[jzero23]

Thanks to everyone that helped solve the problem and to those pictures that I borrowed in addition to my own. Certain MKV's (yes, 2007 models too like mine) develop a rattle in the air diffuser above the two central vents and stereo. In fact, some people with the replacement tray even experienced this rattle. Here is the fix:
Tools needed: Torx 20 screwdriver, wedge of choice (explained), and a trim removal tool (or flathead screwdriver http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif )
Time to complete: 5-20 minutes
(P.S. don't be afraid to do this one yourself, it seems relatively fool-proof and easy to follow)
1. Pry out Air Diffuser control panel (plastic trim removal tool was used in this picture, but I managed with a small flathead screwdriver

)

2a. Pry out Air Diffuser grill using the same method

2b. It may be necessary to unplug this connector for some cars (not mine)

3. Unscrew this Torx-20 screw

4. Pop out the black plastic cover by pulling up as shown in the picture

5. Unscrew next two Torx-20 screws

6a. Pull UP on the air conditioning vent unit to remove it. This requried the most strength... don't be bashful.

6b. Do NOT unplug this cord: it will cause an airbag fault and disable your airbags. The cord gives you enough slack to set aside the vents with room to work comfortably.

Now, everything that needs to be removed has been done http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif .
Find this area in the remaining part of the dash:

Wedge something (1/2" height has been the estimated size... but don't hold that against me) into the space (to absorb shaking?) as seen in the following pictures. People have used things ranging from blocks of rubber, blocks of wood, or I used a malleable piece of metal.
Two temporary (albeit desperate

) fixes:

Wooden blocks

My solution (one of my sister's metal bracelets that bends

):

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif Thanks again to everyone that helped! If your car is a 2006 model and this still didn't work, you may consult this dealership method to fixing a different (but nearby) rattle: http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Vol....html
Similar post: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zer...age=1

 

[2zzge]

Re: DIY Air Diffuser Rattle (jzero23)

sticky!!! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
before too many ppl flub up a good thread...like me

 

[svander]

FAQd.

 

[Varrr6]

Hey, that's my paint brush

Just to clarify... I put that in there on a test drive just to make sure that cured the rattle, haha. I used the wood blocks, also pictured above.

 

[jzero23]

Re: (Varrr6)

Quote, originally posted by Varrr6 »

Hey, that's my paint brush Just to clarify... I put that in there on a test drive just to make sure that cured the rattle, haha. I used the wood blocks, also pictured above.

haha definitely... thanks a lot for your help, your paintbrush hhas paved the way for many.

 

[zither99]

Re: (jzero23)

And my trip removal tool tool/wedge
Way to go putting it in the FAQ http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif


Modified by zither99 at 3:38 AM 11-25-2006

 

[wpg2.0T]

Re: DIY Air Diffuser Rattle (jzero23)

Great write-up.
Just out of curiosity, there are two totally different cars in the pics. The first one seems to have a right side steering wheel and a Navi system. The second has the new Rabbit radio buttons w/o a Navi?
Did you do two "Fixes"
Cheers. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[D.Passat00]

great write-up! i might try this even though i've replaced the diffuser with the cubby.

 

[jzero23]

Re: DIY Air Diffuser Rattle (wpg2.0T)

Quote, originally posted by wpg2.0T »

Great write-up. Just out of curiosity, there are two totally different cars in the pics. The first one seems to have a right side steering wheel and a Navi system. The second has the new Rabbit radio buttons w/o a Navi? Did you do two "Fixes"

actually I just compiled the pictures people had used to dismantle the vent and combined them with my own. I may take my own again this afternoon because although I fixed the problem, the metal bracelet isn't substantial enough to keep it from rattling past 60 miles per hour on rough roads..... call me a stickler...

 

[F0xz0r]

Very cool idea. You may in the future consider whittling down a piece of rubber stock and fitting it in place. It would seem to provide a more vibration asorption than hard wood or plastic.

 

[corradodonato]

Re: (F0xz0r)

how useful is this air diffuser? Mine seems to not really work that well.. Im considering doing this fix but if i do I think im going to just put in the dash cubby.. great DIY tho! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[rukkus]

Re: (corradodonato)

I find the dash cubby much more useful as my ez-pass sensor works inside it. I do, however, still have a rattle so I am going to attempt to do this when I get some free time. the rattle was gone for over a month, but just came back the other day and won't leave again.

 

[rukkus]

Re: (rukkus)

anyone know how to pop the dash tray out without busting the clips?

 

[zither99]

Re: (rukkus)

When you pull the dash tray out the clips metal clips might come off but you just put them back on and its ready to go. Make sure you pry out the end by the window and not towards the cabin.

 

[waterpumper]

Re: (zither99)

Good info I need to perform this on the wifes Rabbit

 

[Prince GTI]

Re: (waterpumper)

Thank for a great DIY and information/links. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[vwetzalgd]

Re: (Prince GTI)

Is this working for people?

 

[knowmad]

Re: (vwetzalgd)

i got another rattle after i fixed the diffuser, it seems to come from the just above the glvoebox. if you tap the silver trim and you hear the rattle, this should fix it for you:

remove the silver trim piece
(as shown herer:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zer...08214 )
over the glovebox and use little pieces of mounting tape around the clips that anchor the trim

edit: make sure you put the mounting tape pieces between the back of the flange and the surface of the dash - you will need to remove the anchor clips with your fingernails to get the **** on there


Modified by knowmad at 8:41 PM 5-31-2007

 

[StreetSpeed2000]

Re: (knowmad)

Bless you!! That's popped up on me but I've had no idea what it has been. I'm gonna go do it right now.

 

[StreetSpeed2000]

Re: (StreetSpeed2000)

...aaaaaaaaaand done. I gotta say I didn't feel anything too obvious in there that would be shaking and vibrating, so hopefully that fixes that little buzz I hear in there from time to time.