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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.
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llajumpvid
dinger said:
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.
Click to expand...

You should expect grief. I went through hell getting the resonance fix because they said my 7" monitor was the problem, the headliner was entered without a certified tech present, blah blah blah. Finally after giving the GM my letter of complaint they said I was getting the run around due to a lazy tech. I gave them proof my monitor weighed less than their stated max 1.5lbs. They did the resonance fix half a$$. I still have resonance somewhat because for whatever reason they didn't fix the front bow behind the sunroof which I can see is seperated from the roof. I don't know how connected that is to the constant rattle from over the passenger seat in the sunroof shade. I asked for the bracket and they said no it's only for factory dvd's.....I checked with GregV and he said the price was like $500 list and he could get it for like $360 if I remember correctly. Its a $50 part at most and probably cost $3 to make.

So good luck and I hope you get them to provide it, but prepare yourself for "sorry we can't do anything"......
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D
I'm tempted to bring with me a print out of the fix from Nissanhelp.com just to emphasize that the fix can be done.
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A
Damn lla

Sounds like your dealership really sucks ass. I've been pretty fortunate with mine.

No others nearby huh?
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O
My dealership gave me a LOT of crap until I called up Nissan USA and complained. Then when the techs started into it again, I mentioned the TSBs from online and offered to bring my printed copies. Man did they offer the fixes quick...
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K
Take the print out

dinger said:
I'm tempted to bring with me a print out of the fix from Nissanhelp.com just to emphasize that the fix can be done.
Click to expand...
I told my dealership about the roof noise and they "checked" and stated that it was regular road noise and it was fine. :confused:
Naturally I was pissed, but a friend of mine asked me if there was a tsb for my problem and if so they are obligated to fix your issue. The important part is that you make sure they understand that you noise comes from rough roads( and tell them where in that area to test your truck if they give you a hard time) and not the test drive road they take us all on to sell this truck.
Secondly,I have an after market dvd installed and the roof job done and it make a world of difference when it is done correctly, but understand there will still be cabin noise but atleast now you ear won't bleed :D
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I think the cabin booming all depends on the individual.. Mine was distinct, but only gave me a minor headache after a while of rough roads. After the TSB, I don't even notice it anymore.. But then again it all depends on the individual. Heck, half of my family never noticed it from the get-go (how, I have no idea).
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bmoreno said:
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.
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As of 12/06/04, my Armada has been in the shop for 51 cummulative days. I added more problems when I turned it in 2 weeks ago:
14. Booming noise from roof on rough roads.
15. Pinging noise from engine while idling.
16. Dealer related problems - Finger marks in interiors and ding on driver side door.

Finally, Nissan offered to repurchase my 04 Armada during my BBB arbitration hearing. I'm glad my disappointing experience is over.
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andy
Sunroof/Moonroof rattle

Does anyone have a quick/cheap fix for the sliding shade that rattles like crazy. I find myself closing and opening it constanly trying to find a position so it stops rattling.
The dealer said it's normal. That's kind of a lazy answer for $44k vehicle.
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llajumpvid
andy said:
Does anyone have a quick/cheap fix for the sliding shade that rattles like crazy. I find myself closing and opening it constanly trying to find a position so it stops rattling.
The dealer said it's normal. That's kind of a lazy answer for $44k vehicle.
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No, I've been in 5 times for this and other fixes and its still on the list for my Monday visit (along with 14 other things). They will fix it this time or no more Mr. Nice Guy :mad:
I think they need to pull down the headliner....finish fixing the roof TSB that they should of done the last time and take a close look at the shade. The DVD monitor bracket tsb would also likely fix it too.
I have some foam wrapped around the monitor wire and I have it placed (by accident) such that it hits the shade when it's about 2" from all the way open. This has reduced the noise considerably but its still there.
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andy
It seems like it's just the shade jumping around a rattling. i thought about stuffing some credit cards in there just to see if the rattling would go away. Is it really related to the TSB for the DVD headliner thing? That would suck to go through all that.
Maybe I'll just get the caulk out and seal the whole damn thing. Who needs a moonroof??
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I'll add to the drama.. I posted this over on the NTF forums but I just found this site!

1.) Window makes a clicking or cracking noise when it's all the way up and you hit certain bumps. It also feels loose when it is 1/2 way down.. I believe both of these are related to the same problem because if I hit a bump while the window is 1/2 or 3/4 down, it rattles.

2.) Sunroof area is making some noises when the sunlight cover is closed. If I open the cover there isn't a rattle. I'm not talking about the physical sunroof, I'm talking about the headliner portion of it. I'm pretty sure this has to do with the fact the headliner doesn't seem to be attached to the top of the truck. Looks and feels like the entire thing is just floating. --> I beleive there is a TSB out for this and the DVD monitor shake!

3.) After a few minutes of driving, both doors seem to make some god awful squeeking noises like something is off. It's hard to describe but I can't live with this noise. I can live with problems 1 and 2 easily. This sounds like the damn truck is twisted or something. It's like a creaking, moaning noise coming from both front doors over any minute imperfection in the road. It makes a noise ALL the time basically. This is not the famous door rattle that goes away with your arm on the door.. This sounds like a creaking of the body. I've heard to check the CAB bolts? Some Titan owners recommended this but I haven't looked yet.

