Tin Roof Rain noise.

[willwitten]

It would be an acceptable solution IF it works!

Has anybody tried it yet?

 

[donm527]

i was actually thinking the same thing... except instead of a clear 'bra'... i thought they can provide a glossy black applique that covers that sloped area.

the black would match the black trim on the a pillar and blend i think. clear would just look like an obvious cheap fix. you dont want it too thick cause it will look cheap... but maybe 1/4 millimeter thick would be enough to change the sound?

does anyone have a pic of the roof area exposed? imo, if the fix is a quarter size hole and expanding foam then that's ok. a quarter size hole is not going to effect structurial integrity. they plug it back up with a metal plug and epoxy anyways. the foam could add whatever is lost anyways from the hole.

i havent driven it in rain yet in s florida. next rain i'm gonna run out and drive the car

but i would see it needs to be addressed in future model years... i mean if it is that annoying, then its a car you cant recommend in states like... seattle washington. i mean the constant rain alone is depressing enough... the noice in the car will just drive them off the edge... literrally LOL.

but hope if it is a recognized issue they resolve it with current year.
the foam may be a solution for all model years.

I do not expect this issue to be fixed with the 2011. Others have reported, whom have had the headliner area exposed, that the area producing the noise, is inaccessible. I don't think Ford is going to recommend drilling a hole into the exterior, and inject expanable foam.

Hopefully this is being address with the 2012 builds.

I have an idea for the current owners, with this noise issue. I don't know if it has been suggested yet, but what about applying a thick mil 3M type clear bra to the upper, sloped, forward roof section? Would this help to deaded the rain noise? May be worth a shot. This is something I see Ford would pay for as part of a TSB/recall (not really a recall, since it is not a safety related issue).

 

[drober30]

Why wouldn't they be able to access it from inside the vehicle by removing the headliner and installing some sound deaden?

Maybe even a different headliner with a special backing?

 

[BethesdaEC]

i was actually thinking the same thing... except instead of a clear 'bra'... i thought they can provide a glossy black applique that covers that sloped area.

the black would match the black trim on the a pillar and blend i think. clear would just look like an obvious cheap fix. you dont want it too thick cause it will look cheap... but maybe 1/4 millimeter thick would be enough to change the sound?

does anyone have a pic of the roof area exposed? imo, if the fix is a quarter size hole and expanding foam then that's ok. a quarter size hole is not going to effect structurial integrity. they plug it back up with a metal plug and epoxy anyways. the foam could add whatever is lost anyways from the hole.

i havent driven it in rain yet in s florida. next rain i'm gonna run out and drive the car

but i would see it needs to be addressed in future model years... i mean if it is that annoying, then its a car you cant recommend in states like... seattle washington. i mean the constant rain alone is depressing enough... the noice in the car will just drive them off the edge... literrally LOL.

but hope if it is a recognized issue they resolve it with current year.
the foam may be a solution for all model years.

The stuff he is talking about is a clear film that people will put on the leading edge of the hood and other places that are susceptible to rock chips. It is nearly invisible and I know Lotus offers this as an option on there cars. They call it Star Shield I believe.

 

[FordService]

Hi guys,

Like donm527 said, I believe the body and roof wouldn’t be different, but I still recommend communicating with Customer Service in one way or another if you have experienced this. Earlier in the thread I posted the details to include if you PM me, but if you live in Canada, please call the Ford of Canada Customer Relationship Center (1-800-565-3673) for assistance.

Cory

 

[donm527]

hmm... a film is not going to change the situation imo... not thick enough. rain hits it and it will go right through it. my suggestion is more like a this sheet of blacked out plexiglass. again not too thick to look stupid but thick enough where it will be able to absorb the force created by the rain drop... maybe start to disperse its energy before it gets to the roof metal.

is the front of the rood really like a sealed metal compartment? strange if it is cause sounds like you just created an echo chamber of sorts. wish we really had a pic.

The stuff he is talking about is a clear film that people will put on the leading edge of the hood and other places that are susceptible to rock chips. It is nearly invisible and I know Lotus offers this as an option on there cars. They call it Star Shield I believe.

 

[donm527]

just reposting this pic that was originally posted by kappaknight. so... that small section in the front is the culprit eh?

i see a few small holes there... just thinking maybe they don't need to fill the entire section with expanding foam...
just in a little in the left and right holes will break up the large voluminous area and reduce noise.

are those holes where the sun visors are? get a long tube in there, inject expanding foam and get 1/3 coverage on each side and you dont even need to remove the the roof lining.
i wish it were that simple any guinea pigs? (not me).

After my research, I found that engineering is aware of this issue and is looking into a repair but there’s not one at the moment. Until that happens, please continue to PM me your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name (if you haven’t already done so). Thank you for your understanding.

Cory

 

[batman89]

There is a picture on this forum floating somewhere showing what the exposed metal looks like.

