Nissan Armada & Infiniti QX56 Forums banner
Cancel

The Armada Squeak and Rattle Thread

57517 Views 84 Replies 46 Participants Last post by  Why62Nissan, 
A
Ok, I'll start. This thread will serve as a reference for all of us (particularly with the 2004 model) to solve the rattles and squeaks in our Armadas.

Here are mine (so far) and how I've solved them.

1. Rear Glass squeaking - A common complaint from what I've read. I simply took the soft side of velcro stripping, cut 1" sections, and put them strategically around the inside rear and side rear glass panes. I noticed some rub marks on the glass and that's where I started. Solved.

2. Rear gate or "D" pillar creaking noise, particularly when turning onto or off of an incline - Plastic has to be removed at the rear, and dynamat placed at the seams where sheet metal meets. Also where the rear seat belt spools meet the roof mounts, underneath. For me, it's 50% better.

3. Seat squeaks- mine started on the passenger side. Chased it down by using one hand to move the seat around while listening. Ended up pulling the plastic trim where the seat bottom meets the seat back, greasing it up, and putting it all back together. Solved. Driver's seat now doing it- will update the thread.

4. Window rattle at doors - sometimes this is confused as a door rattle- I have in channel vent visors, and apprarently they compressed the rubber weatherstripping enough to allow the window to rattle at the top inside of the door. Pulled the weatherstripping, dynamatted the inside of the window channel, put it all back. Fixed it for a while, but now it's back, so ?? More dynamat I guess.

5. Door rattles - Others have posted about a small gap between the door panel and the door itself. A small strip of dynamat or velcro will solve this.

6. Roof "Booming" noise, particularly on bad roads - there is a service bulletin for this- see your dealer.

7. Ticking noise that increases under load - this is a grounding problem between the engine and body. Run a 0 or 2 guage from the grounding block (just below the battery) to the engine block. There is currently a wire there that you can trace. I don't have this issue, but this method has solved the problem for those that do. Seems to be more prevalent in the Titans. I think this might get rid of my alternator whine- for you aftermarket stereo people I'll let you know.

8. Dash rattle - there are two of these it seems. One stems from the metal panel right at the windsheild. I covered mine completely in dynamat and it went away. The other is from the dash itself and seems to get worse with heat. If you've solved this, let me know please! I only have this issue once in a while.

9. Glove box rattle - some folks have had to tighten up their boxes, but usually this comes from stuff in the box. Silly, I know, but nonetheless...

So there's our start. When adding yours, you may number them to make it easier for others to indicate what they're helping with. Titantalk.com is a good source of info as well on other issues, but there's not a lot of Armada info over there and this site needs more traffic. Spread the word! Thanks to M4ck for the forums.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 20 of 85 Posts
O
I have a long list of my own, but you have listed most (and I lack any solutions). But for the front seat squeaks, my dealer replaced my passenger seatback and is in the process of replacing my driver seatback. From reading what you have stated, they probobly greased it all up when they replaced the seatback anyway (kinda a waste of their money...).

By alternator whine, do you mean the noise that (I can't find a source) gets higher as you accelerate and vice verse, more particularly when the stereo is turned down? It sounds kinda like what happened when I installed an amp in my old Grand Prix... only I paid $750 for a premium Bose system this time :mad:
Reply
Save
Like
B
adjmcloon said:
Ok, I'll start. This thread will serve as a reference for all of us (particularly with the 2004 model) to solve the rattles and squeaks in our Armadas.

Here are mine (so far) and how I've solved them.

1. Rear Glass squeaking - A common complaint from what I've read. I simply took the soft side of velcro stripping, cut 1" sections, and put them strategically around the inside rear and side rear glass panes. I noticed some rub marks on the glass and that's where I started. Solved.

2. Rear gate or "D" pillar creaking noise, particularly when turning onto or off of an incline - Plastic has to be removed at the rear, and dynamat placed at the seams where sheet metal meets. Also where the rear seat belt spools meet the roof mounts, underneath. For me, it's 50% better.

