Chinese Squeak torture - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

billschroeder5842 · 11-17-2016

So my wife is correct as I am neurotic and obsessive. But after all it is a corvette.

I have this little rattle/squeak coming from the area around my headlight switch. It occurs when I go over bumpy vibrating road. Drives me F'n nuts.

I've taken the switch out several times, taped, glued, two-way taped things...etc on ANYTHING that could vibrate. If I put pressure on the switch pushing from inside to out, it can make it stop.

I bought a different switch figuring that it must be something internal to the light assembly....Still the squeak. I'm stupefied.

Has anyone else had this situation? Until I get my Bose Gold going, I can listen to a kick *** engine accented with a headlight squeak.

Paul Workman · 11-18-2016

Squeaks are sometimes difficult to pin-point, far as source goes. It could be the dash-related, or even the roof panel (as it was in my case).

I don't see the switch itself being the culprit. More likely either something behind the switch or in the immediate vicinity. OR even the roof panel.

Just a thought: By removing the diaphragm/probe from a mechanic's stethoscope, you can "probe" the area with the open end of the rubber hose to try to isolate the squeak. Just be sure to find a deserted road - wouldn't want to "bump" into anyone while being distracted.

billschroeder5842 · 11-18-2016

Yep, I have had everything apart half a dozen times. I have more tape and foam on all the component pieces.

Took it apart again last night. Now, I think It might be something behind the instrument cluster. My middle finger has a blister from all the tap-tap

I'm afraid I'll have the whole dash apart sometime this weekend.

PhillipsLT5 · 11-18-2016

Try removing roof panel and drive it

billschroeder5842 · 11-19-2016

Ok, I THINK I found it...

I started to take everything apart (again) and tapping here and there with my calloused finger. I noticed that tapping on the instrument cluster seemed to make the squeak more pronounced.

I dropped the carpeted panel under the steering column and immediately noticed that the metal fan shroud for the courtesy light along with the glass lens were loose and could easily vibrate from a rough road or a bit of exhaust drone.

I did some gluing and taping and took it out.

So far so good! Fingers crossed!

zrfast1 · 11-20-2016

Mine did the same...drove me nuts. The courtesy light bulb was the culprit. Silenced it but every now and then I'll still hear it only muffled. Thinking of putting led's in there next year.

DRM500RUBYZR-1 · 11-20-2016

I knew there was a reason I love the 3" exhaust with just a resonator.
No squeaks.
No rattles
No drone.
Just the best exhaust note ever!

Likely plenty of the aforementioned, but darned if I can hear any of it!

Marty
NCRSZR1

11-17-2016	#1
billschroeder5842 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Southlake, TX Posts: 587	Chinese Squeak torture So my wife is correct as I am neurotic and obsessive. But after all it is a corvette. I have this little rattle/squeak coming from the area around my headlight switch. It occurs when I go over bumpy vibrating road. Drives me F'n nuts. I've taken the switch out several times, taped, glued, two-way taped things...etc on ANYTHING that could vibrate. If I put pressure on the switch pushing from inside to out, it can make it stop. I bought a different switch figuring that it must be something internal to the light assembly....Still the squeak. I'm stupefied. Has anyone else had this situation? Until I get my Bose Gold going, I can listen to a kick *** engine accented with a headlight squeak. __________________ Bill Schroeder Texas Proud! 1991 Corvette ZR1 #1388 2015 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker

11-18-2016	#2
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,493	Re: Chinese Squeak torture Squeaks are sometimes difficult to pin-point, far as source goes. It could be the dash-related, or even the roof panel (as it was in my case). I don't see the switch itself being the culprit. More likely either something behind the switch or in the immediate vicinity. OR even the roof panel. Just a thought: By removing the diaphragm/probe from a mechanic's stethoscope, you can "probe" the area with the open end of the rubber hose to try to isolate the squeak. Just be sure to find a deserted road - wouldn't want to "bump" into anyone while being distracted. __________________ Good carz, good food, good friendz = the best of timez! 90 #1202 "FBI" top end ported & relieved Cam timing by "Pete the Greek" Sans secondaries Chip & dyno tuning by Haibeck Automotive SW headers, X-pipe, MF muffs Former Secretary, ZR-1 Net Registry

11-18-2016	#3
billschroeder5842 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Southlake, TX Posts: 587	Re: Chinese Squeak torture Yep, I have had everything apart half a dozen times. I have more tape and foam on all the component pieces. Took it apart again last night. Now, I think It might be something behind the instrument cluster. My middle finger has a blister from all the tap-tap I'm afraid I'll have the whole dash apart sometime this weekend. __________________ Bill Schroeder Texas Proud! 1991 Corvette ZR1 #1388 2015 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker

11-18-2016	#4
PhillipsLT5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 2,451	Re: Chinese Squeak torture Try removing roof panel and drive it

11-19-2016	#5
billschroeder5842 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Southlake, TX Posts: 587	Re: Chinese Squeak torture Ok, I THINK I found it... I started to take everything apart (again) and tapping here and there with my calloused finger. I noticed that tapping on the instrument cluster seemed to make the squeak more pronounced. I dropped the carpeted panel under the steering column and immediately noticed that the metal fan shroud for the courtesy light along with the glass lens were loose and could easily vibrate from a rough road or a bit of exhaust drone. I did some gluing and taping and took it out. So far so good! Fingers crossed! __________________ Bill Schroeder Texas Proud! 1991 Corvette ZR1 #1388 2015 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker

11-20-2016	#6
zrfast1 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: palatine il. Posts: 36	Re: Chinese Squeak torture Mine did the same...drove me nuts. The courtesy light bulb was the culprit. Silenced it but every now and then I'll still hear it only muffled. Thinking of putting led's in there next year.

11-20-2016	#7
DRM500RUBYZR-1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mullica Hill, New Jersey Posts: 2,574	Re: Chinese Squeak torture I knew there was a reason I love the 3" exhaust with just a resonator. No squeaks. No rattles No drone. Just the best exhaust note ever! Likely plenty of the aforementioned, but darned if I can hear any of it! Marty NCRSZR1