I’ve had an annoying Cracking/Snapping noise from the centre of the dash for ages. Very noticable on Cold days when the heating is put on. Also on undulating roads I was getting it the whole time. Pressing under the Centre Air Vents would simulate the problem and after removing the Centre Storage area for a few days there was silence.

Pic 1

Shows Hole after removal. To remove, Level under front of the Centre Vent with an up and out movement and pull vent out towards rear of car to remove. Don’t forget to disconnect the Hazard Light Switch, press on tab and remove (see Octavia-vRS.com - MFD2 Install Guide). See Pic 2 for the Storage/Vents assembly prior to modifying)

Pic 1

Pic 2

1a shows the bare Hard Dash Plastic under the top layer. Initially I thought this might be the cause of the problem, as the Storage Clip locators (Pic2) might have been rubbing off the Hard Plastic.

Pic1a

Pic 1b

Put some tape over the Hard Dash Plastic, and also around the 5 Clip Locators see Pic3 shown by Orange Arrows, 3 clips on the bottom and the ones on either side. Also see Pics 4 & 5.

I also put some tape shown by Red Arrows, as there was 2 pieces of plastic coming into contact.

Pic1b

Pic3

Pic4

Pic5

I found the problem was a little better but was still occurring. I removed the Storage Compartment again after a few weeks.

Pic 6

This time I took some tape and overlapped it on itself a few times, basically to make a “spacer or filler material”. I cut it into sections of approx. 10x20mm, doubled it up and squashed it into the positions shown by Yellow Arrows. Pic 6a shows a close up, along with other views in Pic 7 & 8

The whole Storage Assembly seems to be in 2 pieces if you like and the rub against each other.

Pic6

Pic6a

Pic7

Pic8

Pic9

I decided to tape the back of the Storage area to ensure it wasn’t rubbing off anything.

Pic9

Finally I gave any areas I thought might rub a good spraying with Hotls Rubber & Nylon Spray (just thought I’d try it).

The problem seems to have gone now having had it done a few weeks. There’s been a lot of cold morning so that’s a good thing. Pressing under the centre vents no longer makes that cracking noise.

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Bloomin heck! Nice guide - not sure I'll need it but well done for sharing the info!

You have way too much time on your hands Gaff.... when you're down this way in May, bring your hoover - my car needs a lot of TLC

PS: I have found on previous cars that single sided foam tape (or the woolly side of velcro) is best for stoping plastic on plastic creaks.

Thank you, you have no idea quite how irritating that squeaking over the bumps has been!

Think i might have a nice word with the dealer too

Thank you, you have no idea quite how irritating that squeaking over the bumps has been!

Think i might have a nice word with the dealer too

I do have an idea, hence the reason I got sick of it and done the above , tbh its made a massive difference.......I just need to get the rear seat release clips sorted

If anyone tries this please reply with your findings.

You have way too much time on your hands Gaff.... when you're down this way in May, bring your hoover - my car needs a lot of TLC

I do but feck it if it wasn't for things like this people would be waiting a long time to find resolution.

wrt hoover

Well done Colm. I know how annoying a mystery rattle can be. I had one coming from my dash (so I thought). Took half of it out, then flicked the handbrake button by accident.....hey presto there was the rattle! It took me about 3 hours to find and repair a rattle that I put my thumb on everyday.