Interior - Wind Noise Repair

Date: April 15, 1999

Subject: 1995-99 MAXIMA WIND NOISE REPAIR

APPLIED VEHICLES: 1995-99 Maxima (A32)

SERVICE INFORMATION

If a 1995-99 Maxima exhibits wind noise, use the procedures in this bulletin to resolve the incident(s).

PARTS INFORMATION

Parts available from local supplier.

CLAIMS INFORMATION

Please reference the "UY - Water Leak - Dust Entry" Section of the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual, specifically the Op Codes as listed in the "FOR RESEALING OPERATIONS with WATER or DUST PNC that DO NOT involve component removal/replacement. .etc." table. Using the "DUST" Symptom and Diagnosis codes, submit a Primary Operation (PO) line claim that best reflects the resealing operation performed.

Incident 1: Upper Windshield

Incident 1: Wind noise "hiss" or "fluttering" along upper edge of the windshield.

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. Apply high quality masking tape to cover the seam between the upper edge of the windshield and the roof (across the upper molding) along the length of the windshield (see Figure 1).

3. Test drive again.

A. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

B. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:

To identify where an air leak exists, insert a business card or feeler gauge between the windshield and the upper molding. Slide the card along the molding to find a loose spot, indicating a potential leak.

Repair:

1. Remove windshield top and side moldings.

CAUTION: These moldings will be re-installed, be careful not to damage them.

2. Clean the windshield edges.

3. Apply a suitable glass sealant (3M Black Silicon Sealant P/N 051135-08662 or equivalent) to the upper edge of the windshield.

4. Re-install the moldings.

5. Wipe off excess windshield sealant.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise from the upper edge of the windshield no longer exists.

Incident 2: A Pillar

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. On both sides of the vehicle, apply high quality masking tape to cover the seam between the windshield and the A pillar (across the side molding) along the height of the windshield (see Figure 2).

3. Test drive again.

A. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source and this section applies.

B. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:
The cause of the wind noise is the windshield side moldings.

Repair:

1. Remove both windshield side moldings.

CAUTION: The side moldings will be re-installed be careful not to damage them.

2. For each one of the side moldings, cut two pieces of foam seal (3M Scotch foam P/N 051131-06370 Tape No.4504 or equivalent). Cut the first piece approximately 60 cm (23.6 in,) long, 10 mm (0.4 in.) wide and approximately 8 mm (0.3 in.) thick. Cut the second piece approximately 25 cm (9.8 in.) long, 10 mm (0.4in.) wide and approximately 8 mm (0.3 in.) thick.

3. Attach the longer foam strip inside each of the side moldings (see Figure 3). Attach the shorter foam strip at the thicker end of each of the side moldings as shown in Figure 3. The foam seal will absorb any wind noise created inside the side moldings.

4. Re-install the side moldings.

Recheck:
Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise from the A pillar no longer exists.

Incident 3: A & B Pillars

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. Apply high quality masking tape to cover the seam between the upper edge of the front door and the body (across the weather strip) along the length of the door (see picture above).

3. Test drive again.

A. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

B. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:

To identify where a leak exists, try either of the following methods:

1. Close the door. From the outside, insert a business card or feeler gauge down between the door and the weather strip. Slide the card along the weather strip. A loose spot indicates a potential leak.

2. Open the door. Spray the top edge of the door contact with powder spray (Crest Leak-Trace, Stock No. AT-R, or equivalent. Dealers should call 1(800)822-4100 to find their local Crest distributor. Carefully close the door, pushing at the striker until the second latch has closed (try not to push the door past the second latch closing; this may mask the leak detection process). Re-open the door. An un-smeared spot will indicate a potential leak.

Repair:

Cut a piece of foam seal (3M Scotch foam P/N 051131-06370 Tape No.4504 or equivalent) 7 mm wide (approximately one-quarter inch) and the length of the leak. Attach this foam seal to the body-side of the weather strip where the leak exists (see Figure 5.) This will increase the contact force between the door and the weather strip, sealing the air gap.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise from the front door roofline no longer exists

Incident 4: Front Door Top Edge

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. Apply high quality masking tape, from the door, across the run rubber, to the top edge of the door glass (see Figure 6), covering the seam in between.

3. Test drive again.

a. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

b. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:

To identify where a leak exists, try either of the following methods.

1. Roll the window up completely. From the outside, insert a business card or feeler gauge between the window and the run rubber. Slide the card along the run rubber to find a loose spot, indicating a potential leak. Repeat on the inside of the door.

