Zephyrzone

Ok, so I've been searching the forum and I haven't come across a problem or solution for my issue. Either no one has the issue, no one cares, or my searching skills suck. But here's my problem-

My center console "crackles" like a nightmare. Whether it's a bump or the weather or just a random turn, the area between the shifter and back cup holder crackles like crazy. I can even put my hand anywhere on the center console area and push and hear the "crackle" noise. It's like cheap plastic on cheap plastic.

You know how the rear view mirror sounds? That's what my entire center console sounds like. I've tried using weather stripping an insulating tape but nothing has helped, especially when the weather is warm. The center of the car just creaks and crackles and pops like rice crispies.

I've fixed the rear view mirror problem, but I don't know what to know about this and it's driving me nuts. It's one of the few noises left I have to fix.

Any suggestions or solutions? Thanks guys.

-Z

Zephyrzone

Come one guys, someone has a suggestion. Is anyone else having this problem? Is it just cheap plastic in all 8's or is it just mine? Any fixes, suggestions, flames?

LionZoo

Mine does it too. If I find the motivation, I'm going to see if some velcro or padding will fix it.

Zephyrzone

I tried some insulating tape on the inside seams to create a "friction fit", thereby tightening everything up. It actually works well when it's cold, but now that it's warming up the crackles are back.

Thanks for responding, this is one of the last things bugging me about the car. I feel like if I can fix it, the ride will be so much more enjoyable. I have a Mazda 6 as a loaner at the moment and it really pisses me off that the center console is made from an entirely different plastic that doesn't make any noise what-so-ever.

Somebody on this board will find a fix hopefully. I'm trying my hardest.

fahrfegneugen

I think VW uses a spray on their cars that helps with interior rattles. I dont know much more than that though.

Zephyrzone

Oh man. I would pay $1000 for a magic rattle spray!

fahrfegneugen

I will look around, give me a minute.

altspace

iTrader: (2)

^Your minute turned into an hour so far....hehe. I too am wondering about this. The problem with the design is that the plastic console has so many pieces of which are almost all connected to a long and very flexible tunnel piece. I'm thinking of using a bit of my eDead product throughout.

VolcomStoneX

mine does the same thing, drives me nuts!

JTtheDude

Mine does the same, for some reason if I slide my console lid all the way back it stops. I think like you said it's just plastic rattling against more plastic. If my console lid is closed I will get a definite rattle/vibration around the shifter and console area, I can put my hand on certain parts and apply presure and it usually stops.......for a minute, then it's back. So I drive around with my console lid open most of the time which kind of sucks since it's a nice arm rest. I think I need a new console lid but yours maybe different.

fahrfegneugen

I will keep looking, yeah it took so long...

They might just be using silicone spray...

My rattle comes from the B pillar, never heard anything from the center stack.

Zephyrzone

Its not the center stack, its the center piece with the shifter and armrest/cupholder. It drives me nuts. I've tried some edead but probably not enough and not in the right places. I might try again this weekend.

LiTTleRX-8

I actually have the exact sound you are describing. And I have found out what was wrong in MY car. It was actually the ashtray/coin holder thingy beside the 5v outlet. Once I take mine out, or put a finger on it, the sound stops.

Don't know if this is the same problem with yours.

Zephyrzone

That's a small part of my much larger problem. If I pull that out, that small rattle goes away, but the overall crackle of the center tunnel from the ashtray to the backseat (almost) just 'crackles' and makes a lot noise when it gets warm outside. When I took my car to the dealer for another issue they showed my some other 8's on the lot. They all do it to some extent. The auto's are less noticeable than the manuals. Maybe because the have more mounting parts for the shifter that keeps pressure on the plastic? I don't know.

It just sounds like cheap plastic bending and grinding against other cheap plastic. EXACTLY the way our mirrors sound when you press on them or hit a big bump. The mirror solution is easy, but I don't know how to fix this. A LOT of pressure, like pressing down as hard as I can between the shifter and the cup holders keeps it perfectly quiet, but I don't know how to permanently recreate that.

When I go over bumps in the spring and summer it sounds like all the plastic in the center console is just going to break itself loose.

There's gotta be a solution for this...

LionZoo

Honestly it doesn't bother me that much because the center console plastic is quite thin and therefore light. I'll take the lightness, but I know that's not everyone's feeling.

Go48

Have you removed the center console and tightened up all the little fasteners that hold the silver-colored side pieces on to the main console unit? Based on what you say I suspect that you have but I thought I would throw that out there anyway.

Zephyrzone

No, actually I haven't done this. What's involved? Sounds like a good idea. Might be a stupid question, but how do I do this? And BTW, did you do this because yours was crackling and did it help?

Razz1

Get the PDF take it apart fix it, then use some Silacone lube.

Zephyrzone

Sounds good Razz, hope this does the trick. A little help with the pdf?

Go48

Here are the pages from the workshop manual. Looks difficult, but it really isn't. Just remove the console, which is a two-part assembly, and make sure all the sub-assembly items, particularly the silver side panels, are securely fastened to the main assembly.

I removed mine to install a switch in the storage compartment and run the wires under the console. Haven't noticed any noises eminating from the console, but at my age, that would not be surprising.

Helpful hint: some of the screws shown in the diagrams are actually under the little "rugs" in the console. The "rugs" are just laying in the storage compartments so they come right up.

Zephyrzone

Cool. Thanks! Now what do I spray the silicone lube onto exactly? The screws, the interior of the parts themselves? the snaps?

Go48

Since I didn't make that suggestion, I have no idea. Just tighten up everything, but be careful to not overdo it and twist off bolts/screws. Personally, I wouldn't spray anything.

Lord ET

iTrader: (1)

did this work? My center console is constantly creaking if i lean on it at all.

Zephyrzone

I haven't done this yet. It's been a busy month, but it still drives me nuts. It's one of 2 rattles left in my whole car (for now, anyway).

I plan to disassemble the center console (including the silver trim), tighten all the fasteners and saturate every connector with silicone lube. It may be 2 weeks until I'm able to do this, but I'm aiming for Friday.

If anyone else has any ideas, all are welcome! This noise drives me nuts. I've never driven a car that has this problem and that includes any other Mazda!

suay

how many miles? Mine was the motor mounts. Mazsport has some sick ones!