Instrument cluster loose and rattling?
 

Hi folks,

I searched on "instrument cluster rattle" but didn't find too much to address this exactly: is anyone else's instrument cluster cover (the part of the dash that shields the gauges from the sun) loose enough that you can move it up and down? I can move mine maybe 1/16", and it definitely rattles loudly when I go over bumps. The tech at the Mazda dealer "tightented all the screws" but believes that the play should be there. If so, this is a significant design flaw.

Can anyone else check this for me on your 8?

Thanks

Jeff

I had this problem.... the way it is secured is badly designed. I ended up putting some rubber in to stop it moving as much and to stop plastic rubbing on plastic.

Disconnect the battery before you do anything. If you don't and you inadvertently disconnect the cluster you may have to go to a dealer to get it working again.

Read here: https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...5&postcount=17

HTH

sco

Hi Sco,

Thanks very much. I read your other post. Are the screws accessible without removing the rest of the dash? Perhaps I need to order a shop manual, unless pics are posted here somewhere.

All best

Jeff

You can get to the screws by removing the steering column cover. Some instructions are here: https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...35&postcount=7

Thanks guys- this is great! I know what I'll be doing Sunday morning!

Jeff

always here for u

I took the dash apart last weekend. I added some adhesive-backed felt around the edge of the instrument cluster, and I even lined the channel behind the cluster where the wire harness runs with some felt in case it's the wire harness that's rattling.

The main rattle I was facing and continue to struggle with is the one that can be stopped by pressing down on the triangular driver side air vent. I actually removed the vent completely and the rattle persists. I am wondering if it's something in the rount air vent louvers, but it's hard to completely remove the round vent. There are other rattles, too (maybe the air vent on the passenger side?) but this one is by far the worst. I think I'll be taking the dash apart again and maybe riding around without the panel that is behind the instrument cluster (with the cluster sitting loose) to see what that does.

wow, this site is really great. I noticed a rattle on bumpy roads this week, after 25 months/ 25,000 miles. I was a bit disappointed, this being the first time the car is not perfect anymore.

I found that the instrument cluster has some play (less than a tenth of an inch), walked over to the dealership and the brand-new ones had less play, but they definitely had some play too. It seems that the cluster causes the rattle. I guess I will follow the idea with putting some adhesive stuffing in there.

See also this thread:

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/annoying-rattling-62495/

I've noticed this problem within the last couple weeks and I only have about 9k-10k miles. At first I thought it was because of my CF dash pod that was loose, but I've been running with it off and the rattle persists. That is when I noticed the play that you guys have been talking about with the gauge cluster. I hope you guys can find a fix for this problem. It sure is annoying to have to deal with rattles on a $40,000+CDN car.