Squeaking from tailgate area

[Graeme]

I think that squeaking noises from both sides of the tailgate are eminating from the plastic brackets mounted to the upper tailgate near the strut mounts where they press against the rubber blocks mounted on the body. Having progressively cleaned and lubricated with silicon spray all the upper and lower tailgate contact points and catches and the mounts of the weights danging from the chassis that were also squeaking, I'm starting to think that the surface of either or both the plastic brackets or the rubber blocks has deteriorated as the squeak always returns some days after having been re-cleaned. The rubber blocks show some signs of wear. There's usually plenty of dust everywhere.

Has anyone had to replace the plastic or the rubber blocks?

[jonesfam]

Check for mice or small children in the side bins.:D

[Epic pooh]

Yes I have replaced the upper blocks (early D3 blocks are made from a plastic that is more like steel than plastic) as they rattled annoyingly. Vaseline was the only thing that would stop the rattle (albeit temporarily and in a filthy way). The block and spring on the tailgate also get a bit skanky on mine so I vaso those too. The new material blocks are a lot better (although I'd think your D4 would have the new ones). I've also lost (and replaced) some of the little black rubber legs - makes annoying noises when they're missing. HTH.

[Graeme]

Thanks Mick. The blocks are rubbery but are showing signs of wear so perhaps they're now simply too short to stay snug. I'll get hold of some new ones.

[sheerluck]

I replaced both the blocks and brackets on my D3, as they had worn enough to squeak on one side and rattle on the other. In fact it rattled enough to leave a dent in the lower tailgate.

Only cost about $45 for all 4 parts from what I recall.

[jammers]

I have a 2.7 D4 - my squeak took ages to find. for me it was a small high pitched sound. Root cause was the latches for the lower tailgate, healthy dose of silicon spray and fixed.

[Graeme]

Mine creaks, and no change when the lower catches were lubricated although the posts have worn so they might need replacing soon too.

I think that the noise is coming from higher up than the lower catches but can't be absolutely sure.

[LandyAndy]

You blokes are a bunch of whingers.
Im now comparing my D2 to a Defender,should never have driven anything more modern;););););););)
Andrew

[rar110]

Of the few D3/4s I've looked at in detail, all have wear marks on the tail gate ie the rubber/plastic block had warn through the paint.

[Epic pooh]

Those cars obviously need more vaso !

Were the rear tailgates adjusted properly ? Mine has not worn thru, but I do lube the area regularly ... sorry ...

Yes, we are whingers Andy, don't like squeaks and rattles interfering with Shirley Bassey playing on the sound system whilst we're having a goatsmilk latte and discussing the badminton results !

Also, my ocd says squeaks and rattles ... need to be fixed lest they mask a serious noise ... haha !

[Graeme]

Of the few D3/4s I've looked at in detail, all have wear marks on the tail gate ie the rubber/plastic block had warn through the paint.Mine's lower tailgate was repainted under warranty due to the rubber seal from the upper section having worn the paint off virtually all the way across. Thanks to Sniegy, clear protective film was then fitted across the top portion that's hidden when the top section is closed. Rubber sticks to the film from the constant movement c/w with dust but is easily cleaned off, although the film will eventually wear through and need replacing. These vehicles rely on the tailgates for rigidity.

[discojools]

I've found that talcum powder is the best thing to fix squeaks. Silicon spray doesn't seem to last that long and attracts dust.

Have fixed tailgate and squeaky doors seals.

[Jimlr]

Wurth pfte dry-lube. Doesn't attract muck or dust. Last for ages.

[Graeme]

I think the squeaking was caused by the plastic side panels inside the cargo area having been pushed back against other plastic or metal at the rear pillars when earlier a cargo barrier had been temporarily jammed between the front edge of the plastic side panels and the backs of the 2nd row seats as an interim method of keeping the barrier rigid until the top brackets for the barrier were fitted. Applying forward pressure on the rear end of side panels caused a momentary cracking sound and the creaking has not since not ocurred. The barrier was removed as the 2nd step in trying to identify the cause of the creaking, with the removal of a recently-fitted bolted roof rack the first step. The nutserts still have not been fitted for the top bracket mounts as I my attempts at fitting one using a bolt, nut and washers was not successful.

[ade]

I replaced the two rubber stoppers on the upper tailgate as both mine where shot. Can the bottom tail gate be adjusted? Mine has some back and forward play in it when closed?