Title says it all, please help me not be constantly irritated when I am driving because of a loud rattling noise coming from seemingly (could be anywhere in the cab, I dunno) the middle of the dash.

So far I have tried the trick of stuffing 5/8 caulk backing in between the dash and the windshield per the Tundra forums, and that did exactly squat.

I have taken the dash apart as far as taking the stereo out and checking the HVAC controls right above it, removing the whole glove box and I can't isolate exactly what is making the noise.

I am stumped, annoyed and tired of taking the dash apart. Anyone have any ideas or know of something I missed?

Thanks in advance for any help.

*Edit: Duh, I forgot to mention I have a '96 4x4 Extended cab 3.4

 

What'cha driving? I had a bit of a rattle that went away after removing and reinstalling the dash pad - I noticed during removal that some of the attaching bolts had loosened up after 1/4 million miles

 

any chance its your speedometer cable? Does it only happen at speed? What temps affect it? speed change it?

 

Shoot some video and post it up.

 

I'm rocking a '96 4x4 extended cab, 3.4. I would be all for taking the dash pad off to tighten the bolts, I don't suppose you know of any guides on how to do this? I do not yet have a service manual. Good Idea!

Speed dosent seem to matter, its just as annoying at 10 mph as 70, so nay on the speedo cable, but it does seem to be alot worse the colder it is, it isin't nearly as bad on the way home from work (3 PM) as it is on the way to work (5 AM). Thanks for tryin to help!

I'll have to try that, but something tells me it's too damn noisy in the cab at any speed to hear it on video, but I'll give it a shot!

I think what might be the most effective would be to get the dash opened up and drive around with a buddy and have him try and find it, it's kind of dangerous driving around with one hand in the dash, lol.

I was kind of hoping this was a common problem with a easy fix. I'll post up whatever I find out, whenever I find it.

 

Did you ever get this figure out? I recently bought a '96 Tacoma 3.4 4x4 last week when it was warmer out...never heard any rattling sounds but today the temp dropped significantly and I keep hearing a rattle/ticking type sound coming from what seems to be behind my gauges. Stops when the car stops, but picks up when moving at any speed. I have not done any investigation into this my own since this has been the first night I have heard it...strange

 

Does yer speedometer needle bounce at all? It could be the speedometer cable.

 

Here's a thread over at 4x4wire.com that the truck owner did to solve the dash popping/creaking noise...
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...e=0#Post546174

 

Thank you for the link! I have yet to try it but it sounds like a great idea!

 

I just noticed the rattle to start a few weeks ago. May have to do a little more careful listening and then open my truck up for some minor surgery after I get a few other projects out of the way.