IP-4
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESPFP:00000
Work FlowNIS001UB
CUSTOMER INTERVIEW
Interview the customer if possible, to determine the conditions that exist when the noise occurs. Use the Diag-
nostic Worksheet during the interview to document the facts and conditions when the noise occurs and any
customer's comments; refer to IP-8, "
Diagnostic Worksheet" . This information is necessary to duplicate the
conditions that exist when the noise occurs.
The customer may not be able to provide a detailed description or the location of the noise. Attempt to
obtain all the facts and conditions that exist when the noise occurs (or does not occur).
If there is more than one noise in the vehicle, be sure to diagnose and repair the noise that the customer
is concerned about. This can be accomplished by test driving the vehicle with the customer.
After identifying the type of noise, isolate the noise in terms of its characteristics. The noise characteristics
are provided so the customer, service adviser and technician are all speaking the same language when
defining the noise.
Squeak —(Like tennis shoes on a clean floor)
Squeak characteristics include the light contact/fast movement/brought on by road conditions/hard sur-
faces=higher pitch noise/softer surfaces=lower pitch noises/edge to surface=chirping
Creak—(Like walking on an old wooden floor)
Creak characteristics include firm contact/slow movement/twisting with a rotational movement/pitch
dependent on materials/often brought on by activity.
Rattle—(Like shaking a baby rattle)
Rattle characteristics include the fast repeated contact/vibration or similar movement/loose parts/missing
clip or fastener/incorrect clearance.
Knock —(Like a knock on a door)
Knock characteristics include hollow sounding/sometimes repeating/often brought on by driver action.
Tick—(Like a clock second hand)
Tick characteristics include gentle contacting of light materials/loose components/can be caused by driver
action or road conditions.
Thump—(Heavy, muffled knock noise)
Thump characteristics include softer knock/dead sound often drought on by activity.
Buzz—(Like a bumble bee)
Buzz characteristics include high frequency rattle/firm contact.
Often the degree of acceptable noise level will vary depending upon the person. A noise that you may
judge as acceptable may be very irritating to the customer.
Weather conditions, especially humidity and temperature, may have a great effect on noise level.
SBT842
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES IP-5
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DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND TEST DRIVE
If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on
the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or location of the noise. This information can be used to
duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.
If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to dupli-
cate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:
1) Close a door.
2) Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
3) Rev the engine.
4) Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle “twist”.
5) At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T model, drive position on A/T model).
6) Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.
Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.
If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the vehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the
vehicle body.
CHECK RELATED SERVICE BULLETINS
After verifying the customer concern or symptom, check ASIST for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related
to that concern or symptom.
If a TSB relates to the symptom, follow the procedure to repair the noise.
LOCATE THE NOISE AND IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
1. Narrow down the noise to a general area. To help pinpoint the source of the noise, use a listening tool (Chassis Ear: J39570, Engine Ear and mechanics stethoscope).
2. Narrow down the noise to a more specific area and identify the cause of the noise by:
removing the components in the area that you suspect the noise is coming from.
Do not use too much force when removing clips and fasteners, otherwise clips and fastener can be broken
or lost during the repair, resulting in the creation of new noise.
tapping or pushing/pulling the component that you suspect is causing the noise.
Do not tap or push/pull the component with excessive force, otherwise the noise will be eliminated only
temporarily.
feeling for a vibration with your hand by touching the component(s) that you suspect is (are) causing the
noise.
placing a piece of paper between components that you suspect are causing the noise.
looking for loose components and contact marks.
Refer to IP-6, "
Generic Squeak and Rattle Troubleshooting" .
REPAIR THE CAUSE
If the cause is a loose component, tighten the component securely.
If the cause is insufficient clearance between components:
–separate components by repositioning or loosening and retightening the component, if possible.
–insulate components with a suitable insulator such as urethane pads, foam blocks, felt cloth tape or ure-
thane tape. A NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J43980) is available through your authorized NISSAN Parts
Department.
CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force as many components are constructed of plastic and may be damaged.
NOTE:
Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.
The following materials are contained in the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J43980). Each item can be
ordered separately as needed.
URETHANE PADS [1.5 mm (0.059 in) thick]
Insulates connectors, harness, etc.
76268-9E005: 100 × 135 mm (3.94 × 5.31 in )/ 76884-71L01 : 60 × 85 mm (2.36 × 3.35 in)/76884-71L02 : 15
× 25 mm (0.59 × 0.98 in)
INSULATOR (Foam blocks)
Insulates components from contact. Can be used to fill space behind a panel.
73982-9E000: 45 mm (1.77 in) thick, 50 × 50 mm (1.97 × 1.97 in)/73982-50Y00: 10 mm (0.39 in) think, 50
× 50 mm (1.97 × 1.97 in)
IP-6
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
INSULATOR (Light foam block)
80845 - 71L00 : 30 mm (1.18 in) thick, 30 × 50 mm (1.18 × 1.97 in)
FELT CLOTH TAPE
Used to insulate where movement does not occur.Ideal for instrument panel applications.
