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The Armada Squeak and Rattle Thread

57520 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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G
couple more

Have one remaining noise we can't fix yet. Knock or tick in drivers door. Can make it go away by tapping down on window control, but that brings a little air noise into play.

OK - there is another one. Squeak during cold whether when going over large, dull bumps like speed bumps. Seems like it is coming from front end.

Dealer fixed one that was really annoying. Squeak coming from front end once car was warmed up. Radiator cap was rubbing against hood.

Any thoughts on first two would be appreciated.
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gergo said:
Have one remaining noise we can't fix yet. Knock or tick in drivers door. Can make it go away by tapping down on window control, but that brings a little air noise into play.
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I have that exact same problem. I do that and it goes away. I bought my car in yesterday to the dealership and they replaced the seals around the windows according to the TSB but it didnt' fix it. It's the same sound and everything.
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G
Tien said:
I have that exact same problem. I do that and it goes away. I bought my car in yesterday to the dealership and they replaced the seals around the windows according to the TSB but it didnt' fix it. It's the same sound and everything.
Click to expand...

At least your dealer tried to fix. Mine told me it was because I tinted the windows. Only problem with that excuse was that the noise started before the windows were tinted.
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andy
Could this be it?

In my never ending quest to get rid of my window/door rattle tapping noise, I found this TSB for 2003 Nissans/Infiniti's
Do you think this is what the source of the noise is? It looks like a pain in the butt, but I think I'll try it.

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A
Could work. It's got to be in the window rails somewhere. My passenger side (Front) does it bad. By the way, I noticed that as the window slides into the very top of the door, there is a some flex as it goes into the top of the door frame. Perhaps rolling the window all the way down and pulling on the top of the door frame (outward) to line everything up will help? My theory is that the window gets put in a bind when it goes into the top of the door frame, and it's enough stress to make it rattle against the rails. My driver's side is lined up and doesn't make the noise at all.

Question, does anyone have this issue with the back windows? I've noticed that mine roll down smoother, and I don't have the noise with them.
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J
Driver's side seat squeak

Hey guys I just bought an 05 SE and the passenged side seat was squeaking from day one. I noticed that when the arm rest was up it did not squeak. I put down the rest and the squeak returned. Just a thought because I do not see this one listed and may solve someone's problem. I think it is the arm rest hinge. I will lube and see what happens.
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BlackSnake2001 said:
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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I had a funky noise in the back passenger door, it was like a swaying noise, had to do with alignment of the door hinges, discovered at the third attempt.
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C
HELP!!! Rattle continues!!

OK...been to the dealer 7 times for the same rattle in the drivers door. New regulator and motor and have done everything in the Nissan bulletins...dealer at a loss. Nissan possibly to send one of their "special" engineers" to look at problem. I hate driving this vehicle!!!!! Does anyone think I can file a lemon law case?????? Has anyone gone through this??? Any feedback would be appreciated!!!

ctarmada
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andy
ctarmada said:
OK...been to the dealer 7 times for the same rattle in the drivers door. New regulator and motor and have done everything in the Nissan bulletins...dealer at a loss. Nissan possibly to send one of their "special" engineers" to look at problem. I hate driving this vehicle!!!!! Does anyone think I can file a lemon law case?????? Has anyone gone through this??? Any feedback would be appreciated!!!

ctarmada
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I too have been to the dealer many times for the door rattles. I keep trying the different fixes and tsb's but the rattle just moves to another spot.
I don't think you can file lemon law for a rattle.
I wouldn't mind Nissan trading me for a new Armada that has no rattles though. But don't want any other SUV.
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M
i have the ac problem too!!

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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what did they find with your acnot turning off? i have the same problem and they tell me it's my imagination. We just got a lawyer and are trying to have nissan buy it back and give us a new one. ours is a june 04 build and has issues galore with the rattles and vibrations :mad:
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C
door/window rattle

After having my 2004 Armada in 8 times for a door/window rattle and filing numerous complaints with Nissan, Nissan had a engineer fly in from California who eventually replaced my door panel...it worked! I am now rattle free for 2 months after 8 months of hell........
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ggeorgie
ctarmada said:
After having my 2004 Armada in 8 times for a door/window rattle and filing numerous complaints with Nissan, Nissan had a engineer fly in from California who eventually replaced my door panel...it worked! I am now rattle free for 2 months after 8 months of hell........
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you must be so special, good for you, I hope all will do the same when they have a problem. good info thanks :smart:
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F
Squeaks Anonymous

ctarmada said:
After having my 2004 Armada in 8 times for a door/window rattle and filing numerous complaints with Nissan, Nissan had a engineer fly in from California who eventually replaced my door panel...it worked! I am now rattle free for 2 months after 8 months of hell........
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:awesome:

Squeaks Anonymous
This is a very happy occassion. My name is Fl_Crushin and I have been squeak free (duplicatable) for 4 months.. I love my Mada. Now who's next.

Actually I still still have the one intermittent squeak my Mada was born with in the sunroof, but I have figured out how to duplicate it now, so I'll be ready when I take her back to the dealer. The two times I've had the truck in, they haven't been able to reporduce the squeak.
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D
Squeaks

OK I have experienced most of these issues and gotten rid of most of them except for a mouse like squeeking that seems to occur in the back of the car when I go over bumps. It seems that most of the squeaks talked about on this thread are for the front seat/area. Has anyone had any issues with a squeaking coming from the back area of the car. Any help is appreciated.
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BlakSpyda
deryck67 said:
OK I have experienced most of these issues and gotten rid of most of them except for a mouse like squeeking that seems to occur in the back of the car when I go over bumps. It seems that most of the squeaks talked about on this thread are for the front seat/area. Has anyone had any issues with a squeaking coming from the back area of the car. Any help is appreciated.
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Any rear end squeek from going over bumps is more than likely to be a suspension/lube issue.
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D
Well my first problem has arrised. Belt squells during cold-start. Guess I need a new belt. On the good side, My 2006 Lexus has been in the shop for 4 squeaks. It's not only Nissan who has these issues. Want a trouble free ride? Drive a Harley!!! roflmao
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DocHarley said:
Want a trouble free ride? Drive a Harley!!! roflmao
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It actually has to start up and run and to have problems. Oh right, I guess it could leak just sitting still, your lucky. BTW, you "ride" motorcycles, not drive them.
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M
technically there is a harley davidson truck albeit its made by ford... :p
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DocHarley said:
Well my first problem has arrised. Belt squells during cold-start. Guess I need a new belt. On the good side, My 2006 Lexus has been in the shop for 4 squeaks. It's not only Nissan who has these issues. Want a trouble free ride? Drive a Harley!!! roflmao
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you might not need a new belt they could just tighten your tension pully and that should stop the belt squeal
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B
I've got an 06 Armada and I may have the same problem most of you may having. When you all are referring to a rattle in the doors I have more like a squeaking like rubber not quite sealing correctly. In fact I siliconed the seals around the affected door and it helpled tremendously but did not get rid of the noise. Any of you have the same problem. Thanks in advance.
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