I'm tracking down a scratching noise that is coming from behind the dash in my 06 Lariat. It is influenced by wind turbulence and is very noticeable when passing other vehicles on the interstate or above 50 mph. I have:
1. resealed the bottom of the windsheild
2. taken off the wiper blades
3. taken off the wiper cowl
4. done the air intake grommet fix
5. taped the windshield and it's still happens.
6. taken the plastic off on the drivers side console and tightened everything up.

It is a scratching tin like sound and would like to know what else I can try or seal. I thought it may be coming from the insulation on the outside firewall.

 

Wow. What a coincidence. I took my 06 Lariat in a few weeks ago for the exact same problem!!! They said that there was a "known" issue with the plastic cowling, but according to my VIN, the "fix" was already incorporated into my truck. They ordered a new plastic cowl anyway, but have yet to call me to let me know it's in. This thread reminded me that I need to call them.

It sounds like it's coming right in front of the bottom of the "A" pillar. I only notice it at highway speeds, and if it's windy out, it's even louder.

 

Right now my truck has the plastic wiper cowl on both sides removed and the windshield wipers are off. I have removed everything in this vacinity with no avail. I did notice there is a foam seal underneath the sheetmetal where the wiper assembly is located. You can't see it, but you can feel it tucked up under the windsheild. I may try this afternoon with some spray foam or weatherseal to see if this fixes it.

The best way I can describe the noise is a slight scratch on a chalkboard or piece of tape scratching a plastic surface, kind of like an old speedometer that would squeel when the cable is going bad. It's not a constant problem and doesn't matter about engine RPMs, but entirely on vehicle speed and wind turbulence.

 

Are you sure it isn't the wiper blades chattering on the windshield. Mine do that at times, and you can't even see them move, but it is them. Might try running temporarily without the blades (in good weather) to see if it is them.

 

he just said the winshield wipers were off. So it isnt that. I noticed that same sound in mine. I told the dealer about it and they couldnt help me at first but every time I went back I asked them about it and they finally said that it IS a problem and they ordered new wiper cowls and they replaced them and it did absolutely nothing! Maybe if you get something figured out all of us could go tell our dealers that this is the fix and they will fix it!

 

Guys, mine does the same thing. Mostly when going at 60 to 70mph into a stiff headwind. I need to take my bugshield off and see if that may help. I think it may be caused by some excess wind getting into the vent system, something not sealing right. It will get to you on a long trip.

 

i turn up the radio

 

How much does that wiper cowl cost to replace? Mine has a big crack in it from some ice sliding down.

 

I hope I'm not jumping the gun here, but while I had all the plastic removed last night, I found a potential problem area. If you take a small mirror and look underneath the sheetmetal overhang below the windshield, there is a seam that is not sealed. Granted, it was a b**** to locate, but it is below the glued seal for the windsheild. I took some adhesive weatherstripping and applied it all across (where I could reach) the seam. I figured there was a small area where wind could get through, but I didn't take any chances. I took her for a spin on the interstate up to 90 mph and there was no scratching and the wind noise was extremely reduced. I wish I could post some pics, but it was hard enough doing this in my garage.

I have since found a new respect for adhesive weatherstripping.

Third brake light leak.....check
wind noise....check
toolbox.....check

Easily the best $7.00 I've spent in a long time.

 

DITTO!

 

My '04 Lariat has the wind noise. Dealer worked on it for 15 days and then said it was normal. I've heard about the seam from other posters. Can you be more specific? I'd love to quiet this down. Mine makes noise from 40mph up. Much worse when windy or cold.

 

Good find. That's about where I am with this and noticed the same. I caulked the entire bottom of windshield as well and have determined it is right below the cowl area. No way is this a windshield leak on mine. I have removed wipers, cowls and have isolated it to that area. Mine almost sounds like the defrost is always running on medium. ( 50+ mph and depending on wind direction ) There is a foam weather strip within the cowl area. Mine is partially hanging out around the center area, you can feel it. When the weather breaks, I will get a can of spray foam and seal both seams all the way across - there is a top seam ( where the foam piece sticks out as well as a bottom seam ). It's a PIA to get to and I was also going to resubscribe to infotraxx to look for tsb on this, since I left mine expire because they took so long to post the 06 info. Please post back if you can confirm, it's a bit cold here in PA lately and do not want to take this apart just yet.

 

Hi.

Wow - nice detective work! Persistence pays off!

I do believe you've nailed it - you are gonna make a whole lot of folks very happy - including me. I tear into mine this weekend.

All the QuietSteel in world can be defeated when the little elves on the arsembly line get careless.

You're the best, camlocker. Thanks!

Cheers
Bubba

 

KDDS, I saw your posts when I did my search and you described the same noise that I have or had. I just took another test drive and shes still very quiet. I don't want to jinx it, but now I know I'm working in the right direction. If push comes to shove, I'll coat the whole dang wiper bay with foam if it stops the noise. If you can feel the foam sticking out from under the windshield, you'll also notice a "track" that the foam follows. My drivers side end was left open without any foam. I figure turbulent wind could get in there, so I squirted some spray foam in there too. Directly below the foam, there is a seam that is exposed. This is where I put the weatherstripping. The only way I could see this is with an old makeup mirror my wife had. I made sure that I covered the area where the noise was coming from (directly in line with the steering wheel) and went as far as my hand could reach across the entire area. The wiper motor got in the way, but I put another layer on it to be sure that it was sealed. You can only go so far on the passenger side due to an intake of some sort. I know its hard to describe, but this seemed to have solved my problem....fingers crossed.

 

Good catch Camlocker, I'm going to give it a try myself rather take it in to the dealer because most of them can't even spot a flat tire! Hope it work's on mine.