I am getting what sounds like a metal on metal noise from my driver side dash. It sometimes manifests itself as a bird like song. My mechanic advised there are bars installed to help with rattle in the convertables and that may be the problem. Any one have any ideas?
Thanks

 

There are a number of braces fitted to the convertible:





(click on the images to enlarge them)

The metal-on-metal sound could be from a loose or even a cracked brace.

Graham

 

Thanks for the help! I assume they are accessible from the engine compartment.

 

Item 1 in the first diagram is accessible from the engine compartment (there's two of these braces).

The dash braces are accessed from inside the vehicle and dismantling is required to get to them.

Graham

 

Reach over the dash and press on the defroster vents next time you hear the noise. They are a common source of strange sounds. If that is the problem, search the forum for the fix.

 

Thanks All!

 

Check your top shock mounts - I had a similar noise on my car and that's what it turned out to be - sounds just like a birdsong. If that is the problem there's a couple of threads on here as to how to change them.

 

I am curious to see if you find a solution to this as I havethe same issue. At low speeds you can hear a chirping sound believe it or not.Two years ago I did fix my vents and that issue was resolved. Last month I took the dash surround off andpoked around in behind the steering wheel but could not find anything loose orrubbing together. My next project will be to remove the wipers and check theengine brace.

 

Also if you gently pry the speaker grills up from the top of the dash, you will find a dash mounting bolt underneath. It is worth checking that they have not loosened.

 

Yes you are right. I tightened those as well. That was an easy check.Thanks.



Anyone know if it would be easier to just disconnect the braces in theengine compartment and seeing if there is any movement prior to going through thehassle of removing the wipers and grille?

 

Before going through the hassle of removing the wipers and the grille(which I did, chasing a similar sound) just check that the top shock absorber mounting bolt is central between the three retaining nuts. If it isn't the mounts are gone and will make exactly the type of noise you describe. My noise sounded just like it was coming from under the dash - I chased it for weeks before stumbling on the shock mounts as the cause.

 

+1 on the front upper shock bushings. The noise was transmitted through the brace running from the shock turret to the dash. You may also notice that the shock mount is off-center in the turret. Replacing the bushings fixed it.

Sam

 

Thanks for all the help. Strangely the bird song has disappeared although I am checking all the things you have suggested!