Weird plastic rattle

[MEO73]

So I have an intermittant (but frequent) plastic-sounding rattle coming from the driver’s side—near my ear. Jeep’s are generally rattletraps, so that wouldnt bother me so much, but it’s so close to my ear and pretty loud. I checked the plastic cladding around the pillar, the freedom top, and the shoulder belt anchor, but nothing seems to tame it. Thoughts? Anyone have a similar issue?

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[Rhinebeck01]

So I have a fairly continuous (while driving) plastic-sounding rattle coming from the driver’s side—near my ear. Jeep’s are generally rattletraps, so that wouldnt bother me so much, but it’s so close to my ear and pretty loud. I checked the plastic cladding around the pillar, the freedom top, and the shoulder belt anchor, but nothing seems to tame it. Thoughts? Anyone have a similar issue?

Yup, I believe know what you are hearing. I had it on both sides. Look at the pic below. The red arrow in the pic points to a plastic covering (I think there are wires under the cover) that can be found on both sides of your JL. Anyway, I had this intermittent plastic ratting sound as you call it on both sides.. I placed a little paper padding at the bottom of each covering and the rattling was history. In the pic you can see the edge of the padding protruding just a tad... unless you look for it you do not see it..

 

[SkilledOne4]

I have the same type of rattle going on but it started when I took the hard top off and put the soft top on. The thing is, the noise is not coming from the soft top nor the softop frame. I took the soft top all the way down and removed the frame and the creaking and rattle was still going on. I think it is the plastic trim on the rollbar and the speaker bar. I think I will have Jeep look at this when I bring it in for the first oil change as it is very annoying and driving me nuts. I tried tightening up the screws on the trim pieces but to no good.

 

[bikenutty]

I had a rattle, found all 4 of the rear speaker screws were loose and 1 is stripped out in the thread.

$$

 

[joedymueller]

I have a rattle there too, but I hear it with the soft top, up or down.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Obviously, you guys with the soft tops have a different issue. The issue the OP has and that I commented on is a hardtop.

 

[JeepCares]

I have the same type of rattle going on but it started when I took the hard top off and put the soft top on. The thing is, the noise is not coming from the soft top nor the softop frame. I took the soft top all the way down and removed the frame and the creaking and rattle was still going on. I think it is the plastic trim on the rollbar and the speaker bar. I think I will have Jeep look at this when I bring it in for the first oil change as it is very annoying and driving me nuts. I tried tightening up the screws on the trim pieces but to no good.

Hi SkilledOne4,
We understand how working to locate a rattle can be frustrating, and that you are looking for you forum members for advice. If you do choose to have this addressed further by your dealer, let our team know. We would be more than happy to offer an additional layer of assistance. Just send out team a private message.
Julie
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[BRZRKR]

My rattle seems to be specifically related to the passenger side,outermost rear hard top locking lever. if i unhook it, the squeaking ticking noise stops. there is no position with it engaged where it doesn't make noises. i tightened, loosened, and actually discovered that the lever (once removed) has 2 locking pegs, and one seems to have been work or flattened/broken down. This is especially disappointing, because I've had the top off twice, after the first time it was pissing rain down the center in a car wash, so i adjusted them but still haven't gone through another carwash since any my dealer just waived it away saying "its a jeep thing" . strange, never happened in our 2013 JK and that things top came off more times than mine!

 

[Hootbro]

Yup, I believe know what you are hearing. I had it on both sides. Look at the pic below. The red arrow in the pic points to a plastic covering (I think there are wires under the cover) that can be found on both sides of your JL. Anyway, I had this intermittent plastic ratting sound as you call it on both sides.. I placed a little paper padding at the bottom of each covering and the rattling was history. In the pic you can see the edge of the padding protruding just a tad... unless you look for it you do not see it..

Good info. I have to check my hardtop as I have rattle coming from the rear area also. Seems worse in the cool mornings and less so in the hotter afternoon. So that tells me it is a expansion/contraction fitment issue.

