xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Been trying to find rear end rattle for quite some now, and about the only thing left is the trunk lid. Everything in the suspension is tight, exhaust is also tight with little vertical or side movement. Replaced the trunk lid struts, and the hinges look like they are tight too. Trunk gaskets/weatherstripping also seem to be OK. I know that there is some "give" in to allow inserting the tonneau top inside the trunk lid. If I grab the front of the lid, I can move it vertically and it seems to mimic the sound of the rattle. (rear seats removed, so that can't be it either). Put a wooden shim in the place where the tonneau would go, and it didn't seem to dampen the rattle.
Anyone else experience this?

NC01TA

Have you checked the spare tire area and alarm sensor that is in that same area?? I remember rattling from many years ago and found something loose back there. It's an area you easily forget about. I certainly wouldn't be using that spare tire anymore but I leave it there anyway.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Good idea, but's its also coming from drivers side, where the pump is - another good idea.

NC01TA

OK, good luck!

JohnnyBs98WS6Rag

iTrader: (1)

CD changer is also on that side (if you have one). Check those mounting bolts. Also, the plastic divider between the trunk and passenger compartment might be another source of rattles. Tail lamp wiring, assemblies, etc can also come loose over the years.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Checked around interior of trunk yesterday - the culprit is the trunk lid. I can grab the front of the lid and lift it up a bit, on either corner. I'm thinking that the rubber gasket may have flattened out and allowing the lid hit a hard spot under the convertible top. Will take some phot's and upload. The gasket looks ok, and the hinges also look ok. Will try putting some foam over the areas that rattle and see what happens.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

Update - it's NOT the trunk lid! Put some foam under the top of the lid and that made it pretty tight- took a drive and the rattle is still there. The search continues.

xny1989

iTrader: (1)

FOUND IT! Both tail light housings and the berger panel. They were as tight as they could be made and still rattled. Loosened them up, slid in a little foam at the contact points and tightened em back up. For the berger panel, I slid in a piece of cord and voila, no more rattling. Some minor squeaks to address - looking like it's the bumper cover squeaking against the stuff behind it.

bad_408_vert

iTrader: (6)

NC01TA

Good detective work. Thanks for the followup too as I'll have a place to check if mine starts up.