My latest X5 Mod aka one more solution for X5 rear hatch rattle

Kewl X5 · #1 03-04-2005, 06:53 PM

All X5 owners have had this rattle at the rear hatch. Even the '04+ X5 with the soft-close hatch rattles as well.

First of all, make sure you have the rear hatch adjusted so it closes easily and properly without needing to slam the hatch close. When the hatch closes, the light should be out.

What usually causes the rattle is the two rubber stoppers on each side of the rear hatch area.

The rear hatch will tend to rattle more when the weather is colder. The hypothesis is that the rubber material for the rubber stopper and the rubber material by the rear hatch struts are not compliant enough especially for the cold weather. The rubber gets harder with colder weather.

So when you go over bumps, the door rattles against these two pieces of hard rubber and makes the "rattle" noise.

Several people in the past have identified this and props to Datan from RF (aka And Down @ BF) who came up with an easy solution.

First make sure you adjusted the rubber stoppers to the correct position (too far out, the hatch light will not go out and it will be hard to close; too far in, the hatch will rattle no matter what).

Then, get the furniture felt pad either 1/2 inch or even 3/4 inches from Home Depot or Lowe's and place them on either the rubber material by the rear hatch struts or the rubber stoppers or both. Your rear hatch rattle sound will disappear.

Hope this helps!

See attached pictures:

spydrz · #2 03-04-2005, 07:00 PM

I'll try that tomorrow!!! My rattle is back, even with the rubber pads unscrewed all the way out...
Thanks!!

KingEazy · #3 03-04-2005, 09:07 PM

Thanks man...that rattle drives me insane!!!

DanDE · #4 03-04-2005, 11:03 PM

I'm taking mine in for scheduled service late next week. That rattle and the hatch mechanism itself (it double & triple clutches when opening) are on my list. If they don't fix the rattle, those pads are my next mod.

KingEazy · #5 03-05-2005, 12:00 AM

I went to my local Home Depot and purchased the felt pads and I must say that I diffinetly hear a difference. Go with the 3/4 pads, they are an exact fit.

Juanted · #6 03-05-2005, 09:46 AM

I have a stupid question... I hear a rattle, but it sounds as though it is coming from my sunroof. Is this the hatchback rattling? (Again, I know this sounds stupid, but I am just wondering if the sound of the rattle "travel" up the car's ceiling to make it sound as though it is coming from the sunroof.) OR... is there a known issue with the sunroof rattling?

thanks, and great tip Kewl

Juan

jst2878 · #7 03-14-2008, 06:58 AM

When I first purchased my x I had a horrible ratlle from the sunroof as well. I took adhesive felt pad and stuck to the entire wind visor that pops up when u open the sunroof. all has been solved with that

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I have a stupid question... I hear a rattle, but it sounds as though it is coming from my sunroof. Is this the hatchback rattling? (Again, I know this sounds stupid, but I am just wondering if the sound of the rattle "travel" up the car's ceiling to make it sound as though it is coming from the sunroof.) OR... is there a known issue with the sunroof rattling?

thanks, and great tip Kewl

Juan

michaeloliverio · #8 03-17-2008, 08:58 PM

Cured my hatch rattle!
Let's see how long it lasts!
Mike

cowboynj · #9 04-08-2008, 07:39 AM

I have an 01' 4.4 that is recovering from a deer to the windshield and I want to fix the sunroof while it is there. How does this felt go on? Any photos? I am going to have my buddy install a new cassette while he spends 10 hours on the roof.

GmX5 · #10 11-02-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I have a stupid question... I hear a rattle, but it sounds as though it is coming from my sunroof. Is this the hatchback rattling? (Again, I know this sounds stupid, but I am just wondering if the sound of the rattle "travel" up the car's ceiling to make it sound as though it is coming from the sunroof.) OR... is there a known issue with the sunroof rattling?

thanks, and great tip Kewl

Juan

I can almost 100% tell you that it is not coming from your sunroof, but from your parking brake. I had the SAME issue an I even went as far as removing the front upper console area (where the sunglass holder is) to find something bouncing around in there. I searched for hours and could not find anything, even after driving. I had enough and went to the dealer for a one hour diagnostic and they found that it was parking brake

What a relief!