3. Seat squeaks- mine started on the passenger side. Chased it down by using one hand to move the seat around while listening. Ended up pulling the plastic trim where the seat bottom meets the seat back, greasing it up, and putting it all back together. Solved. Driver's seat now doing it- will update the thread.

4. Window rattle at doors - sometimes this is confused as a door rattle- I have in channel vent visors, and apprarently they compressed the rubber weatherstripping enough to allow the window to rattle at the top inside of the door. Pulled the weatherstripping, dynamatted the inside of the window channel, put it all back. Fixed it for a while, but now it's back, so ?? More dynamat I guess.

5. Door rattles - Others have posted about a small gap between the door panel and the door itself. A small strip of dynamat or velcro will solve this.
4a. Mine was coming from the driver door and was fixed by adding insulation padding between the door and panel.

6. Roof "Booming" noise, particularly on bad roads - there is a service bulletin for this- see your dealer.

7. Ticking noise that increases under load - this is a grounding problem between the engine and body. Run a 0 or 2 guage from the grounding block (just below the battery) to the engine block. There is currently a wire there that you can trace. I don't have this issue, but this method has solved the problem for those that do. Seems to be more prevalent in the Titans. I think this might get rid of my alternator whine- for you aftermarket stereo people I'll let you know.

8. Dash rattle - there are two of these it seems. One stems from the metal panel right at the windsheild. I covered mine completely in dynamat and it went away. The other is from the dash itself and seems to get worse with heat. If you've solved this, let me know please! I only have this issue once in a while.
8a. Mine is an intermittent slight rattle caused by engine vibration between 500 and 600 rpm and mid-70F, or when cruising around 40 mph on slightly rough road. Cover on top of instrument panel and clips were already replaced but did not go away. This will be reworked at dealer soon.

9. Glove box rattle - some folks have had to tighten up their boxes, but usually this comes from stuff in the box. Silly, I know, but nonetheless...

So there's our start. When adding yours, you may number them to make it easier for others to indicate what they're helping with. Titantalk.com is a good source of info as well on other issues, but there's not a lot of Armada info over there and this site needs more traffic. Spread the word! Thanks to M4ck for the forums.
Click to expand...
undefined

10. Intermitent rattle from the sunroof area. This rattle resulted from adjustment of the sunroof due to wind noise. Dealer adjusted three different visits until it was fixed. Prior unsuccessful job included replacement of front center console.

11. Severe rattling noise from the steering wheel. This noise should up about the same time as when steering wheel vibrates when braking. A service bulletin took care of the vibration while braking and dealer was confident it would tkae care of the rattling noise, but it didn't. Both front brake rotors were resurface and new pads were installed. After 3 visits to the dealer, the rattling noise was caused by a slight play on the steering column joint which was replaced. Prior unsuccessful jobs involved replacement of steering clock spring assy and spline.
Reply
Save
Like
M
You are more than welcome. I am glad to provide a place for you guys. After all us Titan owners and Armada owners are almost brothers.
LOL
M4ck
Reply
Save
Like
andy
dynamat

I've heard of dynamat but what exactly is it. Is it self adhesive with some kind of rubber or sound deadening stuff?
I'm in week three of a 4 year lease and the dealer claims there is no fix for all the rattles and sqeaks.
Looks like I'm on my own. I am pissed off that a $42k vehicle is getting all these rattles after 300 miles on it.
If it wasn't for the engine, the way it looks, and that I love everything else on this Armada, I'd get rid rid of it.

Do you have to pop off the door panels to get dynamat under there? Any hidden screws or hints?

