YODAONE

Several posts on various Lexus forums discussing NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

When reducing NVH in one area, it become more apparent elsewhere, hence Tesla owners really notice their tire and wind noise...

After numerous NVH reduction postings on the 1999 LS400, now am chasing smaller areas that were once less obvious...and moreover, overlooked by our OEM.

After perusing other forums came across one discussing noisy map pockets.

Since I had removed my driver's door panel for a minor vinyl repair, I observed inadequate sealing between the plastic map pocket and main door panel....serious gaps that were allowing door frame cavity noise into the interior. A flashlight was used to see where light was bleeding through...if light then sound.

Anyone who has driven with an interior door panel.removed understands there is considerable door cavity noise; panel rustle and wind noise.so the door panel serves as a barrier.


Driver's door panel depicting the plastic map pocket... Just had a nick repaired by Pilsen Vintage (Chicago) on the lower rail...perfect color match and invisible repair.

A close up view of map pocket and vinyl repair

Backside of door panel with closed cell foam barrier sheet and foam block removed. The foam block is there also to cover gaps between door panel pressboard and molded plastic map pocket...it proves inadequate for the entire perimeter however. ..

Backside of map pocket adjacent speaker opening. Numerous gaps between profiles of dabs of adhesive .

Interior door panel backside with plastic map pocket removed.. Will apply outdoor rated foam tape to fill spans of largest gaps around door pull area of armrest.

Noise easily permeates through (numerous) gaps like this

This side view of edge of map pocket depicts the gaps created by profile of adhesive dabs.. will fill these gaps with rubberized adhesive


Heavy 15mm Polytex

Paper template prepared for best material fit.

Material applied with liberal application of 3M adhesive..the material protrudes slightly to facilitate gasketing and airtight fit between the plastic pocket and the door panel...where the edge abuts door panel card.

1/2\"wide X 1/4" foam window seal. EPDM is not conformable enough. This material accepts a compression set.

Used DAP clear rubberized sealer between the plastic map pocket and backside of door panel. This adhesive sets quickly and has enough surface energy to work between the hard plastic and pressboard door card. Should disassembly be required in the future, then the rubber can be easily scored.

213374U

Very cool!

Are you planning to do this to all door panels? If so, would you mind doing a dB reading before and after? Seems like this would do a lot to improve cabin quietness.

YODAONE

Noise tests provide useful information.

Anyone with a link to a free Android application for Db meter??

As for actual sound level testing...whether or not a sound test is actually performed...trust all can agree sealing these gaps will result in decreased, and not increased noise.

Yamae

Not Db but dB.

YODAONE

Correct on dB....

Should anyone wonder why Lexus did not determine to seal the plastic door map pockets...
they did, but in later build years years.probably starting in 1998 or 1999.

As I have a less common interior color, acquired an entire set of same color door panels from a 1996 or 1997 donor vehicle.

I am using best parts from1996 and 1999 drivers door panel to create one perfect panel.

Preceding image of map pocket are from the 1996 door panel, which did not employ sealing tape


This image is from the 1999 door panel map pocket depicting factory installed foam sealing tape.

The workmanship applying the foam.tape is not typical of Toyota.; The tape is not centered, it is inadequate width and thickness.... the glue dollops are applied atop foam thereby preventing the foam tape from sealing the voids and preventing the plastic pocket from resting flush or otherwise achieving a seal against the backside of door panel card, and the bottom edge of the plastic pocket (at noisiest point closest to street and vents at bottom of door cavity) exhibits no sealing.(my solution above)

1999 door panel pocket depicting sealing tape scheme, allowing room for improvement. Somewhat time consuming to remove door panel and disassemble it..
Inexpensive materials and adhesives produce r meaningful results.

Hope this helps.

YODAONE

...the "before" repair image.


To correctly perform vinyl repair in this area requires disassembly of lower door panel, and removal.of black plastic backing brace located directly behind the depicted door pocket ridge (depicted in original post)