dashboard rattle/air filters

Dashboard Rattle:

Have a 2001 5.3L 1500 ext cab. Noticed soon after I bought it a few months ago right around 1000 rpm a noise sounding like something loose in the dash. Only happens while moving, and the dealership pretended deafness the first time I brought it in, second time used the excuse that can't get it to happen in park so oh well.

Anyone else have the same problem? Truck has ~40k miles now. Not the end of the world, just an annoyance.

Air filters:

Looking around at different brands. MAC seems to be the only type that claims it won't void warranties. Is this true w/ all legal filters? MAC also claims 18 hp boost. Are there other legal filters that can do better?

Thanks for the help.

possibly the speedometer cable?

well I have a 2004 with the dash rattle prob. It is coming from the center of the dash right? at 900 to 1000 rpm's. but the dealer also giving me the run araound. so I now that there is A tsb issued on this for the subarbans and caddy's It is the gas line running up the firewall, the braket it is attached to is transmitting the noise through the dash. Problem is it is to hard to get at. We have electric speedo's no cable. so Here is the tsb print it out and give it to the dealer

Phoenixzc

Dash - Rattle From Center
File In Section: 08 - Body and Accessories
Bulletin No.: 02-08-59-002
Date: April, 2002
TECHNICAL

Subject:
Rattle Type Noise Coming from Center of Dash
(Remove Cowl Insulator Clip and Insulate Mounting Stud)

Models:
2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup and Utility Models
2002 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
with Gas Engine

Condition

Some customers may comment on a rattle type noise coming from the center of the dash. This noise can only be heard with the radio off and the engine running at idle.

Cause

An underhood fuel line contacting the cowl insulator clip (retainer) may be transmitting the noise into the cab. The location of the contact point is at the rear of the engine where the fuel lines route down under the vehicle.

Correction

Remove the cowl insulator clip (retainer) and insulate the mounting stud using the procedure listed below.

1. Remove the engine sight shield(s). If the vehicle is equipped with a three-piece shield, remove the center and left bank shields only.

Important: A door trim panel tool can be used to ease removal of the insulator clip (retainer).

2. Remove the cowl insulator clip (retainer) from the mounting stud. Removing the clip will gain the needed clearance from the fuel line. DO NOT reinstall the clip.

3. Obtain a section of 5 mm (3/16 in) vacuum hose and cut to a length of 16 mm (5/8 in).

4. Install the section of hose over the exposed stud and fully seat against the cowl. This will eliminate the possibility of a hard contact with the fuel line.

5. Install the engine sight shield(s).
I hope this helps I have yet to go to the dealer but when I do I will give them this tsb.

Yes, center of dash, right around 1000 rpm. I knew I couldn't be the only one! Thanks, great feedback. Fortunately I complained about it under bumper to bumper so hopefully I'll have leverage to have them fix it w/o charging me.

Any air filter experts out there w/ input? I'm leaning towards MAC, anyone have good/bad experience with them?

AC Delco will not void the warranty either, and the filters are about $12

Actually K&N won't void, and choppin off the exhaust and runnig flowmasters won't either....I have 1200 miles on new one and dealer confirmed this......

I ran into same noise today myself on a 2004 Silverado 5,000 miles, sounds like Sand blowing against truck, static, plastic bag flapping in wind under truck, but can isolate to center dash for sure, at first I was going by MPH, but now you said RPM's you could be right on there, thanks. I sent to my sales manager and will try to get resolved.

let me know what they do for you, I've had a hard time getting the dealer to do anything on mine. It mysteriously never happens when they look at it. But knowing that it's just a wiggly clip sets my mind at ease that it's nothing that will harm the truck.

If it's the same thing as mine you'll notice it around 1000 rpm or so under normal accelerations...