 

[Capricorn]

I sometimes get some rattle when the road is not smooth (Las Vegas has some weird asphalt surface melting issues due to high summer heat I guess). It comes from the passenger side sun visor.

 

[bikenutty]

Mine is the hard top.

Obviously, you guys with the soft tops have a different issue. The issue the OP has and that I commented on is a hardtop.

 

[Hootbro]

Yup, I believe know what you are hearing. I had it on both sides. Look at the pic below. The red arrow in the pic points to a plastic covering (I think there are wires under the cover) that can be found on both sides of your JL. Anyway, I had this intermittent plastic ratting sound as you call it on both sides.. I placed a little paper padding at the bottom of each covering and the rattling was history. In the pic you can see the edge of the padding protruding just a tad... unless you look for it you do not see it..

Update: Just checked my Unlimited Hardtop, that cover piece is not there. Must be a two door hard top thing.

Back to square one on my rattle. I did re-torque the hardtop attachment bolts but rattle remains. Starting to lean towards the drivers side cargo panel area where the roll cage and rear seat belt attachment meet. Just need to find time to tear into it.

 

[Hootbro]

Well, found the cause of my rattle. There is a fitment issue of the rear swing window against the hard top opening seals where they meet in a cup type fashion at both tail gate sides. I cleaned the seal and liberally applied silicone spray lubricant to the seal and it seems to alleviate it for the short term about 90% of the time, but is slowly seems to be coming back once again more pronounced as each day passes. Even with everything closed, I can press on the bottom edge of the rear window where it meets the tailgate and it has a lot of play. Have a feeling there is either a seal issue at a minimum or a dimensional issue with they formed the hard top opening.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Yup, I believe know what you are hearing. I had it on both sides. Look at the pic below. The red arrow in the pic points to a plastic covering (I think there are wires under the cover) that can be found on both sides of your JL. Anyway, I had this intermittent plastic ratting sound as you call it on both sides.. I placed a little paper padding at the bottom of each covering and the rattling was history. In the pic you can see the edge of the padding protruding just a tad... unless you look for it you do not see it..

On edit: 4/11/19

What I did to fix this 2dr. hardtop rattle:

Use the stuff in the pic below..

I have had it hold both covers for about 15,000 miles now. I have no squeal or rattle. No issues

Just press/attach the covers in place. Get them lined up and placed where you want them. The adhesive pads on the back of the covers will hold them in place o you can do the gluing.

It is awkward, trying to get the Goop along the bottom edge of each cover. All you need to do is put a good toothpaste like amount around the bottom of each cover. I used a wood tongue blade, but you can use a small plastic knife. To get the Goop on along the bottom seam of the covers, put the Goop on the plastic knife, then put the knife by the seam and the Goop will oooze downward into the seam.

You have to apply and let dry a few hours.. If you apply and don't let the Goop dry the covers will undoubtedly pull away when driving/moving gthe JL, and the cover bottoms will fasten down in the wrong place.

IF you ever need to remove the covers, (very doubtful) apply heat to the Goop with a hairdryer and it lets right go.

Bill

Doesn't matter if the Goop packaging says for Marine, Household or whatever, it is all the same stuff.

 

[melendez69]

Yup, I believe know what you are hearing. I had it on both sides. Look at the pic below. The red arrow in the pic points to a plastic covering (I think there are wires under the cover) that can be found on both sides of your JL. Anyway, I had this intermittent plastic ratting sound as you call it on both sides.. I placed a little paper padding at the bottom of each covering and the rattling was history. In the pic you can see the edge of the padding protruding just a tad... unless you look for it you do not see it..

I never would've thought to look there because it was just too easy to notice...and overlook. I ran my hand along the entire passenger-side interior & happened to touch it. I prepped myself for an hour-long project and it took all of 4 minutes. I didn't expect crappy adhesive on the interior of a 45k vehicle. The command strips were also a big help. Many thank-yous.

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