I just wanted to see if anyone can chime in on these... The 3rd one is the main problem. I'm going to experiment and see if it goes away with the window down or cracked... All I know it that it is very annoying ..

Thanks guys.. I look forward to being a part of this community.

Shawn
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Glad to see you here shawn. I think I've seen you post over on TT before. Hopefully this forum will become a great place for you Armada owners. Good luck with the rattles and creeking. Fun trying to nail these things down sometime.
M4ck
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andy
Feel your pain

I've got the exact same noises coming from moonroof shade slider and both doors.
I did the dynamat thing and still have noises. I noticed that when I took the arm rest and screws off, the noises went away. So I am now driving around without armrests or screws holding the door panel on. But at least it's quiet and peaceful when I drive.
I'm not sure what to do because I gotta put the pieces back on some day....
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andy
Progress

Update: I finally got rid of both side door noises. The Drivers door was making a cracking sound near the window/door lock switches. I pulled the door panel off, and found the cut out for the switches to have a bunch of rubber and plastic pieces that were cut unevenly. I took a razor out, trimmed off all the excess rubber and plastic, stuck on Dynamat where all the excess stuff was. Mainly along the edge that sits on the rubber channel along where the window is.

On the passenger side, the noise sounded like someone pulling velcrow apart over and over again. Or a sticky sound. IT was coming from the back of the armrest. So I pulled off the door panel and ripped off a piece of foam about 6"x12" with a semi-sticky backing that was stuck onto the clear plastic. Now that noise is gone.

Moonroof-wise, I've had rattling non stop and have to keep opening and closeing the moonroof shade to stop it. So now I have a bunch of card board cut into strips wedged between the shade and the headliner. Noise is gone but I can use the moonroof. Not sure what to do with this one.

Anyway, I love my Armada again. It's so peaceful to drive with out noises coming from all over the place.

Anyone know how to take the moonroof shade off?
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llajumpvid
My sunroof shade does the same thing. In addition the drain assembly is broken so it bangs up and down...They were suppose to order new track assembly and the drain assembly so if they ever come in I'll let you know if it fixed anything. The only way to take out the shade is to take down the headliner. I suspect some of my overhead noise is from the front roof bow that they, for whatever reason, didn't glue when they did the roof fix and I can see it is seperated.
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andy
Moonroof noise

That would be great if you can report back moonroof rattle results from dealer. I have paper/cardboard drywall shims shoved in all around between the shade cover and the opening. No more rattles, but no more working moonroof either.
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llajumpvid
andy said:
That would be great if you can report back moonroof rattle results from dealer. I have paper/cardboard drywall shims shoved in all around between the shade cover and the opening. No more rattles, but no more working moonroof either.
Click to expand...

Well at least I can report one piece of good news from my latest shop visit. They replaced the sunroof track assembly and that cured the irritating sunroof rub/rattle. However I now have a new rattle coming from the passenger side....I'll have to ride shotgun to find where for sure but it seems to be coming from between the doors. It's less irritating than the sunroof rattle was and seems to be in an area that I might be able to kill myself.
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llajumpvid said:
Well at least I can report one piece of good news from my latest shop visit. They replaced the sunroof track assembly and that cured the irritating sunroof rub/rattle. However I now have a new rattle coming from the passenger side....I'll have to ride shotgun to find where for sure but it seems to be coming from between the doors. It's less irritating than the sunroof rattle was and seems to be in an area that I might be able to kill myself.
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That rattling on the passenger side is the long plastic strip on the door panel that is next to the window. Grasp it hard and the rattle goes away. Mine is rattling on both sides and nissan said they can't do anythign about it till a TSB comes out. I'm like can't you do some custom work?! I told them to yank it out but theysaid no also. That plastic piece is annoying as *[email protected][email protected]#@. It's cheap as hell! I hate it so much!
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llajumpvid
After 10.5 months I am rattle free finally....(hopefully for good)

The remaining rattle was one of the following as these are the following places I took action on.

1- I took down the trim piece between the doors on the passenger side (the top piece behind the seatbelt anchor) and taped the bottom edges with gaffers tape. Gaffers tape is just a cloth tape that doesn't leave a sticky residue. I then zip tied and taped down anything that moved behind it. When I reinstalled it I made sure it was up tight against the headliner. When they replaced it there was a slight gap along the top and I suspect could of allowed some rubbing going on there.

2- I put some sound deadening material just below the bottom seat belt anchor so that there isn't very much play in it.

3- I put deadening material around the top edge of the passenger seat back inside foot trim piece. And zip tied the crap out of the wires under the passenger seat.

We went for an hour drive an I can't tell you how nice it was not to feel like I was riding in a wooden wagon pulled over rumble bars :D . Hope this may help some of you that have the rattle bug too.

Now if only I can get a functioning passenger seat airbag sensor I can fully enjoy the ride.
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M
Rattle in Rear Door in LE Model

I have a 2005 LE and there is a rattle in the mechanical lift on the rear tailgate. i took it to the dealer in Long Island and they have "fixed" it. there is still a very faint rattle, but I need to troubleshoot it to make sure its the same thing causing it.
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