INTERIOR NOISES

SJS · September 27, 2004

I'm a new HD owner and new to the forum. I've looked and didn't see this topic covered but I could have easily missed it. Forgive me if I'm covering old ground. I recently purchased an '03 Chevy 2500 HD and have a some questions. There is a noise at the windshield that sounds like I'm driving through a swarm of grasshoppers. I can't tell for sure if it's coming from the dash or from the outside but I think from the outside because it seems to be wind related. It sounds like plastic rapidly tapping the windshield. I've looked the cowl over very closely, the center has a rubber strip under it but there are two end caps that seem a little flimsy. I've put rubber under them to no avail. I also thought it may be the rubber straps that cover the hood hinge arms but I've determined that's not it either. My brother thought it was the wipers but the noise doesn't change with them running. Any ideas?

The second noise seems to be front suspension related. Everything is fine going straight but as soon as I turn on rough ground it sounds like something big is about to fall off up front.

Otherwise I like the truck, just got back from a weekend trip and averaged 10 mpg (8.1/4.10) with a light tow - that's no worse than I got with a 318 Dodge only now power's not an issue.

Thanks in advance and again, sorry if I'm rehashing an old subject.

h8dviks · September 27, 2004

I would venture to guess that the sound you hear while turning, probably into a driveway or parkinglot, is the steering box. There is a GM service bulletin on this problem. Just ask your dealer about the steering box bulletin and they should have it on hand. This fixed it for me. I don't have the # on hand or i would pass it on. As for the rattle thing, I hate those. You can spend hours and just when you think it is gone, it is back! Good luck with that.

Shaners · September 27, 2004

Welcome to the forum!!!

Do you have a Bug Deflector? The rattling is the molding around the windshield. It is worse when you have a bug deflector. The fix is applying 2-sided tape to the underside of the molding to stick it to the windshield.

The steering rattle/vibration is probably the intermediate steering shaft. I had to have mine lubed (and so have alot of other people). This is a common problem, and GM has a lube kit for the fix.

ktmjim215 · September 28, 2004

GM also has an updated molding that runs on the rt and lt W/S uprights that will stop the noise too.

SJS · September 28, 2004

Yes, I have a bug deflector. I wondered too if it was creating some turbulence that isn't normally there. Thanks for the responses, I'll tape the molding down and see if that helps.

I'll check at the dealer for the lube kit. Does that usually solve it or does the intermediate shaft ultimately have to be replaced?

Wingnut · September 28, 2004

The double sided tape fixed my "tapping" problem...As for the intermediate steering shaft lubing, I had mine lubed under warranty about a year ago, and -for what it's worth- it hasn't returned. I don't believe they replaced anything.

Wingnut · September 28, 2004

Click here for a guide on how to fix the windshield tapping.

SJS · September 28, 2004

Wow, I think you guys have nailed the problems. This seems to be a very active and informative forum. Thanks for the link, Wingnut. I was thinking it was just the bottom molding but I see I need to go all the way around.