Windshield rattle

I have a 2002 Tahoe, when I hit the highway, around 70+ mph my windshield sounds like it's going to rattle out of the frame. It does not leak and I have driven it that way for several thousand interstate/highway miles. It poses no problems other than the annoying sound which I drown out with my radio. Has anyone else had this problem?
Chris

I've got a 2003 Silverado and am experiencing the same problem. About 65 mph the lower right corner, at least that's where it sounds like it's coming from the driver's seat, cracks and pops.

Very annoying but as yet I haven't figured out why or how to fix it.

more than likely you have a bug shield installed, new style gm trucks had this problem since new body style came out in 99. the noise is coming from the side windshield moldings. they now have new stiffer moldings available to fix this problem.

Yeah, I own a 2004 Tahoe and it does the same thing in the upper driver side molding. The molding doesn't even seem stiff in that area. You can almost peel it all the way back. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it doesn't. But, the last thing I want is for Chevrolet to take out the factory windshield and molding and replace it. That is just asking for more problems (leaks, etc.) on down the road. Maybe I will try to put a thin piece of double sided tape underneath it.

I will take a look at mine tomorrow and see if the molding is flapping around. I wouldn't want anyone pulling my windsheild either. Let me know if your double sided tape works. I might do the same thing.

I have a 1995 Tahoe. I had the same sound/problem. Mine ended up being the black grated grill on the outside where the wipers hide behind. Somehow this plastic grill came loose and if you opened up the hood, look under the grated grill there are 2 screws that hold this down. I used lock tight and problem went away.

whoa, wait a minute, no need to pull windshield to replace windshield side moldings, they just screw on with screws. no need to replace top molding. side moldings are the ones that make the noise. if its warranty i would get it done, i would even if it isnt. Being a gm tech, ive heard this noise alot and i know it would be annoying to live with.

So is it the factory side moldings that are in fact too weak to withstand the turbulence caused by the bug deflector and new moldings will correct the problem?

Hey fellas - I have a 2003 Z71 with a bug shield - same annoying rattle in windshield. What is hte consensus of getting it taken care of? SIde moldings replaced??

Thanks for the info / replies...

I will be picking up these seals at the dealership tomorrow and let you know how the road test goes!

What seal(s) are you relplacing?
Chris

the new windshield side moldings are made of a harder material to keep it from slapping against the glass.

They work great..... nice and quiet now. Go down to your GM dealer, request the stiffer windshield side moulding for ~$60/pair, get a T15 Torx driver bit (screwdriver won't fit, too long in the door jamb for the fwd screw)... 20 minutes...DONE!

The new style GMC's have the same problem. They wouldn't do anything under warranty because it was an aftermarket bug shield and the GM shield wouldn't do it. It took the Service Manager almost an hour of his time but he proved it to me. The only difference I saw in the shields was the GM was symetrical to the ends and the aftermarket had a step in it.

So I guess it's spend the $60 for the new moulding or deal with the rattle.

hey WEF,
thats too bad, sounds like the service manager at your dealership is a bigger dick the the one i work for. We have been putting the new moldings on any truck that needs them under warranty regardless of whether the bug shield is gm or aftermarket, find another dealership that will do it under warranty. bulletin doesnt specify what type of bugshield it has to have on it just says bugshield. He shouldnt be able to deny you putting new moldings on.

The new style GMC's have the same problem. They wouldn't do anything under warranty because it was an aftermarket bug shield and the GM shield wouldn't do it. It took the Service Manager almost an hour of his time but he proved it to me. The only difference I saw in the shields was the GM was symetrical to the ends and the aftermarket had a step in it.


New to the forum and digging up an old thread but I know something about it. I had the same problem on my '01 and what I did was put a bead of silicone under the lip of the moldings and problem solved for $2. Got that tip from a guy at parts store where I got the bug deflector.