2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Noise from steering column or dash...can't determine origin

[zman]

Hmmm. The TSB says it is for 94-99. Mine is an 01 - wonder if it is the same problem.



I think I'll try this one myself. I don't want the dealer messing with my A-pillar gauges.



Thanks for the post, Dave!



Steve

 

[Turbo Thom]

On my old truck the, the noise is comming from the dash, sounds like to the lift of the steering column . 2 years back I changed the steering linkage from the fire wall to the steering box with a Borgenson unit and all seemed well. Now I have a little popping/ snapping sound that can be heard when the truck is coming to a stop and just before it stops jab the brakes. The truck rocks just a little and the sound is noticeable then. It can also be heard comming down the drive on the gravel at about 10 mph. I really can't tell what side of the fire wall the noise is on. I don't what to oil because it's not a squeak. I think I'll spray the shaft.



Thanks for the advice.



Preston. .

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

SQUEAK NAILED, KILLED, ELIMINATED

Well I went after mine last night, I checked under the gray plastic/fiberglass support fmj talked about and the black support around the steering shaft, but these items were well bolted down and had rubber spacers behind them. Evindently Dodge did a fix on this already, and that was not where my noise was coming from.



I started checking under the hood and around the fender. Then I discovered the source of the noise: the black plastic panel at the base of the windshield at the back of the hood! The very cheesy wimpy fasteners were very loose, and moving that piece around I could make the noise that was driving me nuts. Any movement of the hood was causing it since the back portion of the hood rides on the piece and was jiggling it around. Well I tightened up the fasteners and wallah, no more squeak



So anyone with a squeak may want to check this piece. Now I can live in peace!



Vaughn

 

[rmknizner]

Thanks, Vaughn!



I just tightened those "Screw Things" and my squeak is GONE. I feel a little humbled that I didn't notice how loose these fastners were before. The problem now is that I bet they will get loose again pretty quick as they seem to be designed to only get so tight and then click like those child-proof caps. I wonder if some RTV or waterproof double sided tape would act to permanently imobilize this plastic piece?



Bob

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Bob, it's great to see my post helped someone else out . I was thinking the same thing, those fasteners are rather pathetic. And like you I was thinking double sided tape between the flat sheetmetal at the back corners underhood and the underside of the plastic panel may do the trick. If it comes back, I am removing it and doing that.



The next trick is figuring out how to remove the wiper blades off their posts so I can totally remove the piece and BOMB it properly.



Vaughn

 

[fmj]

Well while I was off working on the wifes hot rod you guys have been busy. I also spent some time trying to fix squeak. In my last post I mentioned looseing the screws, but as Vaughn said they already had rubber behind them. The four screws loosen the breaks main and anti lock system. I found two areas that were rubbing while they were tight. Both were where the hard lines come out of the main cylinder. I think that might be why when the four nuts were loosened the noise went away as it relieved the stress pressing the two togeather. I'm going to try and make space between these lines. If that doesn't work I'll try Vaughns area. I tightend these crappy plastic threaded screws before and if thats it I'm pop riviting them in. This squeak is not going to defeat me (us). We shall win over DC.

 

[Bob W]

Vaughn, I looked at the plastic screws you mentioned, and I have only 3, the head on the one at the passenger's side is broken off. Do I have to get the same type of screw? Do you recommend another alternative? My squeak/rattle seems to come from the center of the steering column, then it "moves" to under the dash.

Was yours similar? Also, the rubber seal that the hood rests on near the windshield keeps faling off on one side, what kind of adhesive would keep that in place? Thanks.

 

[CCahill]

Well...

I've tried everything the members have mentioned... I think my truck might be a candidate for the TSB... . Thinkin' 'bout doing it myself..... If the TSB involves a chisel, the dealer ain't getting near my truck!!!!



Colin

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Bob, I think mine only has 3 fasteners too. I wouldn't know what type of fastener you would call those either, and you probably have to get them from the dealer. I did not take my plastic panel out since I didn't know how to remove the windshield wiper arms off their posts. I don't know what they screw into.



My squeak sounded similar to yours, I would at least give it a try. I would add double-stick tape between the plastic shield and sheetmetal at the ends of the plastic piece and that should stabilize it enough to make the squeak go away. . . if that is the source of the squeak.



