Ok, I've adjusted the rear hatch stops about 100 times now. It stops rattling for a few miles, but always returns. Has anyone come up with a solution to this very annoying problem? I've thought about using some adhesive-backed foam insulation squares under the stops to create a cusion, but haven't tried it yet.

 

You are on track. When I got my auto I wanted to address this problem right away because I did not have it on my first XFIRE.

From what I read on this forum, I was inspired to go to HD or Lowe's and get an array of stick on velcro and rubber furniture strips. The velcro ended up doing it for me. (the rubber strips were a little too thick) My car is black as is the velcro so it looks neat. It is placed right under the stop which prevents it from denting the body work around the hatch opening. I think it usually works best to apply one on the driver's side.

Good luck; If this doesn't work for you , be creative. Most solutions are simple and they don't break something else while you are doing your thing.

RP

 

I didn't think of Velcro. Did you put the hook piece on the car and the loop piece on the stop or did you just use the soft, loop side as a cushion vs. using it as Velcro?

 

I just used the soft loop side. You could apply it on the stop or the body. I put it on the body. It comes in strips just the right length.
Another possibilty if the velcro it not thick enough for your need is the cork strips that are self-adhesive and a little thicker.
If you are getting the noise from behind you; have you also checked the space between the bulkhead behind the seats and the seat belt reel housing. If there is no space you can use something thin like a spatula that won't scratch to slide in and create a little space and even apply a little lube.
That is also a creaking noise that seems to come from the back instead of over your shoulder.
The shape inside the rear end of the car acts like a sound baffle and makes it quite hard to find the source of some noises.
Mine has done well so far and frankly I don't know which fix actually did it.


btw.......on one occasion I drove home not realizing that the hatch looked closed but was not latched . I have a friend that I told not to slam the hatch. Everytime he closes it , it is not latched. Anyway, on my way home there was a pretty bad rattle and I thought what the heck is this, I haven't had this before. I got home and sure enough when I opened the hatch I didn't feel the click that you expect when releasing the pull . I pushed the hatch down and realized for the first time that unlike a trunk, the hatch will look closed even when it is not latched.
Now I am wondering if that is why yours works for a while and then seems to come back. Always make sure the latch catches. (those stops work against the latch catching to create a good tight fit)

Good luck,
RP

 

Yes thats the way to go. I actually use rubber and line them up with the black plastic stoppers that are fixed to the hatch. Bought a whole role of this "weatherstripping" for $5 or so at Advanced Auto Parts. It sticks well and creates a tight fit. I have had it on since I bought the car in May. Only changed it once for a tighter fit as the rubber over a long period of time indents more permanently. But no problem, I still have a whole roll which I store down under the trunk mat. Best of luck.

 

My Dealer Placed A 1/4 Inch Weatherstrip Where The Hatch Adjuster Contacts The Deck. It Will Not Dent The Deck And I Change It Every Few Months When It Starts To Rattle.

 

Thanks for the help! I'm pretty sure that the rattle comes back because the stops just don't stay put. I'll try the velcro or the rubber.