2. Roll the window half-way down. Spray the top outside and inside edges of the window with powder spray (Crest Leak-Trace, Stock No. AT-R or equivalent). Roll the window up completely and then back down. An un-smeared spot will indicate a potential leak.

Repair:

1. Remove the run rubber from the door frame.

CAUTION: The run rubber will be re-installed, be careful not to damage it.

2. Cut a piece of foam seal (3M Scotch foam P/N 051131-06370 Tape No.4504 or equivalent), 20 cm long (approximately 8 inches) and 7 mm wide (approximately one-quarter inch wide). Attach this strip along the interior side of the run rubber (as shown in Figure 7). This will increase the contact pressure between the window and the exterior side of the run rubber.

3. Re-install the run rubber.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise from the front door glass no longer exists.

Incident 5: Waist or Belt Line Front Door

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. Apply high quality masking tape to cover the seam between the lower edge of the window and the door, across the lower molding (see Figure 8.) Test drive again.

3. Test drive again.

a. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

b. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:

To identify where a leak exists, try either of the following methods.

1. Roll the window up completely. Insert a business card or feeler gauge down between the window and the lower molding. Slide the card along the molding to find a loose spot, indicating a potential leak. Repeat on the inside of the door.

2. Roll the window up completely. Spray the lower edge of the window with powder spray (Crest Leak-Trace, Stock No. AT-R or equivalent). Roll the window down and then back up. An un-smeared spot will indicate a potential leak.

Repair:

1. Lower the window completely.

2. Remove door outer molding (see Figure 9).

3. Using a block of wood, drive the door lip slightly inwards at the position of the leak (see Figure 10) to obtain molding contact with the window.

CAUTION, be sure not to damage the door panel or paint.

4. Replace door outer molding.

5. Recheck the spacing between the window and the molding for no contact and repeat steps 1-4 as necessary.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise from the lower edge of the window no longer exists.

Incident 6: Side Mirror Molding

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. Tape across the A pillar to the door (see Figure 11).

3. Test drive again.

a. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

b. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate: If the tape eliminates the noise, you have isolated the incident.

Repair:

1. Remove the side mirror.

2. Cut a piece of foam seal (3M Scotch foam P/N 051131-06375 Tape No. 4508 or equivalent) 7 mm wide (approximately one-quarter inch wide). Attach this strip all the way around the edges of the mirror (see Figure 12).

3. Re-install the mirror, making sure to tighten sufficiently. This should eliminate any gap that existed between the mirror and the body.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise at the inside finisher no longer exists.

Incident 7: Side Mirror or Window

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify wind noise.

2. Tape across the two holes on the bottom of the mirror (see Figure 12).

3. Test drive again.

a. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

b. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:

If the tape works, you have isolated the incident.

Repair:

Fill the holes with a suitable glass sealant (3M Clear Auto Sealer P/N 051135-08551 or equivalent). Wipe off any excess sealant.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise no longer exists.

Interior - Wind Noise around Front Door

Models: 1995 Maxima (A32)

Date: February 8, 1995

1995 MAXIMA WIND NOISE AROUND FRONT DOOR

SERVICE INFORMATION

Some customers may complain of excessive wind noise around the door mirror and/or front door area. The noise may be described as wind noise or air turbulence, sometimes accompanied by a whistling or hissing sound; or as the sound of a window that is not fully closed. The noise may further be described as beginning to occur at approximately 30 MPH and continues as vehicle speed increases; and the noise may be reported as coming from one or both front doors.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. First drive the vehicle with the customer to confirm the actual level and location of the wind noise complaint. Isolate the location of any abnormal noise (i.e. mirror, A-pillar, top of door glass, etc.).

2. Inspect the following areas:

a. Inspect the leading edge of the window waist molding. The front seam of this molding must be completely flush where it contacts the mirror base molding. Any gap or misalignment of this seam may result in turbulence or wind noise.

If a gap or poor alignment exists, realign the window waist molding to the mirror base molding. Page BF-22 describes installation of this molding in illustration # 13.

3. Re-install the run rubber.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise from the front door glass no longer exists.

Incident 5: Waist or Belt Line Front Door

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. Apply high quality masking tape to cover the seam between the lower edge of the window and the door, across the lower molding (see Figure 8.) Test drive again.