68370 - 4B000 : 15 × 25 mm (0.59 × 0.98 in) pad / 68239-13E00 : 5 mm (0.20 in) wide tape roll The following
materials, not found in the kit, can also be used to repair squeaks and rattles.
UHMW (TEFLON) TAPE
Insulates where slight movement is present. Ideal for instrument panel applications.
SILICONE GREASE
Used in of UHMW tape that will be visible or not fit.
Note: Will only last a few months.
SILICONE SPRAY
Use when grease cannot be applied.
DUCT TAPE
Use to eliminate movement.
CONFIRM THE REPAIR
Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.
Generic Squeak and Rattle TroubleshootingNIS001UC
Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Most incidents are caused by contact and movement between:
1. The cluster lid A and instrument panel
2. Acrylic lens and combination meter housing
3. Instrument panel to front pillar garnish
4. Instrument panel to windshield
5. Instrument panel mounting pins
6. Wiring harnesses behind the combination meter
7. A/C defroster duct and duct joint
These incidents can usually be located by tapping or moving the components to duplicate the noise or by
pressing on the components while driving to stop the noise. Most of these incidents can be repaired by apply-
ing felt cloth tape or silicon spray (in hard to reach areas). Urethane pads can be used to insulate wiring har-
ness.
CAUTION:
Do not use silicone spray to isolate a squeak or rattle. If you saturate the area with silicone, you will
not be able to recheck the repair.
CENTER CONSOLE
Components to pay attention to include:
1. Shifter assembly cover to finisher
2. A/C control unit and cluster lid C
3. Wiring harnesses behind audio and A/C control unit
The instrument panel repair and isolation procedures also apply to the center console.
DOORS
Pay attention to the:
1. Finisher and inner panel making a slapping noise
2. Inside handle escutcheon to door finisher
3. Wiring harnesses tapping
4. Door striker out of alignment causing a popping noise on starts and stops
Tapping or moving the components or pressing on them while driving to duplicate the conditions can isolate
many of these incidents. You can usually insulate the areas with felt cloth tape or insulator foam blocks from
the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J43980) to repair the noise.
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES IP-7
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TRUNK
Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Trunk lid dumpers out of adjustment
2. Trunk lid striker out of adjustment
3. The trunk lid torsion bars knocking together
4. A loose license plate or bracket
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, securing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINING
Noises in the sunroof/headlining area can often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sunvisor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headlining and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
SEATS
When isolating seat noise it's important to note the position the seat is in and the load placed on the seat when
the noise is present. These conditions should be duplicated when verifying and isolating the cause of the
noise.
Cause of seat noise include:
1. Headrest rods and holder
2. A squeak between the seat pad cushion and frame
3. The rear seatback lock and bracket
These noises can be isolated by moving or pressing on the suspected components while duplicating the con-
ditions under which the noise occurs. Most of these incidents can be repaired by repositioning the component
or applying urethane tape to the contact area.
UNDERHOOD
Some interior noise may be caused by components under the hood or on the engine wall. The noise is then
transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Causes of transmitted underhood noise include:
1. Any component mounted to the engine wall
2. Components that pass through the engine wall
3. Engine wall mounts and connectors
4. Loose radiator mounting pins
5. Hood bumpers out of adjustment
6. Hood striker out of adjustment
These noises can be difficult to isolate since they cannot be reached from the interior of the vehicle. The best
method is to secure, move or insulate one component at a time and test drive the vehicle. Also, engine RPM
or load can be changed to isolate the noise. Repairs can usually be made by moving, adjusting securing, or
insulating the component causing the noise.
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY IP-11
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Removal and InstallationNIS001UF
WORK STEP
When removing instrument panel and pad, combination meter, display unit and audio unit, center console take
steps in the order shown by the numbers below.
CAUTION:
Disconnect both battery cables in advance.
Disconnect air bag system line in advance.
Never temper with air bag lid or force air bag lid to open, as this may adversely affect air bag per-
formance.
Be careful not to scratch pad and other parts.
