Body - Squeaks and Rattles
SI M 51 05 02Body Equipment
February 2003
Service Engineering
SUBJECT
Body Squeaks and Rattles Troubleshooting Guide
MODEL
R50 MINI Cooper, and R53 MINI Cooper S
SITUATION
In order to ease diagnosis of body squeaks and rattles, a troubleshooting guide based on instances that have been experienced to date is prepared herein.
PARTS INFORMATION
Several of the following repairs call for the use of a felt tape to insulate trim parts. The following part number may be used in these cases.
RATTLE FROM HOOD LATCH
This rattle can be experienced when driving over rough roads. It can be distinguished from rattles originating in the dash or engine compartment bulkhead area by driving with open window, and will be louder when driving next to a wall or divider.
Loosen the bolts (1) holding the latch and slide the latch rearward so that the striker fits tightly into the latch when the hood is closed.
RATTLE FROM UNDER FLOOR AREA
When driving over rough roads a rattle from under the car can be heard. This can be caused by the exhaust hanger hitting the heat shield, or by the shift cables contacting the heat shield.
Check for clearance between left side of the center exhaust hanger (1) and the under floor heat shield. (The illustration is looking toward the rear of the car.) If there is less than approximately 10 mm clearance,
carefully bend the heat shield to gain more than 10 mm clearance.
Check where the shift cables (2) come out from behind the under floor heat shield (1) to see if they are contacting the heat shield. If they are, bend the heat shield slightly down to prevent contact.
SQUEAK OR CREAK FROM TOP OF DASH
Cars built prior to 3/02 can experience a creak from the top of the dash where the dash pad fits under the plastic trim along the windshield.
Remove upper dash panel (1) per Repair Instructions, section 51 45 051.
Fold a strip of felt tape approximately 15 mm wide over the forward edge of the dash pad, ensuring that the tape will not be visible when the pad is installed.
RATTLE FROM ENDS OF DASH
Some cars built prior to 2/02 may experience a rattle coming from the plastic covers on either end of the dash. Later cars have felt strips on the caps to prevent rattles.
If the plastic covers (1) rattle, replace with part number 51 45 1 171 152 (left) or 51 45 1 171 155 (right).
RATTLE FROM UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF DASH
If a rattle is evident from the right side of the dash, above the passenger airbag, press down on the dash pad to determine if the rattle is diminished or stops. If it is, remove the dash pad per Repair Instructions, section 51 45 051.
Apply foam tape (2) to the bracket over the passenger airbag (1) as illustrated.
Use Wurth article number 187539 1" X 5/16" foam tape or similar.
RATTLE FROM THE LOWER CENTER OF DASH
Some cars can have a rattle caused by the console side trim pieces being loose or contacting the dash.
Check the trim pieces (1) to see if they are loose and the screws (2) holding the trim to ensure they are tight. If the trim is touching the dash, adjust to gain clearance.
If necessary, cut a small piece of felt tape to isolate the trim from the dash.
BUZZ FROM THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN TRIM
If a buzz can be heard from the lower steering column trim, remove the trim per Repair Instructions, section 32 31 020.
Put a strip of felt tape (2) on the bracket (1) that the trim connects to, making sure that the tape covers the ends.
CREAK OR BUZZ FROM TOP CORNERS OF WINDSHIELD
Cars built prior to 2/02 may have a creaking or buzzing noise caused by contact between the upper and side windshield trim and the rain gutter trim.
Carefully separate the rain gutter and upper windshield trim from the side windshield trim, and apply special lubricant, part number 83 19 0 142 692 with a Q-Tip. Wipe off any excess lubricant that squeezes out after the trim is back in place.
NOISES FROM DOOR PANELS
In case of a customer complaint of rattles or a buzz from the door panel on cars built prior to 9/02, attempt to localize the noise by pressing on the door panel.
Determine if the noise is coming from the rear vertical edge (1), the bottom horizontal edge (2), or the mounting of the inner trim to the trim panel (3). Once the noise has been localized, remove the door panel per Repair Instructions, section 51 41 000. If any of the panel retaining clips are found damaged, they should be replaced before proceeding further.
If the noise is coming from the rear vertical edge, apply a piece of felt tape in the area indicated, so that the tape isolates the panel from the door frame.
If the noise is coming from the lower edge of the panel, trim an burrs or sharp edges off the panel with a knife,
If the noise is coming from the mounting of the inner trim to the trim panel, check the tightness of the heat welded studs (3). If they are loose, they may be secured by using a soldering gun.
RATTLE FROM REAR HATCH
Refer to Service Information M51 05 02.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Information only.