Hey guys, today I decided to take another stab at my latch rattle. I have already done the EPT sealant trick and still have some rattles. After messing around and looking I have found out something that will most likely completely remove all rattling.

I am about to make some video comparisons and I will post them up ASAP.

Then I'll try to take some write up pictures.


EDIT: The difference is pretty extreme. Video is processing on youtube right now.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkV4vDICPF0 [/media]

You guys might be saying "one of those is missing the plastic sheath". That isn't what is making the noise on the other latch. During the EPT sealant I stuffed too much in and cracked the plastic. Today I decided to break it off.



As you can see, the noise difference is very noticeable. I was deciding whether or not use my SpiderWire fishing line which is a thread like fiber line, or the traditional fishing line.

The SpiderWire, since more like thread, is easier to tie a regular knot that would stay. The space it fills in those areas though isn't enough to keep from rattling. I went with the traditional plastic feeling fishing line in order to take up more room. Threaded it through and around the latch to get the right fit and finished it off with a fisherman's not. Later on I can take some more in depth pictures but this solution is pretty easy.

The * is optional if there is more excess space for rattling.

Tools needed:
scissors
fishing line



UPDATE: So I've come to the conclusion that the bolts? on every hinge or area of rotation have some space between washers and what not. I can take pictures of all the sections if this sounds vague. Basically I try to fit a fingernail between every bolt? and if I can, then I wrap some line around it and tie it off. So far I have done 4 areas. The two main spots circled, the * spot, and then the bolt that runs through the actual hook part of the latch. All of this done and the latches are dead silent.

Since the conclusion that it is the bolts? that are making all the noise, for me at least. For anyone that is experiencing the same problems, I am sure that there are others way if this seems unorthodox. Some heavy grease? Other sorts of "dampening" or "space filling" by any other material should work. Anyways, hope this helps some of you guys.

P.S. - If any other pictures (angles or clarification), or questions are needed feel free to ask and I will post up asap.

 

Really curious to see what you did. The EPT sealant trick has kept my latches rattle-free for a while now though.

 

I'm listening....

 

I already did the other latch with the plastic sheath and the result is identical. I will update when I drive around with them on now.

 

My latches don't rattle. Didn't know this was a problem.

 

UPDATE: The latches feel extremely solid now. No noise so far, but I doubt there will be any later to come.

 

your ept sealant fix resolved my rattle. Mine was a squeaking sound coming from the plastic.

 

Awesome. Bookmarked for later.

 

updated

oh yeah, also to clarify some credit.... the EPT wasn't my idea I just have also done it as well.

 

I appologise if this is off topic but, since your so handy, I was wondering if you know much about a clicking rattle coming from the soft top (when up), it sounds as tho its from either the glass window area, or the soft top tray area. Its is difficult to tell as can only hear it when I am driving and happens when road is rougher than normal. Like when the soft top moves lateral (side to side) ever so slight. Hope you can shed some light on this annoying sound that has developed on MY06.

BTW have done your fishing line repair ...thanks heaps.....silence is golden.... lol