Thanks, andy
Reply
Save
Like
M
Dynamat looks kinda like aluminum foil on one side then on the other it is self adhesive and looks kinda like tar. The sticky side is black a sheet of it is maybe 1/8th inch thick and conforms to whatever you stick it to. you work it into grooves and contours of door pannels or floors inside the vehicle. It does a good job of keeping noise in or out depending what your going for. Very good stuff I have used it on several vehicles first to kill road noise and second to keep the bass in the vehicle. there are lots of uses for the product. There are similar products as well. Dynamat is just the most used and best known.
M4ck
Reply
Save
Like
Campfamily
bmoreno said:
undefined

10. Intermitent rattle from the sunroof area. This rattle resulted from adjustment of the sunroof due to wind noise. Dealer adjusted three different visits until it was fixed. Prior unsuccessful job included replacement of front center console.

11. Severe rattling noise from the steering wheel. This noise should up about the same time as when steering wheel vibrates when braking. A service bulletin took care of the vibration while braking and dealer was confident it would tkae care of the rattling noise, but it didn't. Both front brake rotors were resurface and new pads were installed. After 3 visits to the dealer, the rattling noise was caused by a slight play on the steering column joint which was replaced. Prior unsuccessful jobs involved replacement of steering clock spring assy and spline.
Click to expand...
12. Rattle from under the car whenever a door is slammed, tinny sounding rattle. Exhaust system?
Reply
Save
Like
A
Dynamat

Actually, I mentioned dynamat just because it's the household name, but there are others that are just as good and less expensive. I bought "B-quiet" brand off of ebay. Got 100 sq ft (2 50sqft rolls) for $115 shipped. I still have 1 and 1/3 rolls after doing all 4 doors, the roof, and rattle chasing. It's the best deal I've found. Dynamat is pricey.

Bmoreno, let me know if they figure out that dash rattle. I have it as well occasionally.

Campfamily- maybe check your spare? Is it coming from front or back? The wife is always a good candidate to help with rattle chasing. :)
Reply
Save
Like
Campfamily
:p
adjmcloon said:
Actually, I mentioned dynamat just because it's the household name, but there are others that are just as good and less expensive. I bought "B-quiet" brand off of ebay. Got 100 sq ft (2 50sqft rolls) for $115 shipped. I still have 1 and 1/3 rolls after doing all 4 doors, the roof, and rattle chasing. It's the best deal I've found. Dynamat is pricey.

Bmoreno, let me know if they figure out that dash rattle. I have it as well occasionally.

Campfamily- maybe check your spare? Is it coming from front or back? The wife is always a good candidate to help with rattle chasing. :)
Click to expand...
I've crawled underneath and had one of my kids open and close the door. The rattle is coming from the muffler. I just haven't figured out how to stop it. Perhaps I have a bad set of muffler bearings. :rolleyes:
Reply
Save
Like
O
Another one to add to the list, although I'm not sure if it is technically a 'rattle' or a malfunctioning part... Dealer will have to figure out in a few days :confused:

While the tempature is at or below ~70 degrees and either a.) the vehicle is turned on with the AC on (whether on fan or actual AC is on), or b.) the AC is turned on after the vehicle has been on for a few minutes, I get a 2 second sound simmilar to listening to an XBox controller vibrate on a wood table. Hasn't (yet) thwarted AC functionality,...
Reply
Save
Like
Campfamily
OffRoadinArmada said:
Another one to add to the list, although I'm not sure if it is technically a 'rattle' or a malfunctioning part... Dealer will have to figure out in a few days :confused:

While the tempature is at or below ~70 degrees and either a.) the vehicle is turned on with the AC on (whether on fan or actual AC is on), or b.) the AC is turned on after the vehicle has been on for a few minutes, I get a 2 second sound simmilar to listening to an XBox controller vibrate on a wood table. Hasn't (yet) thwarted AC functionality,...
Click to expand...
Mine does the same thing, sounds like something in the HVAC system under the dash is trying to move, and can't. I also noticed that I can induce the sound by turning on the defroster. Will have the dealer look at it at my next oil change.