[ ]: Number indicates step in removal procedures. 1. Front defroster grille (RH) 2. Instrument panel and pad 3. Front defroster grille (LH)
4. Combination meter assembly 5. Steering lock escutcheon 6. Side ventilation (LH)
7. Display unit and audio unit 8. Wiper and washer switch 9. Rubber
10. Lighting and turn signal switch 11. Combination meter bracket 12. Cluster lid C
13. Steering column upper cover 14. Steering column lower cover 15. Steering column front lower cover
16. Instrument side panel (LH) 17. Instrument clock finisher assembly 18. A/T console finisher assembly
19. Instrument driver lower panel 20. Center console 21. Instrument side panel (RH)
22. Instrument lower cover 23. Instrument passenger lower panel 24. Side ventilation (RH) metal clip clip pawl
Parts Reference
page Instrument
panel and pad Combination
meter Display unit and
audio unit Center console
(A) Front kicking plate (RH/LH) EI-39
[ 1 ] [ 1 ]
(B) Dash side finisher (RH/LH) EI-38
[ 2 ] [ 2 ]
(C) Front pillar garnish (RH/LH) EI-39
[ 3 ]
(D) A/T select lever knob AT- 2 2 9
[ 4 ] [ 1 ]
(E) Instrument clock finisher assembly IP-12
[ 5 ] [ 2 ]
(F) A/T console finisher assembly IP-12
[ 6 ] [ 3 ]
(G) Instrument side panel (RH/LH) IP-12
[ 7 ] [ 4 ]
(H) Center console IP-12
[ 8 ] [ 5 ]
(I) Instrument lower cover IP-13
[ 9 ]
(J) Instrument passenger lower panel IP-13
[10]
(K) Instrument driver lower panel IP-13
[11] [ 3 ]
(L) Steering column front lower cover IP-13
[12] [ 4 ]
(M) Steering column lower cover IP-13
[13] [ 5 ]
(N) Steering column upper cover IP-14
[14] [ 6 ]
(O) Wiper and washer switch IP-14
[15] [ 7 ]
(P) Lighting and turn signal switch IP-14
[16] [ 8 ]
(Q) Steering lock escutcheon IP-14
[17] [ 9 ]
(R) Combination meter assembly IP-14
[18] [10]
(S) Cluster lid C IP-14
[19] [ 1 ]
(T) Display unit and audio unit IP-15
[20] [ 2 ]
(U) Front defroster grille (RH/LH) IP-15
[21]
(V) Combination meter bracket IP-15
[22]
(W) Side ventilation (RH/LH) IP-15
[23]
(X) Instrument panel and pad IP-15
[24]
IP-12
INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
REMOVAL
(A) Front Kicking Plate (RH/LH)
Remove front kicking plate (RH/LH). Refer to EI-37, "BODY SIDE TRIM" .
(B) Dash Side Finisher (RH/LH)
1. Remove plastics nut.
2. Remove dash side finisher (RH/LH). Refer to EI-37, "
BODY SIDE TRIM" .
(C) Front Pillar Garnish (RH/LH)
Pull to inside of vehicle, disengage metal clips and remove front pillar garnish. Refer to EI-37, "BODY SIDE
TRIM" .
(D) A/T Select Lever Knob
1. Pull down knob cover.
2. Remove lock-pin of select lever knob.
3. Lift up select lever knob and remove select lever knob. Refer to AT- 2 2 9 , "
Control Device Removal and
Installation" .
(E) Instrument Clock Finisher
1. Remove screw and then pull back to your side of instrument
clock finisher.
2. Disconnect clips and harness connector, and remove instrument clock finisher.
(F) A/T Console Finisher
1. Insert a remover into side between gaps of A/T console finisher assembly and remove by lifting A/T console finisher.
2. Disconnect harness connector.
(G) Instrument Side Panel (RH/LH)
1. Remove screws with power tool.
2. Pull to the side, disconnect clip and pawls and remove instru- ment side panel (RH/LH).
(H) Center Console
1. Remove screws with power tool.
2. Remove console sub-harness
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3. After removing, disassemble, each parts.
CAUTION:
When removing console, be careful not to pull the harness.
(I) Instrument Lower Cover
1. Pull down front instrument lower cover, and disconnect clips.
2. Pull it horizontally, and remove from lower cover pawls.
(J) Instrument Passenger Lower Panel
Remove screws with power tool, and disconnect harness connector,
and remove instrument passenger lower panel.
(K) Instrument Driver Lower Panel
1. Remove bolt and screws with power tool.
2. Remove data link connector.
3. Pull to disengage clip and pawl by removing panel in horizontal direction.
4. Disconnect in-vehicle sensor and each electrical parts.
5. Remove the grommet, and remove hood lock cable.
(L) Steering Column Front Lower Cover
1. Remove screw with power tool.
2. Disengage the tab, then remove steering column front lower cover.
NOTE:
Move the steering column telescopic to the rear most position
Move the steering column tilt to the top position.
(M) Steering Column Lower Cover
1. Remove screws with power tool.
2. Disengage the tab, then remove steering column lower cover.
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INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
(N) Steering Column Upper Cover
Remove the steering column upper cover.
(O) Wiper and Washer Switch
Remove wiper and washer switch. Refer to WW-37, "Removal and Installation of Front Wiper and Washer
Switch" .
(P) Lighting and Turn Signal Switch
Remove lighting and turn signal switch. Refer to LT- 111 , "LIGHTING AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH" .
(Q) Steering Lock Escutcheon
Pull back to your side, and remove steering lock escutcheon.
(R) Combination Meter Assembly
1. Remove bolts with power tool, and then remove connector
bracket.
2. Remove bolts with power tool and then disconnect harness con- nector.
CAUTION:
To prevent it from damaged by interference with the combina-
tion meter assembly, protect the combination meter assembly
with cloths.
(S) Cluster Lid C
1. Insert a remover into gap between instrument panel and pad, pull back to your side, and disconnect metal clips below.
2. Disconnect harness connectors, and remove cluster lid C.
CAUTION:
Cover surroundings with cloth to avoid scratches or damages.
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