All,

I have an issue that I noticed last winter when I bought the truck but never did anything about it because it seemed to go away. Well now that it is getting cold again the problem is back and appears to be worse.

The problem is, when it is windy at all, there is a rattle that sounds almost as if the windshield is not sealed tight and is rattling against the truck. Happens on both sides, but mostly on the passenger side. Has anyone else experienced this issue or happen to know what it might be? Sounds like it is coming from the lower part of the windshield.

Thanks.

 

It's probably the windshield wiper bouncing up and down on the glass. With cold weather the rubber gets harder and makes the noise. Do you happen to have a bug deflector on the hood? windier weather and high speeds, it mike make it more noticible. Something you may want to try is silicone blades.

 

Mine does it sometimes when it's idling when it's real cold, especially if I'm parked on a hill or something, so the body has some torsion in it. I have tried to figure out where it's coming from and I'm pretty sure its the plastic wiper cowl rattling against the glass, when it's cold the plastic cowl gets stiff and the snaps don't hold it down perfectly. I can get out and tap on it and it rattles against the windshield.

 

That's probably it. Those wiper cowls are a piece of *****. I had mine replaced because it kept comnig apart in the middle. I don't know why they don't make them one piece like they do on the minivans.

 

Tardman,
What did you replace it with?

 

I would guess with another stock piece. I had to have the one on my 2000 mustang GT replaced about 4 times before They got one that would stay attached with their crappy little metal pop in tabs. They work o.k. for dash parts, but you would think they would put something like that on a little better.

 

It was another stock one. It kept coming loose all the time causing my hood to shake really violently on the highway. Since it's been replaced I have noticed much less vibration in the hood.
I've seen one of the other members on here who got an aftermarket one piece unit. It looked really good. I can't remember who it was but he has a great site dedicated to his mods with instructions for doing it yourself.
Maybe someone knows who I'm talking about.

 

I am pretty sure Lund makes one, that also covers the windshield wipers on the outside too. It goes up an inch or two on the windshield, but leaves a slot for the wipers to emerge from.

 

I think it is the guy in Alaska. Has the red truck, his name may include Roush in it.

 

Guys, When the weather is really cold, I notice a cracking noise coming from the windshield area when I go over bumps. The noise goes away when the defroster heats up the glass. No leaks or anything, and no noise during above freezing weather . I suspected it was plastic creaking and will now watch the outside black cowling around the windshield to see if this is the cause. Thanks for the info.