Miata Mailing List: October 1994, Message #113
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   From: buck@claude.ma30.bull.com (Kenneth J. Buck)
Subject: re: Rattle/Squeak
   Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 08:10:32 -0400

> From: "Matthew T. Russotto" 
> Subject: Rattle
> 
> I've noticed that the clear plastic covering the instruments is rattling
> against the top part of the dask (the part that provides a sun visor for the
> instruments).  Pulling on that part of the dash stops it, but is there a
> more permanent solution that doesn't interfere with driving?

guess it's time for the annual repost of my original answer to this,
my solution has been effective for a couple years now with no futher
trouble.
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i had posted a while back about a scratching/squeaking noise from
my instrument cluster console.  i believe someone else mentioned that
the clear plastic had come unglued and was able to vibrate against
the black plastic hood.

i finally got a chance to explore this.  the instrument cluster hood
is attached via two screws from underneath, and a collection of clips
around the perimeter.  it may help to use a wide flat-blade screwdriver
to help pry the edges loose (be careful not to slip and scratch it).
the Workshop Manual drawing makes it a little clearer on how this
is attached; if you have one, look up the drawing before you start.
once the cover is loose, you have to bend it to just short of the
breaking point to get it over the tabs on the bottom where the screws
attach.  but it *does* fit eventually :-)

i discovered that (at least in my case), the clear plastic panel was
firmly attached to the instrument cluster casing, as it should be.
the clear panel is not attached to the removable hood.
however, around the inside perimeter of the hood, there are a number
of little rectangular pieces of fuzzy material whose purpose is to
hold the hood firmly against the instrument panel without allowing
for any slop or plastic-on-plastic rubbing.  one of the little felt
pieces had come unglued and had slipped out of position.  if you
lose or can't find the missing piece, you could probably substitute
a piece of cloth or felt or something else of a similar texture.
while you're at it, check all the other bits to make sure they're
attached properly, so you don't have to do this all over again
in 2 weeks.

i reglued the cushion piece into place, replaced the console hood,
and now everything fits tight, no vibration and no scratching noise
anymore.

--                                             
Ken Buck                                          /|
Internet: k.buck@ma30.bull.com                \'o.O'    ACK!
Mail:     Bull, MA30-833A                     =(___)= THPTPHH!
          300 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA 01821    U




--                                             
Ken Buck                                          /|
Internet: kbuck@peritus.com                   \'o.O'    ACK!
Mail:     Peritus Software Services           =(___)= THPTPHH!
          300 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA 01821    U