I have a 2002 Xtreme and the interior panels, mainly on the 2 doors and around the 2 back speakers, are driving me insane with the rattling. I have no problem with them when I'm driving normally, but it destroys the quality of my sound system unless I'm pressing against the panels to hold them still. What are the easiest and best ways of fixing them? This is definitiely a first time thing for me, so the more advice the better. I figure I might as well fix these since I'm going to have to take apart the tailgate since the rear hatch won't unlock.

Thanks alot

 

Maybe some Dynamat or similar materials will help. Rattling seems to be a pretty common thing in Blazers/S10s.

 

Yea, apparently it is, but I couldn't find another thread discussing it.

Is there any way to thighten the panels (I havnt taken them off yet) or is it mostly installed with adhesive?

 

they are pretty just attached with clips. one thing you can do is get some thick foam tape and put it in between there the panels meet, will help lessen the rattle.

 

ok, I'll give it a try this weekend, any advice in taking them off?

 

You have to unscrew 3 screws. One is in the inside door handle, and there are two underneath the arm rest. I had to learn this the hard way when I ripped my driver side door off and my dad said I broke something, and I thought he was crazy lol. Other than that you can just pull.

 

Oh, and you can just pop the window/door lock section up.

 

It could be that the plastic panel retainers having broken some of their little fins, allowing them to vibrate more than they could if the retainers were intact. I took off my door panels numerous times in the process of fixing a window motor and installing some speakers and testing them, and I found that they will even break off a bit when you are installing new ones.

The best fix for it I havefound are the dorman brand panel retainers. They use an alligator back type ridge on the retainer instead of the multi-micro-fin design most other brands (autozone, advance for example, whoever they source from) use. The dormans will last through repeated removals and reinstallations, and they hold VERY tight. I was just using my hands to pry off the panels with the other cheaper retainers, but with those dormans I had to get a panel removal toolbar.They'll likelycome off the retainer groove of the door panel and stay in the body whole of the door if you don't use a panel tool.Use them andit won't be making noise because of the clips I'll bet you. Otherwise sound dampeningpadding will be the way to go.

Edit: the dormans are available at pepboys.