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Creaking Noise Passenger Side Dash

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Old Mar 16, 2008 | 11:12 AM
  #1  
Levi's Avatar
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Joined: 03-16-2008
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From: GA
Creaking Noise Passenger Side Dash

I have a 2008 SS with 1300 miles. It sometimes makes a creaking noise from the passenger side dash area...it sounds like something around the pillar by the windshield edge is rubbing together, like plastic on plastic. It happens most of the time when starting out from a stop, but I also hear it sometimes when going around corners. Any ideas what this is? Thanks!
Old Mar 19, 2008 | 04:37 PM
  #2  
an08HHR's Avatar
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Joined: 09-14-2007
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From: xxxxx-xx
Welcome to the site. Guess you are the first with this irritating creak. Need to get someone to ride with you to see if they can pin point it or press on different spots while you drive to locate it. I hate squeaks, creaks or any noise unless it is spinning tires or a good sounding exhaust.
Old May 25, 2011 | 08:11 PM
  #3  
mangocat1's Avatar
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Joined: 06-08-2010
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From: CA
I've got this same issue. Creaks as the car flexes driving down the road... or sitting in a parking lot turning the wheel. The dealer mechanic says he can't hear anything??? I heard it the entire time while on a road test.

The severity of the creak gets worse the warmer it is outside. Sounds like it's coming from the pillar/dash/windshield area and is either plastic on plastic or plastic on glass. Pushing and pulling on the plastic pieces don't change the sound any.

Anyone?
Old May 25, 2011 | 08:23 PM
  #4  
Silverfox's Avatar
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Joined: 08-26-2008
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From: Sequim Washington
Ask for a different mechanic to road test with you. The guy may be hearing impaired.

If you are driving and hear it while the mechanic in the passenger seat doesn't, trade places.
Old May 25, 2011 | 11:55 PM
  #5  
mangocat1's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Silverfox
Ask for a different mechanic to road test with you. The guy may be hearing impaired.

If you are driving and hear it while the mechanic in the passenger seat doesn't, trade places.
I'm gonna bring it back when they fix my creaking seat (guy ordered a new seat... TSB says to lube the joint that creaks... )

This other creaking is coming from the pillar on the passenger side. I confirmed it by putting my ear up to it. I will have them look at it again.
Old May 26, 2011 | 12:11 AM
  #6  
pipes's Avatar
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Joined: 05-06-2011
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From: Michigan
I read the headline to this thread and for moment I thought he had been driving my wife around

Thou my creaking noise is in the passeger seat mostly
Old May 26, 2011 | 05:54 AM
  #7  
hyperv6's Avatar
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Joined: 07-05-2008
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From: Akron Ohio
Posted in the TSB section. Take this to the dealer or do it yourself. Note in the tech section there are photos posted.

#PI0085: Itch/Creak Noise from Right Side of Instrument Panel - (Mar 31, 2010)


Subject: Itch/Creak Noise from Right Side of Instrument Panel


Models: 2010 Chevrolet HHR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition/Concern
Some customers may comment about a itch/creak noise coming from the right side of the instrument panel. This noise is usually heard when the vehicle body is under load (accelerating, braking or sharp turns). This noise may be caused by a loading condition between the instrument panel tie bar mounting bracket and the inner hinge pillar.

Recommendation/Instructions
Have the customer describe what driving condition creates the noise (turning, accelerating or braking). Use the following steps to tighten the instrument panel tie bar fasteners. If the concern is still present, use the additional steps to revise the instrument panel tie bar mounting bracket.

Note: On sunroof equipped vehicles, use care to not damage the drain tube located in the repair area.



Remove the right instrument panel outer trim cover. Use a plastic trim tool to release the retainers.



Locate the two tie bar mounting bolts and loosen them (do not remove the bolts), then tighten the bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the mounting bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

Road test the vehicle. Apply hard acceleration followed by hard stops to verify that the customer's concern is corrected. If the concern is corrected, proceed to step #8. If the concern is not corrected, proceed to step #4.



Locate the tie bar mounting bracket that is welded to the inner hinge pillar (the bracket is outboard of the mounting bolt area and cannot be seen in the photo). Remove the two tie bar mounting bolts.



Insert a large screwdriver between the bracket and the hinge pillar as shown. Use a hammer on the screwdriver to create a gap between the bracket and the inner hinge pillar.
Reinstall the two bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

Road test the vehicle. Apply hard acceleration followed by hard stops to verify that the customer's concern is corrected.
Reinstall the right instrument panel outer trim cover.
Old May 26, 2011 | 07:34 AM
  #8  
jonboyb's Avatar
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Joined: 12-11-2007
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From: Atlanta, GA
I have the same...also in a 2008 SS. Far right side of the dash in the passenger pillar/dash area. Does it every stop/start. Fixed once about a year ago (work order says tightened brackets.....lamely generic). Back again now but car outside of 36k warranty and the repair was over 12 months/12k miles so my dealer is trying to refuse warranty service.
Old May 26, 2011 | 06:05 PM
  #9  
hyperv6's Avatar
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From: Akron Ohio
Originally Posted by jonboyb
I have the same...also in a 2008 SS. Far right side of the dash in the passenger pillar/dash area. Does it every stop/start. Fixed once about a year ago (work order says tightened brackets.....lamely generic). Back again now but car outside of 36k warranty and the repair was over 12 months/12k miles so my dealer is trying to refuse warranty service.
This is not generic the TSB above is what they would do.

I would not even fool with the dealer as the above fix is a 2 on a 10 scale for diffculty.

Look it up in the TSB thread here and look at the photo's.
Old May 26, 2011 | 06:12 PM
  #10  
esmarkey's Avatar
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Joined: 08-06-2008
Posts: 1,761
From: Grand Haven, MI
Originally Posted by Levi
I have a 2008 SS with 1300 miles. It sometimes makes a creaking noise from the passenger side dash area...it sounds like something around the pillar by the windshield edge is rubbing together, like plastic on plastic. It happens most of the time when starting out from a stop, but I also hear it sometimes when going around corners. Any ideas what this is? Thanks!
Welcome to the site Levi!
I think you will find that most of on the site like our SS's enough to put more that 433 mile a year on them
I too hate those creaks and noises! Take Hyper's advice on the TSB



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