I know that this has probably been discussed before but I did not find anything doing a search. Here's the problem... I have a rattle coming from the rear of the car, not sure if it is in the trunk or the rear deck (interior). Happens everytime I go over rough sections of roadway or for you NorCal owners driving north on HWY280 between Woodside and Redwood city the road is slightly uneven and hits the right frequency to produce the noise.

Has anyone else had a similiar problem? If so, did the dealership fix it or did you figure out what the cause was and fixed it yourself? Any input would be appreciated. I would like to correct it myself instead of having to take it to the dealer.

Thanks in advance for all replies.

PS: LOVE THE CAR

 

I experience the same thing driving through 880 everyday. Mr.Hyde mentioned that his rattling noises came from his sunglasses in the top holder. I still need to see if this is the cause of my problem though...but I'm pretty much sure its not the center arm rest that others have been implying.

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2002 3.2 TL Type S with Navigation
Exterior: Aegean Blue Pearl
At 3% over invoice, who can complain?

 

I am fairly certain that the sound I am hearing is not from the sunglass holder or even the center armrest. It sounds like something is loose in back. I looked below the rear deck from in the trunk but did not see anything obvious. I did just read a post that mentioned adjusting the rubber bumpers on the trunk lid. I might try adjusting them out a little to see if it helps. Aaaaarghhhh... I hate those little noises

 

You said you have a rattle in the back of the car, here's some things to investigate:

1. The TLS has those child seat hooks built into the back seat .. on the rear deck (three of 'em). Those covers will rattle over bumps for me, and I solved the problem w/ sticker felt (felt w/ adhesive on the back).

2. You know where that BOSE subwoofer is .. in the center of the rear deck behind the rear-light? Push down on that cover a couple times and listen for a creaking noise. There was a similar issue w/ the CL-S and many owners returned to the dealer and had them apply a known rear-rattle fix from Acura (which pretty much amounted to sticker felt in two places).

3. Check the passenger side seat-belt adjuster .. it'll play a little, and if you jar it a couple times, you'll quickly figure out if any rattling is coming from it.

4. Oh .. I found this one to be particularly annoying, and seemingly unfixable.. push up against the roof in the back of the car .. the felt interior lining of the roof .. mine will creak all over the place .. it's a pretty hefty fix for the dealer, so buyer beware, they may not be willing to do the job.

Best of luck, and lemme know if you found any of these to pose the problems you've suggested!

Pete

 

I also experience the same rattling coming from the back. It's not loud at all, but definately noticable with the radio off. Peter, thanks for the suggestions-- I'll have to check them out. Sorry to hear others are hearing the same thing, although it is nice that I'm not the only one .... And my wife just thinks I'm being anal....

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2002 Satin Silver TL-S w/Navi

 

Tag,

You're fine, bro. I avoid bumpy roads just to avoid hearing those darn noises. I hope, with some therapy and a few self-help books, I'll be able to let go of my fear of hearing the creaks. After all, it's just a car.

 

One thing to check besides PeterUbers exhaustive list is the trunk. I had this problem when I got my car:

I had this annoying metallic rattling sound when I went down bumpy roads. My dad diagnosed the problem as the trunk latch being loose. Push down on your trunk (just enough to see if there is any play) to see if it gives in when it's closed. Mine moved at least 1/4 of an inch before I took it in for them to fix. (I'm guessing the mechanics at my dealership went buck wild when they installed the spoiler...)

Since then, no more rattles. Hope one of these suggestions cures your problem.

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'02 TL Type-S (aegean blue) no navi, factory spoiler

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'm planning on spending Saturday morning trying to fix this problem. I will post updates on the outcome.

 

Problem Solved!

There are to rubber bumpers located on the bottom side of the trunk that are adjustable. I unscrewed the bumpers approximately 1/4" which allowed the bumpers to take up any play between the car the trunk lid. Went for a test ride and voila.... no more irritating rattle from rear of car.

I had the rear air spoiler installed on my car. I was thinking that it was possible that ther person who installed my air spoiler screwed the rubber bumpers in and did not adjust after. Any doubt I am real happy that my car is not making any more rattles.

Thanks for all the suggestions.