Hatch Squeaks
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Hatch Squeaks
Has anybody experienced a squeaking hatch on the coupe? I've identified the culprit as some exterior plastic trim rubbing on right side of the hatch. Any fixes?
I'm taking a stab that its a realignment of the top mounted hinges. Hopefully the hatch itself hasn't warped (I use a very tight strap-mounted bike rack often on it so that seems entirely possible
).
I'm taking a stab that its a realignment of the top mounted hinges. Hopefully the hatch itself hasn't warped (I use a very tight strap-mounted bike rack often on it so that seems entirely possible
).
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From: Houston
2007 C230 Sport
I had a Crossfire SRT-6 before my c230 and it had all sorts of squeaks and rattles coming from the hatch. Some people would adjust the black rubber "stops" on the inside of the hatch “door”, but that would only temperately fix the problem. The more common long term solution that seemed to fix MOST of the annoyance was to wrap some electrical tape around the hatch “connections/lock” giving it a tighter seal.
That Chrysler was made like a complete piece of crap except the engine, suspension and breaks.
Might be worth a try... just trying to give you some help.
That Chrysler was made like a complete piece of crap except the engine, suspension and breaks.
Might be worth a try... just trying to give you some help.
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In case anybody has this problem in the future....
The squeaking happens as a result of the hatch become misaligned either from the hinges shifting or perhaps some warping at the base of the hinges.
At first I tried to adjust the hinges where they connect at the hatch by removing the plastic panels but it turns out they aren't accessible there. You have to adjust them where the hinge connect to the car roof. To get access, remove the rear interior light by prying it out with a flathead screwdriver and then slide out the metal clip (right near the interior light housing) that is holding the headliner to the roof. At this point you should be able to pull the headliner down a bit and get a socket (maybe a 8 or 10mm, i forget) and loosen, adjust the hinge, and re-tighten the bolts. An easy 5 or 10 minute ordeal.
BE CAREFUL torquing the bolts though. I went overboard torqueing mine so they don't shift again and snapped one of the bolts on the driver side hinge
The squeaking happens as a result of the hatch become misaligned either from the hinges shifting or perhaps some warping at the base of the hinges.
At first I tried to adjust the hinges where they connect at the hatch by removing the plastic panels but it turns out they aren't accessible there. You have to adjust them where the hinge connect to the car roof. To get access, remove the rear interior light by prying it out with a flathead screwdriver and then slide out the metal clip (right near the interior light housing) that is holding the headliner to the roof. At this point you should be able to pull the headliner down a bit and get a socket (maybe a 8 or 10mm, i forget) and loosen, adjust the hinge, and re-tighten the bolts. An easy 5 or 10 minute ordeal.
BE CAREFUL torquing the bolts though. I went overboard torqueing mine so they don't shift again and snapped one of the bolts on the driver side hinge
Last edited by govertime; Apr 12, 2010 at 10:47 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
You can adjust the latch, that can help. Never thought of adjusting the hinges.
My main problem came from the plastic trim pieces rubbing together.
I solved by getting some stick on felt from a home lighting store,
then removing the trim pieces (done during repair of the hatch to solve the hatch not opening issue, then the hatch showing not closed due to improper repair of the 1st item)
cutting thin strips of felt to stick along the edges, and then reinstalling.
It did wonders.
The only other bothersome item (ie noisey) is the damn chrome door pin in the passenger side, wish I knew what did with the stock ones. Noisy sunroof can be solved treat the rubber with 303 protectant. I suppose the hatch too, if the
weatherstrip is squeaking.
Get a sample pack for $5 from them.
My main problem came from the plastic trim pieces rubbing together.
I solved by getting some stick on felt from a home lighting store,
then removing the trim pieces (done during repair of the hatch to solve the hatch not opening issue, then the hatch showing not closed due to improper repair of the 1st item)
cutting thin strips of felt to stick along the edges, and then reinstalling.
It did wonders.
The only other bothersome item (ie noisey) is the damn chrome door pin in the passenger side, wish I knew what did with the stock ones. Noisy sunroof can be solved treat the rubber with 303 protectant. I suppose the hatch too, if the
weatherstrip is squeaking.
Get a sample pack for $5 from them.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Apr 12, 2010 at 05:31 PM.
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I used electrical tape for a bit where the plastic trim piece on the hatch rubbed against the tail lamp housing but it wouldn't last long before it quickly rubbed through the tape. Adjusting the hinge is such an easy fix I wouldn't bother halfassing it with any other remedies. The weather stripping is fine. Doesn't make a noise now that the hatch is properly aligned again and doesn't rub.
