SL/R129: Creaky hardtop...
12-06-2004, 01:36 AM
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2014 C250 sport
Creaky hardtop...
My grandma has a 2001 SL500, and the hardtop is extremely creaky and annoys everyone who drives in it. If you apply a lubricant to the seals, i.e. silicone, would these creaks stop? They mainly occur at the rear part of the hardtop when you're entering/exiting a ramped up driveway at an angle(this is where the bending stiffness of a car is put to the test) 
thanks for any help......
thanks for any help......
12-06-2004, 10:37 AM
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2001 SL 500
Originally Posted by akbro93704
My grandma has a 2001 SL500, and the hardtop is extremely creaky and annoys everyone who drives in it. If you apply a lubricant to the seals, i.e. silicone, would these creaks stop? They mainly occur at the rear part of the hardtop when you're entering/exiting a ramped up driveway at an angle(this is where the bending stiffness of a car is put to the test) thanks for any help......
thanks for any help......My SL will make noises under the same conditions.
S
12-06-2004, 06:29 PM
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2014 C250 sport
Originally Posted by SilverSL500
If you have a bending moment and no compliance, then something breaks. If it just does it on a driveway, and the rear of the top is tight otherwise, then unless she spends all her time in the driveway, I don't see much of an issue.
My SL will make noises under the same conditions.
S
My SL will make noises under the same conditions.
S
12-06-2004, 07:25 PM
#4
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I find that lubricating the rubber seals on the hardtop is essential to avoid creaking. The hardtop acts somewhat to counter lower torsional stiffness of the convertible body. Because of this, the rubber needs to "give" a tiny bit with body flexing. If the rubber can "move" smoothly, things should be quiet. I've also found that the lubricated seals will take a few miles to quiet down. They seem they need to work themselves into the right position / configuration.
- FD
- FD
12-06-2004, 09:02 PM
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2014 C250 sport
Originally Posted by Floobydust
I find that lubricating the rubber seals on the hardtop is essential to avoid creaking. The hardtop acts somewhat to counter lower torsional stiffness of the convertible body. Because of this, the rubber needs to "give" a tiny bit with body flexing. If the rubber can "move" smoothly, things should be quiet. I've also found that the lubricated seals will take a few miles to quiet down. They seem they need to work themselves into the right position / configuration.
- FD
- FD