On a separate note, do you actually know what the Lemon law is and how it works? There are some specific things that must happen for it to take effect. You can't just shout lemon law and get a replacement.

You already have two holes where the sun visors are attached to the roof. Don't know yet it if there is any holes behind the map reading panel in the headliner. Might be able to make your own.

Will know more this week when the headliner is removed on my X by the body shop to repair some hail damage.

Suggestion from an audio system installer is to use a tube of (his suggestion) liquid nails to bond the front frame to the roof. Not sure how big the gap is. Would think that RTV might work. Don't see a need to fill the hole gap. Would think that filling the gap say 2 inches long about every 8 to 10 inches to deaden the drum noise.

Also thought of using say rubber wedges in the same area to deaden the noise.

Bought some Dynamat to place over the gap to deaden the drum noise.

May also look at using some spray foam to fill area. Only problem (per my paint-less repair tech) is if I have future hail damage on the front of the roof it might make the damage worse and harder to use his normal tools to do a paint-less repair.

Anybody out there have any other suggestions.

 

[peterk9]

You already have two holes where the sun visors are attached to the roof. Don't know yet it if there is any holes behind the map reading panel in the headliner. Might be able to make your own.

Will know more this week when the headliner is removed on my X by the body shop to repair some hail damage.

Suggestion from an audio system installer is to use a tube of (his suggestion) liquid nails to bond the front frame to the roof. Not sure how big the gap is. Would think that RTV might work. Don't see a need to fill the hole gap. Would think that filling the gap say 2 inches long about every 8 to 10 inches to deaden the drum noise.

Also thought of using say rubber wedges in the same area to deaden the noise.

Bought some Dynamat to place over the gap to deaden the drum noise.

May also look at using some spray foam to fill area. Only problem (per my paint-less repair tech) is if I have future hail damage on the front of the roof it might make the damage worse and harder to use his normal tools to do a paint-less repair.

Anybody out there have any other suggestions.

Without meaning to trivialize your problem, I'd say, live with it. Unless you are in an area where you get constant and heavy downpours, I don't think the potential cost of trying to alleviate the problem warrants the aggrevation. Easy for me to say though, I don't have that noise problem with mine. Good luck in any case and I hope you find a solution.

 

[RandyH2]

I'd say, live with it.

30 Years ago that attitude was common- and look where it took us. Today, consumers demand better.

The problem, in the grand scheme of things, is relatively minor (at least where I live, Seattle may be another story). The fix should also be relatively minor once they decide how to go about solving the problem. When we pay $40k+ for a car we expect "little things" like this to not be a problem. On a $15,000 car I would accept it, as the expectation is lower.

 

[donm527]

He mentioned before he is having work done on it anyways because of hail damage... he mentioned they are gonna remove the liner anywasy so probably why the extra thought in it.

Some pics please

Without meaning to trivialize your problem, I'd say, live with it. Unless you are in an area where you get constant and heavy downpours, I don't think the potential cost of trying to alleviate the problem warrants the aggrevation. Easy for me to say though, I don't have that noise problem with mine. Good luck in any case and I hope you find a solution.

 

[donm527]

I really do think expanding foam in the holes that exist will solve the issue.

The problem really for Ford is in the details so that it is a fix they can implement in a way that shops will not fubar and cause more issues.

from what i read about expanding foam... sounds like a lot of care is in order.

it can be messy. you want to use a weather resistant foam. you probably want it to resist age rot. fire resistant would be a good idea. and over expansion does seem to be a major concern... i thought any expansion would just force out the holes and thats it but i guess i dont know foam because maybe when it starts hardening that it still keeps expanding and can cause structural damage and with these unibodies it could be major. so you want a fix that's dummy proof where some dude is not just gonna stick the tube in and shoot the whole can in there and cause more issues.

i imagine if you had a knowledgable and experienced person... foam with be the best solution.

30 Years ago that attitude was common- and look where it took us. Today, consumers demand better.

The problem, in the grand scheme of things, is relatively minor (at least where I live, Seattle may be another story). The fix should also be relatively minor once they decide how to go about solving the problem. When we pay $40k+ for a car we expect "little things" like this to not be a problem. On a $15,000 car I would accept it, as the expectation is lower.

 

[beach]

Don't bet too much, as this would be money lost.

So they tested in rain and said "hmmm yeh leave the truck as is, we need to give it a feel of cheapness with this loud, and lovely pinging"

Even the truck as whole is just noticeably louder in rain then it should be, it's fine normally and quiet, but the second it starts raining fairly decently it's like it's being shot with bb's. Have not checked but have no idea what type of setup Ford used as far as any absorption material or liner between the metal... it mainly sounds like they just skimped on thin metal on the roof.

