craig12895

iTrader: (7)

Yes as you all know, it rattles...

My question is not how to fix it, I have searched a ton about that. What I am wondering is if there is an aftermarket bar that I can replace the stock one with because I havent found anything from searching.

If there is a bar made to replace that do you guys know if it would get rid of that awful squeaky rattling?

Thanks, Craig

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

Ok well i have looked more and there is nothing that can replace it. My next question is this, is it the plastic cover on the strut bar that causes the rattling?

dcains

iTrader: (15)

Might also be the plastic covering on the inside of the hatch, or the rear shock mounts. Noises like that can be tough to isolate. If it is the plastic pieces, you can make sure all the plastic clips are intact, and perhaps use the thin type of FatMat or DynaMat as vibration damper.

In my '08, it was the rear shock mounts, and this did the trick:

https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...l#post10141385

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

Well that link you posted definitely seems like that is what I have so I will be trying that method very soon. To put on the shock mount kit do I have to remove the plastic in the trunk and go from there?

dcains

iTrader: (15)

It's all done from underneath the car - nothing in the cabin. Check out one of the threads about replacing shocks for details, bt it's fairly obvious once you're in there.

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

Well I went out to the garage this morning and first i removed all of the plastic around the strut tower and went for a drive, still heard the rattle so it isnt the strut tower for me. Then I took off the plastic cover on the hatch and went for another drive and this time I didnt hear the rattle. So my plan is to drive without the hatch plastic for a little while to see if it comes back and if it does then I will buy a kyb shock mount kit

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

My solution to the rattle in the rear of my Z: (with tons of pictures)

When the hatch plastic was off I never had that rattle reoccur, therefore my issue pertained to the hatch rather than the strut tower or shock mounts.


Unlike many people on the forum I did not line the plastic in rubber. What I had handy in the garage was a foam tape which I believe is made by 3M


Then I put a strip of the foam anywhere the plastic would come into contact with the hatch

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The final product is noticeable only when the hatch is open but in my opinion it is well worth it to stop the rattling. And the foam strips did not make it difficult at all to get the plastic back onto the trunk

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

Just an update... I drove my Z today for about an hour and a half and still no rattle for me. So if anybody out there has a rattle in the rear of your Z that sounds like a bird chirping you should definitely try this method!

beezee

iTrader: (19)

nice fix. I think you can achieve a better look by carefully cutting along the edge of the hatch and peeling the excess

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

I would do that but in order for it to be hidden the foam wouldn't be doing its purpose and I would rather it look this way than rattle. And it's only visible when the hatch is up. And another reason I didn't is because only a razor blade would cut the foam and in order to cut it close I would have to use the hatch as a cutting board and I'm not willing to scratch my paint for that.

BigBlue

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the nice write up and info! I get that rattling noise, worse in colder weather, but it always seems to come from the pass. side rear corner area. I've tried to put foam, etc. under various plastic sections that are loose and could possibly rattle; have done it all over the rear and hasn't helped. I've removed spare tire, tools and driven car but rattle still there; may need to try your soloution. I have never yet removed any plastic panels in the rear, any suggestions which is best one to start with and method to remove these plastic sections? Thanks.

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

From what I have read it sounds like you issue might actually be your rear shock mounts. If you want to replace them go with the KYB shock mount kit ($35). That basically replaces the stock bushings on the Z that don't tend to last long. If you think it is a plastic rattle I would do what my first picture shows and drive around without the plastic pieces on and if the rattle is still there then you know the plastic isn't your issue and from there I would do the shock mount kit. Does that help with your question?

BigBlue

iTrader: (4)

Yes thanks for that info. I'll have to check the hatch cover first, any tips as to the proper "manuver" to remove so I don't just rip it off haha? Does it just pop off straight out starting in one corner or another?

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

Yea it just comes straight out. There aren't any screws, just the typical plastic clips. I got it off by getting a screw driver and putting it in the hole where the latch is and pry back enough until you can fit your fingers under the plastic and then give it a little tug and it should come right off

BigBlue

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the good tip! I'll put that to use soon and do the trial and error routine until hopefully I get 'er solved; I'm sure there are a lot of guys out there who deal with this as I've seen in the forums here it sounds like a bunch.

craig12895

iTrader: (7)

Well make sure to keep everybody posted as to whether this works for you or not