jpflip

The floor panel over the spare tire is caving in...Can you tell me if I am missing something to keep the floor level? Thanks for your help, J.P.

AZN Optics

Floor board isn't really supported fully by the spare, depending rather on it's on rigidity. If it's caving in however, you can try rigging some supports under the spare tire to raise it up a bit so the board can sit on top of it. Just need to make sure it's not so tall that you won't be able to screw on the center utility bracket. I know I've raised mine somewhat this way with my sound dampening liner down there as the boot area under the spare is one of the primary spot for road noise intrusion as there's only a piece of undampened plastic there.

jpflip

Thanks for lot for the fast reply and for the information...I will do as you are suggesting! I feel better now that I know I don't miss any part ;-)

michail71

How much of a difference did that make?

AZN Optics

You mean with the sound dampening? Quite a bit, especially if you've upgraded your exhaust like I did. I affixed vibration dampeners (http://store.secondskinaudio.com/damplifier-pro/) and layered sound dampening layer on top (http://store.secondskinaudio.com/luxury-liner-pro/).

If you ever take out the spare, you'll see there's just a thin plastic piece between the outside and your interior. We pinpointed that as the primary culprit for cabin noise.

michail71

Now if only someone could figure out how to dampen that engine whine on the C250! It has to be the worst sounding production engine ever made. Although I suspect it's something belt, pulley or gear related.

Any thoughts on which material had the biggest impact?

If I do this I'll try to get some before and after dB readings.