Keith
Reply
Save
Like
B
andy said:
I've heard of dynamat but what exactly is it. Is it self adhesive with some kind of rubber or sound deadening stuff?
I'm in week three of a 4 year lease and the dealer claims there is no fix for all the rattles and sqeaks.
Looks like I'm on my own. I am pissed off that a $42k vehicle is getting all these rattles after 300 miles on it.
If it wasn't for the engine, the way it looks, and that I love everything else on this Armada, I'd get rid rid of it.

Do you have to pop off the door panels to get dynamat under there? Any hidden screws or hints?

Thanks, andy
Click to expand...
When dealer claims there is no fix for all the rattles and squeaks, they are in for trouble. Call Nissan Motors Consumer Affairs and report your gripe. The tel# should be in your manual. Majority of my problems were in squeaks and rattles, too. Document all your problems because somehow you will need it when you file a claim against them.
Reply
Save
Like
B
Lemon Claim

I just want to share my disappointing experience with my 04 Armada. I have owned 3 Nissans, 2 Hondas, a Toyota and a Plymouth. This is my worst ownership experience and it is in the process of a lemon law claim for exceeding 30 days in shop for repairs.

Below is a list of all the problems I had, or still have. If you find that a problem has been fixed, you may call the dealership (Hills Nissan in Winter Haven Florida) directly for details of the solution, or send an email to me.

1. Wind noise coming from sunroof. FIXED by adjustment of tilt at close position.

2. Left rear quarter panel had paint fading or mismatch. Later found more dull (fade) spots. Spots are apparent when sun is approximately 45 degree off perpindicular. Color of vehicle is Lightning Silver. FIXED. Repainted affected areas.

3. Rattling noise from driver side front/rear door. FIXED after 3rd attempt - Applied insulation damper between door and door panel on driver's door.

4. Driver side door weather seal strip is distorted/warped. FIXED - Replaced weather striping. The weather strip was not in stock and it took 2 months to fix this problem.

5. Rattling noise from sunroof area. FIXED after 5th attempt - Adjustment.

6. Sometimes steering wheel vibrates when braking. FIXED - This is a service bulletin requiring resurfacing of both front rotors and replacement of brake pads.

7. Rattling noise from steering wheel when hitting bumps or rough road. FIXED after 3rd attempt - Final repair was replacement of steering column U-joint.

8. Rattles from instrument panel caused by vibration even from idling engine. After 3rd attempt, problem still persists.

9. VDC / SLIP lights are on. FIXED. Nissan Motors was involved in diagnosing this problem. Steering angle sensor and brake module were replaced. Brake module sensor was not readily in stock. Had to borrow one off the new Armada in the lot for testing. It took like 2 to 3 days to rush delivery a new module to dealer. 18 days in shop along with other rattling issues.

10. Rear hatch window seal water leaks. FIXED - Tightened window brackets and replaced weather strip.

11. Cold air blows even when AC switch is turned off. FIXED - Problem can not be simulated.

12. The rear roof rack brace is coming apart. FIXED - Replace front brace.

13. The 2nd row seat on driver's side will not flip over (to access 3rd row seat). As of this writing, this is scheduled for repair next week.

Altogether my Armada has been in the dealer's shop for 37 days. Quite disappointing for supposedly higher quality and dependable Nissans out there.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
O
As to your leak in the cargo area, I had the same thing. They replaced the warped weather strip. Now it is starting again, as well as the far rear right window. Anyone else having this problem??
Reply
Save
Like
llajumpvid
bmoreno, I feel your pain. I've had mine for 6 months, the dealer has had it for probably a total of 1 month and the only thing theyv'e done (half a$$ed) was the resonance fix, which they didn't glue the front bow behind the sunroof and I can see it is seperated? They replaced the rear overhead console, the rear controls are now falling out and there is grease smeared on the headliner. The sunroof rattle has be in for a fix 6 times and nothing is ever done. $43k never again for me. If they get rid of the problem rattle I'd be happy.
Reply
Save
Like
B
llajumpvid said:
bmoreno, I feel your pain. I've had mine for 6 months, the dealer has had it for probably a total of 1 month and the only thing theyv'e done (half a$$ed) was the resonance fix, which they didn't glue the front bow behind the sunroof and I can see it is seperated? They replaced the rear overhead console, the rear controls are now falling out and there is grease smeared on the headliner. The sunroof rattle has be in for a fix 6 times and nothing is ever done. $43k never again for me. If they get rid of the problem rattle I'd be happy.
Click to expand...
Folks, it's interesting to know that some, if not most, of the issues I have with my Armada are common. With Nissan monitoring this site, how can they not fix these problems efficiently? I guess squeaks and rattles, leaks from seals, and other minor interior and fit problems, etc., are not justified for service bulletins. That makes me believe the quality standard and customer satisfaction is not quite important anymore.

