2003 V40 Rattle Fix - Blow It Up?

Richouser · Dec 5th, 2018, 04:20

I'm putting this in General discussion to throw as wide a net as possible on as many forums as possible. We have a pampered and unmolested V40 that we love with about 104K miles. About 5000 miles ago, it developed a harsh, loud and persistent rattle and clank coming from behind the glove box surround where the air bag lives. I have taken everything apart from the front (radio, speakers, a/c control panel. etc.), except remove the dash itself, which is beyond my skills and abilities. I have probed around in the open spots with my hand, hoping to find a loose connector, or cross brace, etc. without success. I have also gone over the suspension and replaced the sway bar links hoping it might be those.

Is there any kind of work around to get in back of the air bag unit without removing the dash completely? And does anyone have an idea as to specifically what this might be? It's really driving us nuts! Otherwise the car is as quiet as an empty church. We really don't want to blow it up!

reggit · Dec 5th, 2018, 18:09

Don’t know about the 40, but had to take dash out of my old S60 (2002)- it was MISSING an airbag, that’s another story - wasn’t relishing the task, but it was dead easy, if a little tricky manoevering it out of the car.

Not exactly what you asked, but may be worth a ah?

Richouser · Dec 5th, 2018, 19:54

Thanks reggit. I have two concerns: getting the dash/steering wheel/airbags out of the car never having don it before, and then actually locating the rattle without being able to drive the car. It's a catch 22. That's why I'm hoping to find a way back there while the car is still drivable.

ITSv40 · Dec 5th, 2018, 20:09

The only think I can think it could be is the heater blower motor - worn bearings, something catching in the blades. The blower is on the passenger side, but no idea how to get to it, I have never needed to on mine. The other thing that springs to mind is possibly worn top suspension mounts, but that would be apparent with the change in bumpy road surfaces.

Richouser · Dec 5th, 2018, 20:26

Thanks for the thoughts. I have had the blower motor out, and have inspected the suspension and changed out the sway bar links just in case.

ITSv40 · Dec 5th, 2018, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richouser

Thanks for the thoughts. I have had the blower motor out, and have inspected the suspension and changed out the sway bar links just in case.

When you changed the roll bar drop links did you also change the roll bar mounting bushes. These go hard/wear and can cause a loud knocking noise that travels through the body.

Dec 5th, 2018, 04:20	#1
Richouser New Member Last Online: Jan 15th, 2024 22:39 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Santa Barbara	2003 V40 Rattle Fix - Blow It Up? I'm putting this in General discussion to throw as wide a net as possible on as many forums as possible. We have a pampered and unmolested V40 that we love with about 104K miles. About 5000 miles ago, it developed a harsh, loud and persistent rattle and clank coming from behind the glove box surround where the air bag lives. I have taken everything apart from the front (radio, speakers, a/c control panel. etc.), except remove the dash itself, which is beyond my skills and abilities. I have probed around in the open spots with my hand, hoping to find a loose connector, or cross brace, etc. without success. I have also gone over the suspension and replaced the sway bar links hoping it might be those. Is there any kind of work around to get in back of the air bag unit without removing the dash completely? And does anyone have an idea as to specifically what this might be? It's really driving us nuts! Otherwise the car is as quiet as an empty church. We really don't want to blow it up!

Dec 5th, 2018, 18:09	#2
reggit Premier Member Last Online: Today 19:56 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Preston	Don’t know about the 40, but had to take dash out of my old S60 (2002)- it was MISSING an airbag, that’s another story - wasn’t relishing the task, but it was dead easy, if a little tricky manoevering it out of the car. Not exactly what you asked, but may be worth a ah? __________________ 2009 Volvo V70 D5 (Polestar 225bhp) r-design 180,000 miles

Dec 5th, 2018, 20:09	#4
ITSv40 VOC Member Last Online: Today 20:04 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northampton	The only think I can think it could be is the heater blower motor - worn bearings, something catching in the blades. The blower is on the passenger side, but no idea how to get to it, I have never needed to on mine. The other thing that springs to mind is possibly worn top suspension mounts, but that would be apparent with the change in bumpy road surfaces. __________________ 2001 V40 2.0lt Sport lux - Daily Driver. 174k miles. 2003 C70 2.4 GT Convertible - Garage Queen. 65k miles. http://www.neptuno6benagil.com

Dec 5th, 2018, 19:54	#3
Richouser New Member Last Online: Jan 15th, 2024 22:39 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Santa Barbara	Thanks reggit. I have two concerns: getting the dash/steering wheel/airbags out of the car never having don it before, and then actually locating the rattle without being able to drive the car. It's a catch 22. That's why I'm hoping to find a way back there while the car is still drivable.

Dec 5th, 2018, 20:26	#5
Richouser New Member Last Online: Jan 15th, 2024 22:39 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Santa Barbara	Thanks for the thoughts. I have had the blower motor out, and have inspected the suspension and changed out the sway bar links just in case.

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