Been googling and searching for this my whole train ride and can't find anything about it. My center console, the big piece with the radio and climate controls, it squeaks and creeks so freaking loud over every little bump. It seems it's the part that touches the part above it with the vents. I tried putting a thick tape in between the two but it just made it worse. Everything is tight and I'm not missing any screws but the interior in that part is just so loose. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm thinking of sticking the fuzzy part of a sticky velcro piece in between the pieces, that's the only thing i can still think of.

 

Mine does the same thing, I've had the velcro tape idea rolling around my head for the better part of two years. But I've never gotten around to it. Although I intend to when I take my climate control out again as soon as the digital climate control units are available.

 

Dynamat it. Also do you have an aftermarket stereo in there? Aftermarket head units are heavy, and the metra double din kit used to hold them in place is VERY cheap and causes squeaks. There's a simple yet amazing stereo bracket mod on here that I feel is 100% necessary for any radio upgrade. If the past owner didn't do it, no big deal, just go to Sewell and buy new brackets or ask around for some.

 

Mine does the same thing. I stuck a balled up piece of tan napkin from some fast food chain in between that gap and it stopped the squeak.

 

lol napkins have spawned so many important ideas. it seems that the greatest innovations and designs come from napkins.

 

why not just remove it and see what you find

 

i have removed it, and i put tape where i saw scuff marks, i guess i just didn't use enough or something. i'm gonna try fuzzy velcro side and we'll see how that goes

 

OldManTan, I cured this problem in my car last night. It was driving me crazy. I didn't take any pictures for a writeup because I just assumed this was common knowledge.

With my semi-stiff suspension I would get the dreaded squeaking over almost every single road surface. I did find, however, that putting the tips of my fingers in between the gap dividing the top of the center console and the dash trim piece seemed to all but stop the squeaking.

My solution:

I went to a craft/fabric store and bought a single sheet of felt padding with adhesive on the back side. This is meant to be cut into whatever shape is needed. The adhesive side on the stuff I got isn't very strong but stays in place once pressure is applied. I actually went to a Lexus dealer first to find out what they used and they do sell their own with a legitimate part number... for $120+ a set. I passed.

I cut thin strips and applied them to the top dash trim part and the very back edges of the center console so as to avoid them being seen. This helped... but DID NOT cure the problem.

The real culprit are the two plastic tabs that the top of the inside of the center console guide onto to keep it centered. They are very obvious when your stereo & HVAC unit are removed. THEY are what primarily cause the squeaking because the felt material from the factory has probably worn down. What you need to do is (in addition to the bits of felt I already described) take two appropriately sized felt strips and put them OVER the two tabs... then slide you center console into place.

Once it's secured in there you can try to make it squeak all you want-- it should only do it a very, very tiny bit. Once everything is reassembled and you go for a test drive, there will be no more center console rattle.

Give this a try?

Addition: Also, before this I re-applied some of the same custom-cut felt strips to brand new internal clips I ordered to keep the plastic console trim piece secured (the part with your temperature and volume dials) since it was also creating minor squeaks.

My console area is now totally squeak and creak free.

 

Thanks for the tips Kahnbb6, I need to look into doing this for my car. It started making noise recently and has been annoying me.

 

I did something similar, except I used regular, non peel and stick felt. I basically lined the entire plastic trim from behind. At the top, I lined the felt so that when the plastic trim was reinstalled, the felt is sandwiched between the trim and the climate control display.

I basically lined everything that had plastic to plastic contact and I got rid of all my squeaks. I also found a squeak where the A pillar trim meets the dash, which was also solved via felt. I just added felt where the OEM stuff had worn thin and brittle.

Pro tip: use fabric glue to apply the felt. It dries quickly and peels off clean and easily if you mess up.

 

Blkexcoupe-- your welcome. Glad it helps you out.

Jennie -- Thanks for the fabric glue tip. I was concerned about using any glue on the surfaces for fear of permanently defacing them (even though they're in unseen areas). Next time I will try that.

 

Try a synthetic clear non drip style lube... plenty of brands out there.

I used this on some squeaky parts of my interior and they have gone!

 

Old thread but wanted to give props to the last person...WD -40 and my problem was gone. Simple is better.

 

Except that WD40 is not non-drip. Plus it'll eventually evaporate, so your squeak will probably come back. And the WD40 might discolor the plastics. I think a good, thick grease that'll stay put would be safer and longer lasting.

 

silicon spray works well as well, kinda stinks for a bit, but spray it on, or wipe it on, let it sit for a minute, then wipe off.