Windshield Flapping ... Bugshield?

brnr17 · August 2, 2007

hey guys ... when driving down the highway i get like a flapping noise that sounds like it's coming from the outside side molding part of my windshield ... i thought someone said it was maybe from putting a bugshield on? anyone else had this problem and how do i fix it?

Also at low speeds when i turn my steering wheel left i get like a groaning noise that comes from it sounds like the steering column. its not a clunking or grinding or anything just a groaning and it only does it when it goes to the left ... anyone have any experience with that?

thanks - Mat

Wingnut · August 2, 2007

Yeah, a bugshield can cause a tapping noise (like bugs hitting the windshield) at highway speeds.

You can run a bead of silicone under the trim on the sides of the window, or put a line of 3M tape under it. Both cheap and easy methods of fixing the noise.

03Silvy · August 2, 2007

hey guys ... when driving down the highway i get like a flapping noise that sounds like it's coming from the outside side molding part of my windshield ... i thought someone said it was maybe from putting a bugshield on? anyone else had this problem and how do i fix it?

Also at low speeds when i turn my steering wheel left i get like a groaning noise that comes from it sounds like the steering column. its not a clunking or grinding or anything just a groaning and it only does it when it goes to the left ... anyone have any experience with that?

thanks - Mat

I have that same steering groan but only at low speeds, I've been meaning to take it to the dealer cause I have a no-deductable warranty but what the hell will I do without my truck for a day. Can't help, just thought I'd throw that in there. Does anyone know what causes the groan?

Shawn T · August 2, 2007

Yeah, a bugshield can cause a tapping noise (like bugs hitting the windshield) at highway speeds.

You can run a bead of silicone under the trim on the sides of the window, or put a line of 3M tape under it. Both cheap and easy methods of fixing the noise.

When you say "trim". Are you talking about the small (about 1/2") piece of rubber that runs down the side of the glass? I have had this problem since day 1 on my truck. I figured the bug guard was the cause. I have heard numerous people state that as soon as they added the bug guard they heard a tapping noise on the passenger side of the windshield at highway speeds. This is funny because I have owned a 99 silv and an 03 Sierra, both with bug guards and have had no problems. I figured on this truck is would be more likely to happen because of the "power dome" hood. The bug guard sits a little more vertical.

carneyman · August 2, 2007

I've got a similar steering wheel noise, except mine will do it when turning either way, and almost always when it gets to the first quarter turn, and then on the way back straight. I've been meaning to look into it, but never get the time.

Wingnut · August 2, 2007

Yeah, a bugshield can cause a tapping noise (like bugs hitting the windshield) at highway speeds.

You can run a bead of silicone under the trim on the sides of the window, or put a line of 3M tape under it. Both cheap and easy methods of fixing the noise.

When you say "trim". Are you talking about the small (about 1/2") piece of rubber that runs down the side of the glass? I have had this problem since day 1 on my truck. I figured the bug guard was the cause. I have heard numerous people state that as soon as they added the bug guard they heard a tapping noise on the passenger side of the windshield at highway speeds. This is funny because I have owned a 99 silv and an 03 Sierra, both with bug guards and have had no problems. I figured on this truck is would be more likely to happen because of the "power dome" hood. The bug guard sits a little more vertical.

Yup, that 1/2" piece of rubber...Pull it up and run some 3M tape under it. *poof* no more tapping.

brnr17 · August 3, 2007

Yeah, a bugshield can cause a tapping noise (like bugs hitting the windshield) at highway speeds.

You can run a bead of silicone under the trim on the sides of the window, or put a line of 3M tape under it. Both cheap and easy methods of fixing the noise.

what kind of silicone do i use? and where do i run the bead .. where the strip meets the windshield or underneath the the strip where the little gap is between the strip and the windshield?

Wingnut · August 3, 2007

Yeah, a bugshield can cause a tapping noise (like bugs hitting the windshield) at highway speeds.

You can run a bead of silicone under the trim on the sides of the window, or put a line of 3M tape under it. Both cheap and easy methods of fixing the noise.

what kind of silicone do i use? and where do i run the bead .. where the strip meets the windshield or underneath the the strip where the little gap is between the strip and the windshield?

Underneath the strip and the windshield. Use whatever silicone you feel like...The 3M tape might be easier and/or less messy though. It's like $2.99 at your local parts store.

brnr17 · August 3, 2007

Yeah, a bugshield can cause a tapping noise (like bugs hitting the windshield) at highway speeds.

You can run a bead of silicone under the trim on the sides of the window, or put a line of 3M tape under it. Both cheap and easy methods of fixing the noise.

what kind of silicone do i use? and where do i run the bead .. where the strip meets the windshield or underneath the the strip where the little gap is between the strip and the windshield?

Underneath the strip and the windshield. Use whatever silicone you feel like...The 3M tape might be easier and/or less messy though. It's like $2.99 at your local parts store.

i just picked some up but it's not working the best--- the tape

Wingnut · August 3, 2007

You mean that you're having a hard time getting it in there, or the noise is still there?

VMax2007 · August 3, 2007

You mean that you're having a hard time getting it in there, or the noise is still there?

Please tell me you are still talking about the tape!!!

Snakeking · August 3, 2007

I have the steering groan too. Only when turning to the left. It's very annoying....anyone have a suggestion?

Cdale2k · August 3, 2007

Thats steering groan comes from the steering box, it seems very common in all of chevy's trucks. It doesn't hurt anything, but it can be really annyoing when driving around a parking lot. I have been tinkering around with mine and i will let you know if i find something to fix it.

brnr17 · August 3, 2007

Thats steering groan comes from the steering box, it seems very common in all of chevy's trucks. It doesn't hurt anything, but it can be really annyoing when driving around a parking lot. I have been tinkering around with mine and i will let you know if i find something to fix it.

thatd be nice ... thanks

03Silvy · August 3, 2007

Thats steering groan comes from the steering box, it seems very common in all of chevy's trucks. It doesn't hurt anything, but it can be really annyoing when driving around a parking lot. I have been tinkering around with mine and i will let you know if i find something to fix it.

I figured it wasn't a big deal and I agree I don't have time to mess around with it or take it somewhere, but any updates would be awesome!