 

[RandyH2]

I know the insulating foam comes in different expansion formulas, I bet industry has some option that is a low-expansion, low-force, high-density foam they can spray in there. If not, maybe just compressing some foam and packing it in the space. I really am interested in seeing how they solve this one- mainly because I am a bit geeky that way.

 

[donm527]

i just thought if a great idea... drill a quarter size hole in the middle of that from area in question...
take a few of those magic expanding towels and stick them to the left right and center of the hole... and just add water!!
they'll safely expand to fill the area... safe microfiber... and it will kill the noise.

I prefer the disney ones myself and $10 will get you a four pack!

I know the insulating foam comes in different expansion formulas, I bet industry has some option that is a low-expansion, low-force, high-density foam they can spray in there. If not, maybe just compressing some foam and packing it in the space. I really am interested in seeing how they solve this one- mainly because I am a bit geeky that way.

 

[jrmexplorer]

I really do think expanding foam in the holes that exist will solve the issue.

The problem really for Ford is in the details so that it is a fix they can implement in a way that shops will not fubar and cause more issues.

from what i read about expanding foam... sounds like a lot of care is in order.

it can be messy. you want to use a weather resistant foam. you probably want it to resist age rot. fire resistant would be a good idea. and over expansion does seem to be a major concern... i thought any expansion would just force out the holes and thats it but i guess i dont know foam because maybe when it starts hardening that it still keeps expanding and can cause structural damage and with these unibodies it could be major. so you want a fix that's dummy proof where some dude is not just gonna stick the tube in and shoot the whole can in there and cause more issues.

i imagine if you had a knowledgable and experienced person... foam with be the best solution.

That expanding foam is messy as all heck. I use it around the house and the stuff is just aweful. It stains surfaces easy and is a royal pain to get off anything it touches. If you do try it, cover EVERYTHING in your interior. It's also really hard to predict expansion so it oozes and weeps out of everywhere.

 

[Holligl]

So they tested in rain and said "hmmm yeh leave the truck as is, we need to give it a feel of cheapness with this loud, and lovely pinging"

Even the truck as whole is just noticeably louder in rain then it should be, it's fine normally and quiet, but the second it starts raining fairly decently it's like it's being shot with bb's. Have not checked but have no idea what type of setup Ford used as far as any absorption material or liner between the metal... it mainly sounds like they just skimped on thin metal on the roof.

While this is a significant issue for those who have it, it is not a consistent and uniform issue. I have been in heavy rain and car washes and I don't experience the noise. That may be what Ford is struggling with: why some vehicles have it and others don't. Mine is an early build #6,738.

I do know what it is like as my 1996 Mercury Sable had the issue and I did live with it. Overall, I loved that car until my daughter got rear ended and totaled it. Walked away with a few sore muscles.

 

[batman89]

Body shop took the head liner down on my X and I did some crude testing. Confirmed the drumming/ringing sound is coming from the panel above the windshield as stated in previous post on this thread. If you look at other cars and trucks, the area of most are not as large as the X. The area between the windshield and the roof is approximately 6-8 inches wide which is acting like a drum face.

Took some photos of the problem area. Also took some movie clips and sound recording to see what the comparison between before and after will be like.

Would like to insert some of the photos and sound but unable to do it without posting to some other link.

If I get my vehicle back tomorrow, will duplicate my testing to see how our fix works.

Hope to be able to PM Ford Customer Service photos and recording from my testing.

 

[G37RRaiders]

Body shop took the head liner down on my X and I did some crude testing. Confirmed the drumming/ringing sound is coming from the panel above the windshield as stated in previous post on this thread. If you look at other cars and trucks, the area of most are not as large as the X. The area between the windshield and the roof is approximately 6-8 inches wide which is acting like a drum face.

Took some photos of the problem area. Also took some movie clips and sound recording to see what the comparison between before and after will be like.

Would like to insert some of the photos and sound but unable to do it without posting to some other link.

If I get my vehicle back tomorrow, will duplicate my testing to see how our fix works.

Hope to be able to PM Ford Customer Service photos and recording from my testing.

Would love to see some photos, could you please upload them to photobucket or imageshack so that we can see?

 

[FordService]

Body shop took the head liner down on my X and I did some crude testing. Confirmed the drumming/ringing sound is coming from the panel above the windshield as stated in previous post on this thread. If you look at other cars and trucks, the area of most are not as large as the X. The area between the windshield and the roof is approximately 6-8 inches wide which is acting like a drum face.

Took some photos of the problem area. Also took some movie clips and sound recording to see what the comparison between before and after will be like.

Would like to insert some of the photos and sound but unable to do it without posting to some other link.

If I get my vehicle back tomorrow, will duplicate my testing to see how our fix works.

Hope to be able to PM Ford Customer Service photos and recording from my testing.

I appreciate you taking the time to document it. I will do my best to forward the details.

For those who have not already done so, please remember to send me a private message with the info I mentioned earlier in the thread if you experience this concern.

Cory