Creaking/squeaking behind dash?

KMeloney · November 9, 2004

Hey all,

I have a reoccurring creaking/squeaking noise that I just can't pinpoint. It seems to get worse in the colder weather, and I thought I did quiet it once before (but, obviously didn't). Here's what I know:

- It sounds to be coming from the driver's side, somewhere near the windshield pillar base/behind the dash.

- The sound is most noticeable at slower speeds, going over uneven surfaces (so, as the truck flexes, things creak).

- I can duplicate the noise by grabbing under the nerf bar and rocking the truck up and down (side to side, I guess). With my head in under the dash, the noise appears to come from forward of the dash, and/or up near the firewall somewhere.

- I driven with the guage cluster in my lap, dash bezel off, and couldn't really hear the noise better through the cavity.

- The noise appears to be too "close" for it to be suspension-oriented...

- I've driven with the driver's side door slightly open, and it doesn't sound like the noise is coming from the door jamb.

I'm ready to kill someone. Rather than me doing that, can you help? I'll try anything. Hell, maybe the noise is coming from the steering column (I can very faintly duplicate the noise at a stand-still by sawing the wheel back and forth -- but I think that's 'cause it slightly rocks the truck). Maybe it's something with the plastic windshield base piece. I have no idea.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

-Kirk

Halen5150 · November 9, 2004

I would like to know also. Mine does the same thing, and I can't pinpoint it, either. It seems to come and go with the colder weather just like you said.

GMCSierra04 · November 9, 2004

Hi, my 04 Sierra is making the same noise and its so annoying. I'll have to look on AllData and see if there are any TSB's on any noise or anything for our kinda trucks. I might call up the dealer and ask them if they have seen anything else with similar noises. It does go away when the engine is shut off and doesnt come back with a KOEO so not too sure yet but I will do some research.

Stocklook · November 9, 2004

My 04 was making that same noise, it turned out to be the A pillar was VERY loose, the dealer had to order a new one, because the clip holder on the back was broken, no more noise,

budhayes3 · November 10, 2004

I had a squeaking in the left front, but it turned out to be the shock...twice. Had the fronts replaced under warranty. You could hear it in the wheel well though, not at the firewall. Maybe try driving with the A-pillar moulding off...just in case it's the same deal as Stocklook's. If not, you ruled one thing out.

KMeloney · November 10, 2004

I had a squeaking in the left front, but it turned out to be the shock...twice. Had the fronts replaced under warranty. You could hear it in the wheel well though, not at the firewall. Maybe try driving with the A-pillar moulding off...just in case it's the same deal as Stocklook's. If not, you ruled one thing out.

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Thanks, folks. I think I've driven while pressing on the A-pillar molding, but I don't think I've driven with it off. I'll have to give that a whirl.

Anyone else? Thanks!

-Kirk

jhm · November 10, 2004

I had a squeaking in the left front, but it turned out to be the shock...twice. Had the fronts replaced under warranty. You could hear it in the wheel well though, not at the firewall. Maybe try driving with the A-pillar moulding off...just in case it's the same deal as Stocklook's. If not, you ruled one thing out.

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Thanks, folks. I think I've driven while pressing on the A-pillar molding, but I don't think I've driven with it off. I'll have to give that a whirl.

Anyone else? Thanks!

-Kirk

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looks like you have some mods to the dash. Any chance something is loose and/or rubbing?

KMeloney · November 10, 2004

looks like you have some mods to the dash. Any chance something is loose and/or rubbing?

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Again, I've driven with the new cluster in my lap (and the bezel off), and still heard the noise through the opening, up near the windshield, possibly. But thanks for the idea!

-Kirk

gmercedesbenz · February 20, 2012

Hey All...

I joined this site in hopes that someone has found the fix for this exact problem. I've been working on this for weeks now on my '02 Escalade and still cannot find the source. I did manage to get the noise on a video, if that would help. Thanks in advance!

BlackZ71Silverado · February 20, 2012

Are you guys absolutely positive it is from the inside the vehicle? I had an issue like this with my 2001 ZR2 Blazer. I would have bet money that it was the driver side A-Pillar but it ended up being a suspension bushing causing this sound.

If you can replicate it by bounching on the nerf bar, did you make sure everything in that area is tight and nothing worn?

gmercedesbenz · February 21, 2012

Are you guys absolutely positive it is from the inside the vehicle? I had an issue like this with my 2001 ZR2 Blazer. I would have bet money that it was the driver side A-Pillar but it ended up being a suspension bushing causing this sound.

If you can replicate it by bounching on the nerf bar, did you make sure everything in that area is tight and nothing worn?

I can't replicate via the nerf bar, I can only get the noise to occur by driving the truck. I'm 99% sure it is inside the truck, just as Kirk described before. Just for good measure, you'll find the video below. This was shot driving in a circle with the wheel as various positions, going no faster than 10mph. Weather was clear, 50 degrees outside.

http://youtu.be/BLN0Tjojy-M

Thanks in advance!

gmercedesbenz · February 26, 2012

SOLVED.

After tearing apart the dash for 5 hours, I FINALLY found the source of this noise. Turned out to be the parking brake cable was pressing against the rubbing backing on the firewall. I'm not sure what that rubber is covering, but I could press on it myself and cause the noise as well. I'm still working on a solution to relieve the tension off that area to avoid the noise. Picture is below. I placed a piece of paper between the brake cable and the rubber wall to show where its pressing/rubbing. I'm just glad it was nothing serious...