Weird rattlin...Driving me Crazy!

[ryboflavn]

Whenever I am on the highway or a bumpy road I hear this rattling noise coming from the right rear pillar near the back tailgate. I have checked everything in the area except removing the rear panel. Neither the back tailgate or window seem loose enough to be causing the rattle. However the best description of the sound is the window on the metal of the tailgate. I thought maybe the rear (stock) subwoofer was loose but I took off the grill and checked it but it was tight. The only other things I think it could be are the rear windshield wiper or something loose inside the rear pillar. Going out on a limb I thought it could be the gas strut for the tailgate.

Please Help, or let me know if you have the same issue, I really appreciate it.

 

[zonianbrat]

I have a 98 XLT. I have a squeaky rattle in the right rear quarter. I bought some WD-40 and sprayed it in between the plastic rear panel and the glass on the bottom and it works for like 3 weeks or so. Hope this helps.

 

[gijoecam]

If it's just a little rattle, I can't tell ya'... Maybe a wire harness loose inside the tailgate slapping against the sheet metal?

If it's more of a solid knocking, check the jack storage compartment for anything loose in there... The jack itself used to loosen up on mine about every 3-4 months. Finger-tight wouldn't stop it from loosening... I had to use the tire iron to put an extra 1/4 turn on the thing to keep it tight. Haven't had a problem in several years now!

-Joe

 

[magngineer]

You might check the metal "U" thingy that latches the rear window. It is covered with a black felt like material to keep the window from rattling in the latch. On my 98 the felt stuff wore out and the window rattled like crazy. A little duct tape around the latch solved the problem.

 

[JoeMahma]

Check the clips that hold the leaf spring pack together.

 

[ryboflavn]

Well I tried all the things you mentioned but it still seems to rattle. I am thinking that the rattling is more a symptom of a larger problem. At highway speeds 65-above the back starts to vibrate. I just got an alignment, rotation, and balancing done but that doesn't seem to matter. I have taken it in to my mechanic to see what he thinks. I think either one of my tires is worn funny or something is loose in the suspension. Either way I thank everyone for their comments and if I ever get this sorted out I will let you know.

PS have you ever heard of people finding weird items behind the panels in their Fords. My mechanic said that sometimes the workers on the line sneak stuff in for the fun of it.

 

[gijoecam]

PS have you ever heard of people finding weird items behind the panels in their Fords. My mechanic said that sometimes the workers on the line sneak stuff in for the fun of it.

While stuff sometimes ends up in there, it's seldom because anyone intentionally placed it there. They might lose a screw out of a gun and it drops someplace it can't be easily reached, or maybe a glove falls off a perch and gets left under the carpet, but it's rarely ever intentional.

Trust me, the vast majority of assembly line workers take pride in the work they do. They're never out to intentionally build a crappy product.

The easiest way to diagnose your issue is going to be to have someone else drive the vehicle while you climb around the cargo area and see if you can find the source. Push, pull, poke, prod, and tug on parts around the offending noise until you narrow it down.

Good luck!

-Joe

 

[99ex22]

PS have you ever heard of people finding weird items behind the panels in their Fords. My mechanic said that sometimes the workers on the line sneak stuff in for the fun of it.

You know I found 2 empty packs of marlboro smokes deep down in the capartment the jack goes in. Might have been the owner before but you never know. haha