DIY: Fix Windshield Cowl Popping Noises
04-07-2013, 11:06 PM
#33
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Diego
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05-06-2013, 11:00 AM
#35
Update to my post...It's been a few months and still no noise. Looks like the dealership took care of me. Covered under warranty as well.
05-27-2013, 08:00 PM
#36
Registered Member
I performed this DIY tonight with one variation. Rather than using felt or tape I used some silicone.
I happened to have a tube of clear GE Silicone 1 (100% Silicone rubber). I applied a 2mm bead along the metal window trim and spread it, flat and thin, with my wet finger. I let it dry for a few hours to be sure it will not adhere to the cowl.
After a 5 minute test drive, on a very bumpy road, I'm happy to say the creaking is gone.
Mine just started creaking a couple weeks ago. This was a very easy DIY so thanks OP.
I happened to have a tube of clear GE Silicone 1 (100% Silicone rubber). I applied a 2mm bead along the metal window trim and spread it, flat and thin, with my wet finger. I let it dry for a few hours to be sure it will not adhere to the cowl.
After a 5 minute test drive, on a very bumpy road, I'm happy to say the creaking is gone.
Mine just started creaking a couple weeks ago. This was a very easy DIY so thanks OP.
The following users liked this post:
DHS803 (11-19-2013)
09-22-2013, 12:52 AM
#37
THANK YOU for posting this!! 
It completely fixed the squeaks/pops coming from the base of the windshield (I particularly noticed it when the weather was cooler, like today). It was driving me nuts! Then I found this sticky thread, did the fix (I used the fuzzy side of some industrial-strength Velcro), and took a test drive: Voilà, no more cowl noises!! Ride is very quiet now -- I owe you a beer!! 
EDIT:
BTW the wiper blades were pretty tough to remove for me, too. Here is how I did it:
1. Mark where your wiper blades are on the windshield using some freezer tape or other tape that is easy to remove.
2. Remove the nuts on the wiper arms with a socket by bumping your socket wrench to break the nuts loose.
3. Apply WD-40 to the wiper arm motor shafts.
4. Wiggle each wiper arm up and down until it comes off: it may take a while, but just keep at it -- the wiper arm will come off!
When you are ready to reinstall the wipers you can use the tape you put on the windshield as a guide to position them.
It completely fixed the squeaks/pops coming from the base of the windshield (I particularly noticed it when the weather was cooler, like today). It was driving me nuts! Then I found this sticky thread, did the fix (I used the fuzzy side of some industrial-strength Velcro), and took a test drive: Voilà, no more cowl noises!! Ride is very quiet now -- I owe you a beer!! EDIT:
BTW the wiper blades were pretty tough to remove for me, too. Here is how I did it:
1. Mark where your wiper blades are on the windshield using some freezer tape or other tape that is easy to remove.
2. Remove the nuts on the wiper arms with a socket by bumping your socket wrench to break the nuts loose.
3. Apply WD-40 to the wiper arm motor shafts.
4. Wiggle each wiper arm up and down until it comes off: it may take a while, but just keep at it -- the wiper arm will come off!
When you are ready to reinstall the wipers you can use the tape you put on the windshield as a guide to position them.
Last edited by dbeachy1; 09-22-2013 at 01:10 AM. Reason: Added wiper blades note
09-22-2013, 02:54 AM
#38
People who are having a hard time removing the windshield wipers. You put pressure on it by pushing down towards the car than lift. Just an FYI because they are meant to put pressure on the window so to release that tension you push down. It should easily lift without any wd40 or penetrating liquid.
The following 5 users liked this post by kRAM:
AlienGorilla (09-23-2014),
Bota36 (11-12-2013),
dbeachy1 (09-22-2013),
DHS803 (11-19-2013),
Texas Boy (02-24-2024)
11-03-2013, 05:55 PM
#43
Also I would like to add that my foam strip inside the cowl pieces was completely rubbed off hence the noise. My noise was more like a plastic on plastic squeak. I picked up some foam weather strip from Home Depot and also applied felt tape. So far so good... knock on wood..
The following 2 users liked this post by HoldmyMouse:
desertmike680 (11-08-2013),
Texas Boy (02-24-2024)
11-12-2013, 08:17 PM
#45
This forum Rocks!
I purchased my 2012 G37x Sedan a month ago from the local dealer where it was used as an executive loaner (12k km). With the cooler weather came the MOST annoying creaking/squeaking noise which emanated from the front of the dash near the base of the windshield with every little bump in the road. It was making me crazy! I had made an appointment to bring the car into the dealership to get them to look into the issue. Then I read this thread and did the fix as described. Outstanding!! This immediately fixed the noises. Now the car is perfect again and I don't have to subject the vehicle to the dealership who might well have started ripping apart the dash looking for the root cause. Thank you VERY much for this DIY. You people Rock!
Happy motoring.
Happy motoring.