3. Test drive again.

a. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

b. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:

To identify where a leak exists, try either of the following methods.

1. Roll the window up completely. Insert a business card or feeler gauge down between the window and the lower molding. Slide the card along the molding to find a loose spot, indicating a potential leak. Repeat on the inside of the door.

2. Roll the window up completely. Spray the lower edge of the window with powder spray (Crest Leak-Trace, Stock No. AT-R or equivalent). Roll the window down and then back up. An un-smeared spot will indicate a potential leak.

Repair:

1. Lower the window completely.

2. Remove door outer molding (see Figure 9).

3. Using a block of wood, drive the door lip slightly inwards at the position of the leak (see Figure 10) to obtain molding contact with the window.

CAUTION, be sure not to damage the door panel or paint.

4. Replace door outer molding.

5. Recheck the spacing between the window and the molding for no contact and repeat steps 1-4 as necessary.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise from the lower edge of the window no longer exists.

Incident 6: Side Mirror Molding

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify the wind noise.

2. Tape across the A pillar to the door (see Figure 11).

3. Test drive again.

a. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

b. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate: If the tape eliminates the noise, you have isolated the incident.

Repair:

1. Remove the side mirror.

2. Cut a piece of foam seal (3M Scotch foam P/N 051131-06375 Tape No. 4508 or equivalent) 7 mm wide (approximately one-quarter inch wide). Attach this strip all the way around the edges of the mirror (see Figure 12).

3. Re-install the mirror, making sure to tighten sufficiently. This should eliminate any gap that existed between the mirror and the body.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise at the inside finisher no longer exists.

Incident 7: Side Mirror or Window

Verify:

1. Test drive the vehicle to verify wind noise.

2. Tape across the two holes on the bottom of the mirror (see Figure 12).

3. Test drive again.

a. If the wind noise is significantly reduced, you have located the source of wind noise and this section applies.

b. If wind noise still exists, this section does not apply, review other incidents identified in this bulletin.

Isolate:

If the tape works, you have isolated the incident.

Repair:

Fill the holes with a suitable glass sealant (3M Clear Auto Sealer P/N 051135-08551 or equivalent). Wipe off any excess sealant.

Recheck:

Test drive the vehicle and confirm that the noise no longer exists.

Interior - Wind Noise around Front Door

Models: 1995 Maxima (A32)

Date: February 8, 1995

1995 MAXIMA WIND NOISE AROUND FRONT DOOR

SERVICE INFORMATION

Some customers may complain of excessive wind noise around the door mirror and/or front door area. The noise may be described as wind noise or air turbulence, sometimes accompanied by a whistling or hissing sound; or as the sound of a window that is not fully closed. The noise may further be described as beginning to occur at approximately 30 MPH and continues as vehicle speed increases; and the noise may be reported as coming from one or both front doors.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. First drive the vehicle with the customer to confirm the actual level and location of the wind noise complaint. Isolate the location of any abnormal noise (i.e. mirror, A-pillar, top of door glass, etc.).

2. Inspect the following areas:

a. Inspect the leading edge of the window waist molding. The front seam of this molding must be completely flush where it contacts the mirror base molding. Any gap or misalignment of this seam may result in turbulence or wind noise.

If a gap or poor alignment exists, realign the window waist molding to the mirror base molding. Page BF-22 describes installation of this molding in illustration # 13.

b. Inspect the horizontal opening at the base of the mirror. Taping off the horizontal opening will help isolate this possible wind noise location. See the illustration for additional details.

Test drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the customer’s complaint. If the noise level is reduced, installation of a new foam strip between the mirror base and mirror head is required. See illustration.

Apply a piece of single sided adhesive foam tape to the mirror base as shown. Use 1/4" wide by 1/8" thick tape. Ensure that there is no gap between the end of the tape and the mirror base. The foam tape should compress slightly as the mirror head drops down into its (normal) folded-out position.

c. Inspect the mirror base molding for correct installation and seal. The foam tape used to seal the mirror base to the door panel may not be correctly located. See illustration. Replace the mirror base molding and reinstall the mirror to correct this condition.

d. Remove any incorrectly positioned foam tape. Install new 1/4" wide by 1/8" thick single-sided adhesive foam tape as needed (cut from 3M SCOTCHFOAM # 4508 or equivalent). Position new tape to ensure a complete seal between mirror base molding and door panel. New tape should overlap glass run rubber adjacent to rear edge of mirror base molding.