Tech - Rattle/Squeak in RH Side of IP or RF Dr Trim Panel Scratched

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The tie bar under the instrument panel may not be correctly aligned to the body sheet metal. The tie bar may also be referred to as the instrument panel carrier support bar or cross vehicle beam.

Notice: Do not attempt to align by prying or forcing the instrument panel assembly to the left side of the vehicle. Doing so will result in damage to the instrument panel assembly, components, door and/or door trim panel.

Remove the instrument panel and align the tie bar (3) to the body sheet metal (4) using the following procedure. The illustration shows the tie bar when INCORRECTLY aligned (1) and when CORRECTLY aligned (2). When correctly aligned (2), the hole in the body sheet metal is centered in the middle of the notch in the tie bar bracket. For additional information on cautions, instrument panel removal, installation, fasteners and torque specifications, see the Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console sub-section of Body and Accessories in the appropriate Service Manual.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disable the SIR system.
3. Remove the defroster grille.
4. Remove the instrument panel end panels.
5. Remove the instrument panel valance (Sunfire only).
6. Open the instrument panel storage compartment and remove the accessory trim plate (Sunfire only).
7. Remove the storage compartment trim plate with compartment lamp (Sunfire only).
8. Remove the instrument panel cluster trim plate (Cavalier only).
9. Remove the instrument panel trim pad.
10. Remove the HVAC control.
11. Remove the radio.
12. Remove the air distribution duct.
13. Remove the tilt lever.
14. Remove the steering column covers.
15. Remove the driver's side SIR inflator module.
16. Remove the steering wheel.
17. Remove the instrument panel cluster assembly.
18. Remove the defroster duct.
19. Remove the passenger side SIR inflator module.
20. Remove the multi-function switch/lever.
21. Remove the windshield wiper washer lever.
22. Remove the lower instrument panel assembly from the vehicle.
23. Loosen the upper steering column attaching bolts.
24. Remove the lower heater duct trim covers.
25. Loosen the tie bar fasteners, align the tie bar as shown and tighten the tie bar fasteners.
26. Install the lower heater duct trim covers.
27. Tighten the upper steering column attaching bolts.
28. Install the lower instrument panel assembly to the vehicle.
29. Install the windshield wiper washer lever.
30. Install the multi-function switch/lever.
31. Install the passenger side SIR inflator module.
32. Install the defroster duct.
33. Install the instrument panel cluster assembly.
34. Install the steering wheel.
35. Install the driver's side SIR inflator module.
36. Install the steering column covers.
37. Install the tilt lever.
38. Install the air distribution duct.
39. Install the radio.
40. Install the HVAC control.
41. Install the instrument panel trim pad.
42. Install the instrument panel cluster trim plate (Cavalier only).
43. Install the storage compartment trim plate with compartment lamp (Sunfire only).
44. Install the accessory trim plate and close the storage compartment door (Sunfire only).
45. Install the instrument panel valance (Sunfire only).
46. Install the instrument panel end panels.
47. Install the defroster grille.
48. Enable the SIR system.
49. Connect the negative battery cable.

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