VS II Dash Rattle/Creaking Big Time

[another old bloke]

Just bought a VS II late '97 ute, 5.0l auto.

The dash are has a rattle/creaking like a bunch of plastics rubbing against each other when going over any uneven surface. This is in the instrument binnacle area I think.
There is no noise if I push down or try to move the dash with my hands.

Pulled the instrument fascia plate, nothing appeared wrong, fitted the steel clips to the fascia plate before replacement. Dry lubed the area where the clip fits the dash steel area. Couldn't see any rub marks anywhere. There is a piece of thin material on the upper mating face of the instrument fascia plate where it contacts the dash top.

A freind suggested perhaps the dash top is rubbing against the heater demister vents and to put in some WD40 or similar, or even Mr. Sheen.
Well, did both, no joy.

Can anyone here who has had a similar problem share how they cured the problem, or even suggest a diagnosis or fix ?
Wondering if there might be a piece of foam or something missing somewhere ?

The rest of the car is rattle free apart from a door trim or similar which reverbs from the exhaust system.
No, the car hasn't had any big hits or similar, it's a near stock jigger.

Thanks in advance.

richo....another old bloke

[hako]

I'd try pulling the instrument binnacle out (see the how-to on replacing stripped speedo gear) ....this way you'll get a better view. When you do this make sure you disconnect the battery - I didn't and caused a Airbag fault which I had to pay $$$ to clear. I'd also check the steering column adjusting mechanism. Most Commodores are pretty rattle-free not like the old FJ's we used to drive eh!. Don't use Mr Sheen as it's impossible to remove and will also aggravate any squeaks.

[another old bloke]

Thanks hako,
Dumb newbie question here.
If I disconnect the battery, is there any special procedure on refitting, or resetting of other components ?
Car is not equipped with airbag as far as I can tell. Certainly no symbol on the steering wheel.

Yeah, the creaking/squeaking annoys me flat out, there are no other rattles in the car.

richo.....another old bloke

[hako]

Only thing you may need is the security code for the radio if it's still the original. It should be written inside the owners handbook. Other than that there are no precautions or resetting needed...the computer stuff does all that itself.
Here's that link done by Kopper69....it has pictures as well.
Broken Odometer

[another old bloke]

Thanks hako, I'll give it a go in the next few days. Obviously will also post update when done to show that answering isn't a waste of time.

Have already removed the fascia and the instrument cluster, which didn't reveal ( to me ) anything untowards, or worng looking, or powdery as you might expect from plastic rubbing.
I'm hoping there is something which will be obvious ( to my old eyes ) to give me a solution. Maybe i have to go a step further than the cluster ?

It is a strange one, given other VR and VS I've been in have been tight as a drum.
That was why I went for a VS, the quiet no rattles/squeak or creaks ride.

cheers
richo....another old bloke

[another old bloke]

Okay, i'm stumped on this.
Have removed the fascia and the instrument housing, can't see or find any rub marks to indicate the source of the creaking//squeak.
Also unable to reproduce the noise when pushing or pulling on any of the dash components in an effort to locate the source.
Changed the clips that hold the instrument fascia front, just in case. No joy there either.
It's definitely in the dash area, but covering a large area, or seeming that way.

Tricky one, am about to give in and go to the Holden dealer to see if they can cure it. Sure is annoying at times.

cheers
richo...another old bloke.

[Brett_jjj]

I know the centre AC vents in the dash can make terrible rattling,squeaking sorts of sounds.Mine are bad and I have to move the vent positions to stop it but it usually starts up again until I move them again.Pulled them out a couple of times but I have never worked out what is actually doing this.Jeez its annoying though.

[hako]

Try slipping a piece of cardboard between the dash and the binnacle and/or any other places visible...vents as well - see if this stops it. If you take it to Holdens I wish you luck.

[another old bloke]

The squeaking, creaking sound is the windscreen rubbing on the very front of the dash top where the two parts meet.
The windscreen has dropped 2 or 3 mm from its original position and feels loose when going over uneven surfaces.

The instant fix was a spray of silicone in the area. The resulting silence is bliss.

The cure will be to have the windscreen seal redone, or a new windscreen fitted.

The aanalysis and diagnosis was completed by myself and a friend. Holden dealer has very recently been shown to be unworthy. A pity.

cheers
richo...another old bloke

[hako]

Should be able to refit the old screen....think they use a urethane bond strip but when I had mine done a few months ago they said they now used something else. I'd also check why the screen slipped or the bond broke. I've seen Sikaflex used but it usually ends up in a great mess with sealant everywhere. Hope it goes well.

[another old bloke]

I have a feeling the screen had been replaced some time, not too long ago, maybe only a couple of years. Certainly not on the last owners watch. He said the squeak had been there since he bought the car and it didn't bother him with the music up loud !

There is a definite line where you can see the old seal met with the roof panel.
When I say the screen is loose, it can be felt to move slightly ( and I mean slightly ) over decent uneven surfaces.

Will be a couple of weeks before I get to the repair as I'm going away, but will keep you posted.
Thanks for the guidance along the way, greatly appreciated.

cheers
richo...another old bloke