noise from windshield?

[Gle8]

So I finally got my suspension noise straightened out (see the other threads) but now I've got what seems to be almost a low rattle coming from the windshield? It's like a shifting/popping sound coming from where the dash meets the windshield. Anyone?

 

[timmyturbo]

So it isn't just me. I noticed mine a couple days ago. Now it is all I can hear, every bump I hear it. Like you said, it sounds like the dash rubbing against the window.

 

[Hirudin]

Sounds like you're talking about a common complaint with MS3s. I think people call it "cowl creak" or "crowning creak" or something like that...

 

[ill_eagle94]

I think it's the windshield wipers rattling with cooler weather. I don't notice it when it is warm out.

 

[dread]

I had this problem and was able to fix it. Most of you guys who bought your speed 3's in warmer weather are not aware of all the rattles that come out when it gets cooler. I bought my car last november and spent a lot of time trying to figure this out. It is the cowl that is rattling against the windshield and there is a very easy way to fix it. Get two plastic spackle knives and some very thick electrical tape. I can't remember what type I used but it was not very sticky and was much thicker than normal electrical tape, it also had a white backing on it. I got it at home depot. Take the screws out of either side of the cowl. You can remove the wipers as well to take off the entire cowl, but I found this was not necessary and it was two difficult to get the wiper arms off. Anyway cut a piece of the tape that is the same length as the entire cowl. Start by prying one end of the cowl up with one knife and pushing the tape under with the other, I found it was easier with the sticky side up. Do this across the entire cowl, it will get more difficult towards the middle because the wiper arms hold the cowl down. Once done put the screws back in and your good to go. You do not need to have any of the tape exposed so you can't even tell you modified it and the sound is gone. By the way the sound only gets worse as the weather gets colder, so take of this asap. I hope this helps, sorry I don't have any pics, but I am in Africa and won't be home until January.

 

[Gle8]

Thanks! I'll be trying this out tomorrow and will let you know the results.

 

[morganic]

How'd it go?

Did you get a chance to try it out yet? Looking forward to hearing your results as I have the same problem. By the way, has anyone had any luck with getting a dealership to fix the problem?

 

[dread]

Don't bother with the dealership, I took it in twice and they only made it worse. It literally takes 10 minutes and $5 to fix it yourself.

 

[DredPir8Roberts]

thank god, it just got cooler here in DC and that noise has been driving me insane, I can't wait to fix this.

 

[morganic]

Dread... you are THE MAN! As I was doing this project, I kept thinking, "there's no way this is going to get rid of the clickity clackity noise I hear from my dashboard. I followed Dread's instructions (I actually only did the driver side of the cowl as that is where my noise was coming from). After 10 minutes (it was actually a bit tricky until I figured out a nice technique which I will describe later), I got in the car for a test drive convinced that the noise would persist. I was completely shocked when the only thing I heard was the hum of my Speed3 again! I couldn't believe it.

Anyway, here's some more details I can add to Dread's post... I used "127 Linerless Rubber Splice Tape." It's the only thing I could find that fit Dread's description... thick electrical tape. I'm not sure if that's what he used or not. It was pretty difficult getting the tape down in the space you have pried open. I started at the side closest to the driver's door as that was the easiest part to pry open. Lay out the cut piece of tape (sticky side up) on the windshield. If you put the plastic putty knife ON TOP of the tape (but not touching it) you can create the space to tuck the tape in. The nice thing is that this tape wasn't extremely sticky, so it was not too tacky to work with. With a little practice, you'll get the tape in there and you can screw the cowl tight again. I actually did use a blade to cut off the excess as the cowl is not straight, so certain parts had more tape sticking out than others. (I'm curious how you did this Dread... when you put all the tape in there, how did you keep it from bunching up on you?). Anyway, your call if you want to trim it or tuck it all down in there. The bottom line is that if you have a vibrating, clicking, rattle, popping sound coming from the vicinity of your dash or windshield... give Dread's fix a try. Saved me a 90 mile useless trip to my dealership. Thanks, Dread!

 

[Sacrilicious]

wow...this sounds like the exact same thing i'm dealing with right now! i'm gonna try this out asap and tell you guys if it works out! =D

 

[morganic]

Please do let me know what kind of tape you use. I don't think the type I used is the best solution, so I am curious what other people use.

 

[mckraut]

I've got to try this tomorrow, been driving me nuts. Will report back on how it goes.

 

[ottawaP5]

I've got the same rattle as well....I will try the dealership for fun to see if they can solve it first.

 

[happy and angry]

Same rattle over here. I've already had my dealership look at it, and they want to pull the windshield and refit it to fix the problem. Think I'm going to direct them to the cowl, first.

I've got the same rattle as well....I will try the dealership for fun to see if they can solve it first.

Let me know how that goes for you. Pop your hood and move the vented plastic cowl that your windshield washer nozzles is attached too. It's the two piece liner that covers the lower portion of your windshield. That seems to be the two pieces where all the noise is coming from. If it's really noisy, maybe point your dealership there, see how they handle it. You use Argus or Carling or what? All I know is that the service department at Performance Mazda is really starting to frustrate me.

 

[cosic]

I can't wait to do this. Got my MS3 last thursday heard it the day after cause it was raining when I got it. Told my buddy I would wait for a few more KMs to break the car in then if still, I would send it to the dealer and piss on them. Checked mazda247 just for the purpose of the noise coming from the windshield and found this. Really good to hear that I'm not the only one.

Anyone else having some rattling from the right front side speaker area?

 

[happy and angry]

I can't wait to do this. Got my MS3 last thursday heard it the day after cause it was raining when I got it. Told my buddy I would wait for a few more KMs to break the car in then if still, I would send it to the dealer and piss on them. Checked mazda247 just for the purpose of the noise coming from the windshield and found this. Really good to hear that I'm not the only one.

I tried the tape, but it didn't fix the problem. The whole cowl squeaks for me, not just the part up against the windshield.

Anyone else having some rattling from the right front side speaker area?

Yup. It's sporadic and I can't figure out how to regularly reproduce it, so it's hard to diagnose.

 

[cosic]

Crap. I really hope it works out for me. I hate badmouthing my new car, but I got rid of my 1998 civic on the grounds of all the rattling! lol
I always have my music on, but sometimes I just want to hear the sounds of my car. But, I can't with this cowl crap.

 

[BCMSP3]

I took mine to the dealer and the technician took off the cowl and fixed it using "shims on the cowl," I think he said, and foam tape. The rattle is 100% gone.

 

[morganic]

Dealer Fixed

I posted earlier about how I fixed it myself on the driver side of the windshield. While I was taking my Mazda in to check the AC, I asked about the cowl creak. He said they would take it off and put it back on tight (whatever the heck that means). Anyway, they did, and the creak is totally gone now, on both sides.