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Body squeaks are funny things. Some gearheads will spend considerable resources to get their rides to make specific noises, but can be driven around the bend by others.

Body squeaks are definitely members of the latter category, but how can you pinpoint an interior squeak and what are the best ways to tackle the repairs?

Don’t reach for a single wrench or roll of foam tape until you’ve taken a drive with a helper pilot to narrow down your search for a squeak’s origin. A short piece of cut garden or automotive heater hose can be a great tool to listen to specific areas of an interior. Unlike tech stethoscopes, they don’t require direct contact to pick up noises and can be very helpful with lower dash noises.

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With the source of the squeak localized, keep your pilot driving and use your hands to push and pull various components to see if the noise changes. Don’t forget to check out under-dash wiring and any other parts below the instrument panel.

If you were lucky enough on your first run to find the fit between two panels to be the cause, slip a small stiff business or credit card at the meeting point to confirm your diagnosis.

The regions behind door trim panels can be a great source of a variety of body noises. Almost any one of these, with an aftermarket audio speaker that someone else installed, is a great suspect. Window regulator attachments can also get loose with age, leading to other noises.

When worn fasteners — or more specifically, worn holes — for self-tapping screws are the problem, often a spot of dense foam tape might tighten things up on areas where lightweight materials and small loads are involved.

Pulling the panel off for inspection is often a minor chore on many older rides.

Foam tape is usually a go-to repair source for interior squeaks caused by panel interference, but it has its drawbacks. Its often porous nature means it can compress to the point where it does little to muffle or eliminate the sound. Automotive two-sided tape is denser and can be used with one of its non-stick layers in place to provide some friction where needed. If you only need better friction to solve a noise (where two plastic panels butt up tight against each other for example), any auto parts store has clear friction tape in rolls.

When worn fasteners — or more specifically, worn holes — for self-tapping screws are the problem, often a spot of dense foam tape might tighten things up on areas where lightweight materials and small loads are involved.

If it’s something heavier, consider using speed nuts with a small dab of RTV sealer in the centre. They self-thread, making them easier to use on blind holes (like most of everything under and behind a dash).

Finally, leave felt and other fibrous materials out of your squeak repair kit. They can serve as a great source of nesting material for any variety of four-legged critters.

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