on, you'll understand why).

A lot of people have been getting either a rattle or resonance in their dashboard. It seems to come from around the center area near the instrument cluster. The rattle/resonance occurs around 2.5-3k rpm and seems to be much worse under load. It also gets worse with aftermarket exhausts (makes sense, as they are much louder).

I've tried every normal route including the dealership; they said it was a faulty instrument cluster, but the new (supposedly non-faulty) cluster didn't change anything. The only thing I can think of is to ask you audio experts what you do when your hi-decibel audio systems cause similar problems. I'm sure Dynomat would probably help, but how do you normally go about determining which part is causing the problem?

For the record, I'm guessing this is a resonance issue, as it seems rattling would be more spread out across various rpm levels.

I have had a weird resonance issue from somewhere around the middle of the dash, sounds like it's behind the cubby area, that occurs ONLY on strange road surfaces .......... like the extremely grated ones that are designed to make you drive very slowly, like miniture speed bumps one after the other. This will make that resonance go crazy and very loud. Other than that type of surface, I can't duplicate it.

Division · 05-13-2010, 09:08 PM

Now that you mention it, I have it too. I thought it was my radar detector vibrating- and never bothered to check it. I took it down and went for a drive and sure enough, still there.

I need to pull the dash apart this weekend (finally going to install the PAC-SWI for my stereo). I'll see what I can find.

earwicker7 · 05-15-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Division

Now that you mention it, I have it too. I thought it was my radar detector vibrating- and never bothered to check it. I took it down and went for a drive and sure enough, still there.

I need to pull the dash apart this weekend (finally going to install the PAC-SWI for my stereo). I'll see what I can find.

Definitely let me know if you find anything out... this has been driving me nuts.

6spd · 05-15-2010, 10:48 PM

i just found this yesterday, it is the defrost vents. at least for me it is, and only when the a/c is on. you can shove a piece of foam or something in there to help. i just kinda "hit" my vents and the problem went away, but it'll probably show up again without the foam.

earwicker7 · 05-18-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6spd

i just found this yesterday, it is the defrost vents. at least for me it is, and only when the a/c is on. you can shove a piece of foam or something in there to help. i just kinda "hit" my vents and the problem went away, but it'll probably show up again without the foam.

I'll check that out and see if it works. Thanks!

6spd · 05-18-2010, 10:11 PM

hope it works!

earwicker7 · 05-19-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6spd

hope it works!

Well, turning off the climate control doesn't stop it, but I think you might be on to something regarding it being the vent that rattles? Do you know how to get to whatever tightens the vent to the dash? I see a disc-looking object on the vent; I'm assuming that you pop that off with a screwdriver to access a screw or bolt or something, but I don't want to pop it off until I'm sure that isn't breaking something.

6spd · 05-19-2010, 05:20 PM

I have no idea. you can download the service manual from somewhere here on the forums and that should show you the exact details involved.

05-13-2010, 06:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
earwicker7 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 265 Drives: 09 370Z (maxed out) Rep Power: 16	Rattle/Resonance help needed! This is technically not an audio question, but I think it needs an audio expert to solve (read on, you'll understand why). A lot of people have been getting either a rattle or resonance in their dashboard. It seems to come from around the center area near the instrument cluster. The rattle/resonance occurs around 2.5-3k rpm and seems to be much worse under load. It also gets worse with aftermarket exhausts (makes sense, as they are much louder). I've tried every normal route including the dealership; they said it was a faulty instrument cluster, but the new (supposedly non-faulty) cluster didn't change anything. The only thing I can think of is to ask you audio experts what you do when your hi-decibel audio systems cause similar problems. I'm sure Dynomat would probably help, but how do you normally go about determining which part is causing the problem? For the record, I'm guessing this is a resonance issue, as it seems rattling would be more spread out across various rpm levels. __________________ 2009 Magnetic Black 370Z with Touring, Sports and Navigation Packages--Fast Intentions CBE with 12" Resonators/Carbon Fiber Mufflers and LTH--Stillen G3 Cold Air Intakes, Underdrive Pulley and Grounding Kit--Uprev Tune

05-15-2010, 10:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 25	i just found this yesterday, it is the defrost vents. at least for me it is, and only when the a/c is on. you can shove a piece of foam or something in there to help. i just kinda "hit" my vents and the problem went away, but it'll probably show up again without the foam. __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

05-18-2010, 10:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 25	hope it works! __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

05-19-2010, 05:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 25	I have no idea. you can download the service manual from somewhere here on the forums and that should show you the exact details involved. __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

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05-13-2010, 09:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Division Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central FL Posts: 199 Drives: 2009 370Z Sport Rep Power: 16	Now that you mention it, I have it too. I thought it was my radar detector vibrating- and never bothered to check it. I took it down and went for a drive and sure enough, still there. I need to pull the dash apart this weekend (finally going to install the PAC-SWI for my stereo). I'll see what I can find.