Odd stereo problem, need some help

[jerryeveretts]

I am sure lots of you have put aftermarket stereo's in your outbacks,
my problem is with the hatchback and the rear view mirror. The rear
view mirror is not really so much stereo related but it is compounded
by it. The problem is it is really loose, and even when the stereo
isn't turned up it ends up pointed at the rear seat. Is there any way
to tighten it?
As for the liftgate, what the hell vibrates and rattles in there, at
first I had the license plate vibrating on the outside, and I fixed
that by putting 4 bolts in and tightening them, but from the inside I
can hear a vibration that sound very much like the license plate, is
there something I can tighten up in there? I have a VW Beetle with a
lot more SPL than this with no vibrations whatsoever, it is kinda
driving me crazy.

Jerry

 

[S]

Hi Jerry!

I am sure lots of you have put aftermarket stereo's in your outbacks,
my problem is with the hatchback and the rear view mirror. The rear
view mirror is not really so much stereo related but it is compounded
by it. The problem is it is really loose, and even when the stereo
isn't turned up it ends up pointed at the rear seat. Is there any way
to tighten it?

Not sure, but if there is, it will be a screw (probably allen-head)
near the ball and socket where the mirror pivots. Tighten the screw to
increase tension. If not, pick up another at your local salvage yard,
or give me a call and I'll see if I can find one for you.

As for the liftgate, what the hell vibrates and rattles in there, at
first I had the license plate vibrating on the outside, and I fixed
that by putting 4 bolts in and tightening them, but from the inside I
can hear a vibration that sound very much like the license plate, is
there something I can tighten up in there? I have a VW Beetle with a
lot more SPL than this with no vibrations whatsoever, it is kinda
driving me crazy.

Lotsa stuff in the hatch; most likely candidate is one of the lock
linkage rods but could be any number of things. Pop off the plastic
trim (a combination of screw-type and pop-in plastic fasteners; just
be careful not to exert excessive force, it's designed to come off
easily), and apply weather-strip tape where ever the linkages appear
to contact sheet metal or plastic. Also check to be sure the external
trim plastic's fasteners are nice -n- tight. Same with the wiper assy,
electric locks, etc. A good technique is to climb in the back and poke
around while the stereo is playing something with a strong repetitive
bass line. If you're enthusiastic about it, this would be a good time
to install some Dynamat as well.

Be warned that this is a never ending project; if you run a decent
subwoofer at even modest volume, you will _always_ find car resonances
and vibrations. All of the doors will have rattles, as will the dash
mountings, and glove box/glove box contents. Resonances in the actual
sheet-metal "skin" are best addressed with Dynamat or the like,
everything else try tightening the associated fasteners first, then
weatherstrip tape as needed.

The simple solution is to crank the stereo up until it drowns out the
cars accompaniment; that's the excuse I use, anyway ;-)

Have fun!

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[jerryeveretts]

Thanks I will take the trim off of the tailgate. Thats kind of what it
sounds like, lock linkage or something similar. I am running a MMats 12
Juggernaut in a vented encolsure and a Class D 700W Monoblock amp. It
does get annoying when listening to a live jazz recording with a nice
deep punch, to hear the car rattling apart!

Jerry

 

[Sheldon]

Thanks I will take the trim off of the tailgate. Thats kind of what it
sounds like, lock linkage or something similar. I am running a MMats 12
Juggernaut in a vented encolsure and a Class D 700W Monoblock amp. It
does get annoying when listening to a live jazz recording with a nice
deep punch, to hear the car rattling apart!

Jerry

The plastic pieces that hold the license plate on can break off and fall in.
If that happens most people just push a new holder in there and forget about
the pieces inside. Could be anything in there. Try pushing and holding
everything to see if you can get it to stop. Are your jack and tools tied
down well?