Some 2011-14 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs may produce a creaking or popping sound from the windshield while being driven over irregular road surfaces in colder ambient temperatures. Both the cause of the noise and the fix is dependent on where on the windshield the noise is coming from.
If the noise is at the upper windshield area, chances are the exterior molding is binding against the glass and/or windshield opening. The fix is to get a can of GM Super Lube, part No. 12346241, lift the molding and spray the lube liberally between the entire molding (both sides and top) and the vehicle body. Wipe off any excess lubricant, then road test the vehicle to verify that noise has been eliminated.
If the creaking or popping noise is coming from the base of the windshield, you're probably dealing with a binding condition between the inside of the windshield glass and the foam seal at the front of the instrument panel's upper trim. If that's the case, get inside the vehicle, direct the nozzle of the Super Lube in the space between the seal and the glass and give it a good spray. Once again, wipe off any excess, then take to the road to confirm that noise has been permanently vanquished.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].