Tailgate Rattle or Something Else?

[jab23]

Hi All,

My continuing love/hate relationship continues with my low-ish mileage 4.6. I've had every "common" problem so far despite it's great history prior to me buying it 2 years ago. Probably $5k worth of stuff with the starter being the most recent (last week). Okay, bitching over. Boo-hoo. Just frustrated.

So, now I'm trying to track down a popping noise in the cargo area. Thought it was only happening when the body flexed in my up hill, turning garage entrance, but seems to be happening a lot more now regardless of road conditions. I found lots of great advice here and tried felt tape on the rear seat latches, adjusted bump stops on the lift gate, and made sure the rubber stops were in place where the upper lid latches to lower. Checked spare, battery, tools, etc.. Took some trim off I thought might be the culprit. Nope.

It's hard to pinpoint and sounds like maybe something on a pendulum hitting the inside of a rear quarter panel (I checked in there too!). So, now I'm reading about bushings. Could that be it?

Just wanted to get your opinions before I bring it to my indy yet again. Thanks!

[LeiZ]

subscribe to this. Same issue bothering me for over 2 years!!!!

[crystalworks]

I have something like this going on too... going to have the wife ride in the boot while I drive to see if she can pinpoint the general area... will update if I find anything.

[jab23]

Thanks. I'm going to do the same when I see my girlfriend this weekend. It's a relatively new relationship. She is going to think I'm nuts.....or punch me for suggesting I ride in the rear.

If I figure it out, I'll be sure to post too.

Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Bmwtvboy]

I had an annoying rattle, it turned out to be the latches in the rear hatch. SO, I duck tape them. Rattle gone. Drives smooth, but firm over the bumps.

[jab23]

Originally Posted by Bmwtvboy

I had an annoying rattle, it turned out to be the latches in the rear hatch. SO, I duck tape them. Rattle gone. Drives smooth, but firm over the bumps.

On the lower tailgate section? I actually did forget to check those.

[LeiZ]

Oh really???!! Can you elaborate a little bit more on this?

Originally Posted by Bmwtvboy

I had an annoying rattle, it turned out to be the latches in the rear hatch. SO, I duck tape them. Rattle gone. Drives smooth, but firm over the bumps.

[Clockwork]

guys, can you describe the sound a bit. is it a One time sound or happens a few times when it does?
ALSO, bare with me, try this... vent or open your moonroof.
does the sound go away?
if so its a moonroof sound problem (very common on this board) that SOUNDS like its coming from the boot.

[admranger]

Back the little rubber stops on the body out a little (the ones for the upper tailgate). that stopped the rattling noise for me.

[David.X5]

Those stoppers have been redesigned. If you cough up $35+ per side you will get spring loaded stoppers. Probably an hour to replace them - requires removing trim.

Solved my rattles...

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