How to fix your loose hatch once and for all!
Thread Starter
Blow up or win
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 3
From: Altezzaville
How to fix your loose hatch once and for all!
I've had a number of requests how to do this, and I don't remember if I posted this before - but here goes:
On the sides of the body where the rain gutter is for the hatch there are some small black rubber stops, one on the left, one on the right. If I remember correctly (I've been away from my car for several months) there is a torx screw and a plate that holds these in place. Take 'em off and trace the plate on a piece of cork/rubber sheet that you can get at any hardware store. Cut 'em out with scissors or an Exacto blade. What you're doing is making spacers. You'll also need to cut/punch a hole for the bolt to go through. What you are trying to do is raise the level of the plate slightly higher. Start with one piece on each side, you may need to add more. What this will do is RAISE the hatch by just a little, enough to snug it up and make it hold more firmly on the catch mechanism.
You may also need to adjust the catch mechanism by moving it down slightly. Do the spacers first. When you're done the hatch should be at the same level as the body, and will take a pretty firm shove to close it.
While you're at it spray lube the hinges and catch mechanism (I like Tri-Flow) and rub some silicone grease (from the plumbing section of the hardware store) into all the rubber weather stripping. It will help to preserve the rubber and eliminate any final sqeaks. Do not use WD-40 on the rubber as it will attack it. Spray silicone is OK, spray it on a rag first and then rub it in, I prefer the grease since you can get a thicker application and kind of massage it in with a rag.
Ride in silence.
On the sides of the body where the rain gutter is for the hatch there are some small black rubber stops, one on the left, one on the right. If I remember correctly (I've been away from my car for several months) there is a torx screw and a plate that holds these in place. Take 'em off and trace the plate on a piece of cork/rubber sheet that you can get at any hardware store. Cut 'em out with scissors or an Exacto blade. What you're doing is making spacers. You'll also need to cut/punch a hole for the bolt to go through. What you are trying to do is raise the level of the plate slightly higher. Start with one piece on each side, you may need to add more. What this will do is RAISE the hatch by just a little, enough to snug it up and make it hold more firmly on the catch mechanism.
You may also need to adjust the catch mechanism by moving it down slightly. Do the spacers first. When you're done the hatch should be at the same level as the body, and will take a pretty firm shove to close it.
While you're at it spray lube the hinges and catch mechanism (I like Tri-Flow) and rub some silicone grease (from the plumbing section of the hardware store) into all the rubber weather stripping. It will help to preserve the rubber and eliminate any final sqeaks. Do not use WD-40 on the rubber as it will attack it. Spray silicone is OK, spray it on a rag first and then rub it in, I prefer the grease since you can get a thicker application and kind of massage it in with a rag.
Ride in silence.
Thread Starter
Blow up or win
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 3
From: Altezzaville
Originally posted by memmi
thanks yo!
Any perminant solution for the gerbil squeek from the front hood latch other than to re-apply the silicon every few weeks?
thanks yo!
Any perminant solution for the gerbil squeek from the front hood latch other than to re-apply the silicon every few weeks?
uid 0
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 858
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: How to fix your loose hatch once and for all!
I prefer the grease since you can get a thicker application and kind of massage it in with a rag.
13Bfiscalirresponsibility
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Hell and loving it
Run some electrical tape around the latch 3-4 times. That solved my rear hatch rattle after 5 years of *squeak squeak* despite raising the rubber stoppers, lowering the latch mechanism all the way, and using silicon lubricant.
