Unusual Rattle Only When Passenger Seat Empty??

[Daz8161]

Hi guys I've tried to do a search but seems like the rattle I have is not the usual dash rattles most experience.

When I am driving along without anyone else in the car I can hear a clicking type rattling noise from the passenger side (seems to be from the A pillar / dash area). I have tried stuffing foam etc down any gaps below the A pillar and inside the glovebox area but to no avail.

Now what I have noticed is that when a heavier passenger sits on the front seat the rattle goes away, but with a lighter person the rattle is still there.... its driving me crazy!!

Does anyone have any ideas on what maybe causing the rattle?? Definately doesnt sound like its coming from the seat....

 

[Double-6s]

It's because your stereo isn't turned up loud enough mate. Turn the stereo up and hey presto, the rattle will disappear

 

[Daz8161]

i wish i could live with that... its the only rattle i have and would looooove to eradicate it!

 

[cupra_r_ick]

I had this, turnt out to be the belt in b pillar

 

[Daz8161]

how did you fix it mate?

 

[traumapat]

internal or external noise? If internal id check the seat bolts underneath and rails... external theres an exhaust mount midway under the car thats known to fail and will cause a tapping sound dependent on extra weight. Worth checking anything affected by weight

 

[Daz8161]

Thanks guys ill have a look and see. Would I need to take the seat out to check for the seat bolts? sound appears to come from where the A pillar meets the dashboard internally but its hard to know exactly where because when I get a friend to drive the car and I sit in the passenger side it doesnt happen :S

 

[AshFR]

I had the same problem. I found it to be the seat belt plug/socket on the passenger seat wobbles side to side and starts rattling when the seat is empty sometimes. Does my head in but doesnt do it too much anyway.

 

[Daz8161]

It definately doesnt sound like its coming from the seat or like its coming from under the car. sounds like its coming from under the A pillar :S

Ive tried once again, stuffing the padding as far down any gaps i can possibly reach under the A pillar and up as high as I can through the glovebox gap (when glovebox tray is removed). Hoping it'll make a difference. Will report back tomorrow :S

 

[Daz8161]

Went for a drive and didnt solve it. Wondering if its coming from under the bonnet close to the windscreen or scuttle trim....