Windshield noise

[Gary]

I recently purchased a 2007 silverado ext cab. I have noticed that when driving into a headwind I hear what sounds like a crackling noise coming from across the top of the windshield. Have you heard of this before and do you know what it is or what is causing it. Thanks

[Dave]

I'm guessing you also have a bug deflector on the front of your truck. Seems that a lot of silverados are having problems with this from what I hear. I have an 06 duramax crew cab, it does the same thing. Sounds like tiny rocks or sand hitting the windshield. I had to have a complete new windshield installed and I also had them install factory window stripping, which is actually the mounts. i thought it would cure that, but it doesnt. I also take the bug deflector off, and the noise goes away. An aftermarket dealer, told me that they squirt silicone sealant underneath the stripping, and leave it sit over night, and it will cure that. I'm not wild about that Idea either.

[Gary]

Dave, your description of the noise is spot on and yes I have added a bug deflector so that may be the problem. I will remove it and see if the noise goes away. Thanks for your info.

[Gary]

Dave, I wanted to give you a follow-up. I had also thought the problem might be with the stripping along each side of the windshield so before removing the bug deflector I tried something. It was very windy today and the noise gets quite amplified when driving into the wind. I put a strip of electrical tape down both sides of the windshield (half on the glass and half on the stripping) thus covering the gap between the stripping and the glass. I drove several miles and experience NO noise at all.
Applying silicone to fill in the gap may be a good solution. Hope this may be of help to you.