Boy one thing I can tell you, it is amazing how much something like a squeak or rattle detracts from the driving experience of you truck. Ever since I fixed it, the driving pleasure has increased dramatically!! Now at 53K my truck feels as tight as it was when it was new when I hit the RR crossings





Vaughn

 

[John]

Originally posted by Bob W

the rubber seal that the hood rests on near the windshield keeps faling off on one side, what kind of adhesive would keep that in place

I have replaced my L shaped foam, corner seals several times. Each time they moved around after installation..... that is until the current set I have installed! Here is what I did: 1) I purchased another new left and right seal, 2) I carefully removed the double back adhesive installed by the manufacturer of these seals (a little heat from a heat gun helped with this), 3) I cleaned the seal surfaces where the factory installed adhesive was as well as the corresponding plastic surface where they mate (ONLY) with Isopropyl alchohol, 4) I applied 3M contact cement to the seals AND the plastic mating surfaces (being careful to apply the adhesive only to the areas NOT visible after seal installation), 4a) allow the contact cement to become almost dry prior to installation of seal, 5) install the seal. I haven't had the new seals move in over two years!



BTW, the plastic cowl fasteners are around $2. 00 each at your Dodge dealer. They are designed the way they are to facilitate push-on installation at the factory.

 

[fmj]

Vaughn, it seems like the damn plastic screws are loose again. I can't tighten them any more as they spin so I don't know if it will stop squeak. I pulled off the windshield washer arms (just lift them half way up and pull out a little "L" tab which will hold the arm up and pull it off the knurled post) and I removed the screws. They're all stripped. The plastic windshield cover comes off by removing the front rubber seal and pull plastic up over the washer post. There are two hoses that go to the washer, and the plastic can be removed to the side for access. I didn't want to remove the hose, although it doesn't look like you would have to do anything more than pull them off . I'm going to BOMB the screws. I've got everything set to go this week after the holiday. It looks simple . I am going to use a JNutter tool that sets a threaded insert into the hole where the plastic nut now resides. It will have to be drilled out to accepet a 1/4 - 20 threaded insert. The tool will crimp the insert. I have made five (mine has five of the worthless plastic screws) metal threaded pieces from a 1/4 - 20 screw about an inch and a half long. This screws into the insert and will locktight it in so it won't back out. I went to the hardware store and bought 5 things ( I haven't got a clue as to what they are called) that are used on putting furnature togeather. They are black anodized, with a 5/8's flat top with a 3/16th allen hole for wrench, and a shaft that has the 1/4 -20 thread. This will give me a nice anodized stock looking flat all metal replacement. I'll let you guys know how this goes when I get back after New Years. Going quad riding in desert. Hope everyone has a safe and great Holiday. Sorry this is so long.

 

[grtescpa]

Steering columb noise

If your truck is still under warranty, chances are the columb is no good. My 97 has gone through 4 of them in 68k. Dodge columbs are junk!

 

[Bob W]

Thanks for the advice on the seals and cowl fasteners John, my "L" shaped foam seals are ok; it's the rubber seal that runs from one side to the other that keeps falling off (passenger's side only. ) I'll try your procedure on the rubber seal, that should keep it in place.

 

[zman]

Thanks Vaughn!

Problem solved!!! My problem ended up being the same as Vaughn's - black plastic cowl panel. I removed the 5 plastic screws that held the cowl panel down and went for a drive. To my surprise the squeak disappeared! When I got back to the house, I put the screws back on and the squeak hasn't returned. I guess the cowl panel moved around just enough that it isn't squeaking anymore. If it comes back, I think I'll take it completely off and find a way to keep it from rubbing against the metal underneath - maybe some double sided tape.



Steve

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Good job Steve Still no squeaks from mine since I got it fixed. Sure is nice to get rid of the mice!



Vaughn

 

[fmj]

Well over the holidays I took care of the loose screws holding the black plastic trim around the window. I removed the wipers, plastic screws and trim. I drilled out the five hole that the plastic was in to accomodate the Thread Serts and installed 1/4-20 Thread Serts. Once they were crimped in I went to the hardware store and bought some black oxide furniture connector bolts that come in 1/4-20. These things are flat on top with a 3/16 allen head to tighten. I replaced the black plastic trim and screwed in the new bolts. Added double back tape and some trim adhesive on side to make sure it doesn't move. Looks good and nothing moves. Noise was still there . Well I had to change the trans oil and got that done today. Replaced oil, filter, adjusted bands, etc. Took it for a test run to get up to temp, and guess what. The noise has disappeared . Even though noise travels, I'm having a hard time believing I moved anything. I'm going to drive it for awhile to make sure it isn't just a fluke. If it doesn't come back I'm going to be p***ed as now I'll never know what caused it.

 

[spacecadet]

After suffering with the "Jiggly Squeak" long enough, and having tried the silicone spray cure and checking for loose cowl parts, I mentioned it to the dealer on a recent visit. He ordered some parts for the shifter linkage. Anyone had this response? The noise in my truck is clearly coming from the steering column area, rather than the A-pillar.