BTW I have an SE OFFROAD, Silver Lightning, 2nd row bench, leather, tow package, journey package w/o DVD & Navi. Got it for $38K in 02/2004.
Reply
Save
Like
O
I'm in high hopes that Nissan is going to find out how to fix most/all of the more prominent issues and offer tsbs in the future. From what I hear (new to the 'new vehicle' scene), it is not uncommon for manufacturers to take a few years to fix all of the bugs. I just hope that Nissan doesn't forget about their guinea pigs.

But back to complaining, now I have an annoying rattle in my dash that only shows up over bumps. Where I live, the highways are even bumpy as hell, so needless to say I hear it all the time (and working at a construction company with extremely poorly paved roads, although really fun, brings out just about every squeak she has).

EDIT: Reguarding time in dealership, I have had her in about 9 or 10 times now (excluding oil changes). Everytime she has been in, she has stayed for at least 2 days, usually 3 or 4. Fortunately, I purchased the Gold 7-year warranty, so I get picked up, a rental (usually a medium car or small suv), and dropped back off for free. While it's sad that I know the local Enterprise rental employees by face, for those of you in the process of purchasing an Armada, I would highly suggest some sort of warranty (that is, assuming that you are as nit-picky about your $36,000 SUV as I am :p )
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
S
Gang, new model years are tough to get all the quirks worked out before the vehicle sees production. Working for a third tier auto supplier I tend to see the need for rapid turnaround in order to compete. Then they will fix them on the fly at a later date.
I guess that I can deal with some cosmetic issues and other misc stuff. I mean these vehicles aren't Cadillac's and Navigators. By far this is much better than my 2003 Ram was. My Ram was one of the 1st Hemi's to roll off the line in St. Louis and I had nothing but powertrain issues. I would rather deal with a few creaks and squeaks than issues with the motor or powertrain. Even with the small stuff, I love this thing and won't go back.
Reply
Save
Like
O
That's a good point, Syko. Actually, that's one of the main reasons I bought the Armada, I figured Nissan would build a solid powertrain. Hopefully it will stay in as good of shape as my mother's 15 year old 240sx... only problems just started to arise in the last few months, and even those are minor.
Reply
Save
Like
D
New member hearing overhead rattle

I purchase a 04 LE about two weeks ago and already have over 1200 miles on the vehicle. I had an aftermarket DVD with 10 inch screen installed. Since then I have had the overhead squeak/rattle issue, but it only occurs if the road surface is not smooth. On smooth roads it is not apparent. I went to the site Nissanhelp.com and noticed that there is a supposed fix for the overhead console. I have not had a chance to get the vehicle to the dealer to get the fix accomplished. I'm hoping that they will fix this as a warranty issue. I am concerned that they will give me grief because I have altered the console by installing an aftermaket DVD monitor. I will approach them after the Thanksgiving holiday since we are taking the vehicle on a road trip. Other than that issue I have loved the vehicle. I'm sure a few more creaks may become more apparent over time but I am hoping these items will be worked out.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 85 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Nissan Armada & Infiniti QX56 Forums
Club Armada is the premier Nissan Armada forum! Here you can discuss and review your favorite SUV with fellow owners.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussions Problems New Member Introductions Suspension/Tires/Brakes Exterior Mods
Top