Interior - 'B'-Pillar Cracking Noise While Driving
NO: 85-31DATE: March 22, 2007
MODEL: S80
MODEL YEAR: 2007
CHASSIS 000850 - 031000
SUBJECT: "B" Pillar Noise
This Tech Note supersedes the previous 85-31 dated 3-21-07. Please update your files.
The update refers to page 11 - Step 6 - 1st instruction box.
DESCRIPTION:
A cracking noise may appear from the "B" pillar cover panels while driving.
MATERIAL:
Description Quantity Part Number
Rattle and squeak tape Shop supply 9511097
Note; the tape is included in the "squeak and rattle repair kit" - PN 9511025.
SERVICE:
If a customer has complained of a noise in the passenger compartment and it is found to be from the "B" pillar cover panel area, remove both "B" Pillar cover panels and install antisqueak tape as described in this bulletin.
1. Removal
Note! These instructions are to eliminate the noise on
one side. Both sides are to be completed.
Important! In order to protect the interior materials
make sure everything use in this procedure is
cleaned.
Tilt the backrest forward, move the front seat to the forward most position and raise the rear of the seat bottom for the most clearance of the B-pillar.
Install a clean plastic protection material e.g. an unused plastic trash bag or similar that could be tucked over the side panel of the front seat in order to avoid damage / scratches.
See picture.
Removing front sill cover and door seal;
Lift from the front end of the sill cover. Lift
straight up.
The sill cover is secured with three clips and
a tab on the rear side that goes under the
B-pillar panel.
Lift front end of rear sill cover panels from the
forward end, lift straight up.
There is no need to lift the panel more than
this; just enough to get sufficient clearance
for the B-pillar
Be sure you do not scratch these panels on
disassembly or assembly.
Gently pull the secondary seals front and
rear. Remove them from the flange so that
the interior B-pillar cover is exposed.
Do not completely remove these seals. You
only need to remove enough to be able to
remove the B-pillar cover.
Note the gap between the cover and the
B-pillar; this is normal!!
Remove the B-pillar cover panel;
The inside of the B-pillar cover panel is
secured with:
^ 5 clips (indicated in white).
^ There are also two reference tabs (indicated in black).
^ The large tab at the top (indicated in blue) slides up into the headliner area.
Start at the bottom of the cover panel and gently pull straight towards the center of the car as shown.
Make sure that the two clips along the
bottom release.
Continue up along the cover panel and
gently pull in order to release the rest of the
clips. Use one hand on each side of the
panel.
Hint: Use thumbs and fingers as indicated between B-pillar flange and cover panel for better control.
Gently pull the middle of the cover panel
inwards (towards the center of the car) and
hold the very top of the upper section in
place (push outward) in order to be able to
clear the upper reference tab (marked in
white) from the B-pillar.
Be sure the upper reference tab is not
damaged.
Once the reference tab is cleared from the B-pillar, the cover panel can be pulled down and away from the headliner.
Once the cover is removed;
The B-pillar cover panel is now removed and ready for noise suppression tape installation.
Carefully inspect and verify that there is no
damage to the clips or reference tabs.
Be sure the mounting clips are not damaged.
2. Apply tape to the B-pillar panel
Cut pieces of tape as follows:
Piece (A) measuring 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 in.
(30 x 30 mm)
Piece (B) measuring 1/2 x 3/4 in.
(10 x 20 mm). Note; Cut two this size.
Piece (C) measuring 1/2 x 7 in. 7 in.
(10 x 175 mm)
Inspect the upper tab condition
If the upper tab is bent as shown in the
picture gently bend it flat and proceed with
the remaining steps.
The tab should look like this.
3. File 1/64th of an inch. (0.5 mm) off the locating tab at the top of the cover panel, see image.
Note the reinforcement rib on the same side
to be filed.
Important! Be sure to file the tab as indicated. Do not file the wrong side!
4. Use tape piece (A) 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 in. (30 x 30 mm)
and install on locating tab as illustrated.
Fold the tape over the tab according to the
arrows.
Make sure the tape is now folded over from
the top to the bottom of the tab and sticks to
itself on the ends.
Cut off half of the excess tape on both sides
as marked in the picture.
Note; only half of the excess should be cut.
Fold the tape downward according to the picture.
5. Use tape pieces (B) 1/2 x 3/4 in.
(10 x 20 mm) and tape as illustrated.
Use tape piece (C) 1/2 x 7 in. (10 x 175 mm)
and tape across the top of the cover panel as
illustrated.
Fold the tape around and onto the back of
the cover panel according to the image.
Important! Be sure the insulation tape does
not cover the reinforcement ribs! See picture.
7. Reinstall B-pillar cover panel and trim
IMPORTANT NOTE::
Verify there are no damaged tabs or clips as
this may create noises and defeat the
purpose of the repair.
Gently Insert the large upper section of the
cover panel into the upper section of the B pillar
/ roof area.
Make sure the modified and taped tab is not
damaged or bent.
Be sure the tab is in the correct position and
is inserted into opening of the B-pillar.
Gently fit the cover panel and align the clips
and lower reference pin to the holes in the B pillar
Pay extra attention so that the connector
(front side of cover panel) does not get
caught or damaged
Once the reference pin / tabs and clips have
been lined up:
Starting from top and working your way down gently push the cover panel towards the B-pillar for all clips to engage.
Note! The gap between the cover panel and the B-pillar as shown here is normal! This will be covered by the door seal.
You will hear feedback / a confirmation click as the clips engage in the B-pillar.
Important Note; once the cover panel is installed verify that the upper tab is positioned correctly in the B-pillar slot. You will need to view up between the "gap" to see this.
Reinstall the secondary door seals and sill panels
Make sure the seal mounting to the body is not to spread to wide as a result of the disassembly.
Tip; If needed gently squeeze the seal prior to installation to provide sufficient clamping force.
Use a plastic bone tool in order to get the seal in the correct position, which is over the panels as shown.
Do not forget to check the seal fit at the
headliner as well.
Continue with the bone tool where needed to get the seal seated correctly.
Correct installation of B-pillar cover at the headliner.
Other panels / covers should have the same look when completed.
Note! Be sure both sides have been completed.
Be sure to inspect the interior for any dirt or
other debris and clean as necessary.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION