Convertible top rattles

[ducati]

My wife's 2005 NBC has had a rattling issue since new... It seems to be somewhere (or all along!) where the top meets the windshield frame. It occurs most when the weather is cold.

At each service, we have asked the technician to take a look at it. Each time it comes back with "operation as normal." However, the last time, the technician "lubricated top seal, rattle gone."

Yes, the rattle was gone! We drove in blissful silence for about a week... Until the rattle came back :mad:

I was surfing another forum, and a member suggested wiping 303 Protectant on the seal... He said that would take care of the rattle, and last longer than whatever the dealer used. I did a search here, and found some to suggest WD40 for the same purpose.

First question: is this an issue with all NBC's? In other words... Should I keep pestering the dealer?

Second question: for those that have this annoying rattle, how do you solve it, and how long does the solution seem to last?

[Silverthang]

Take a look at this thread from the UK site. There are some photo's that may interest you?

http://www.newbeetle.org.uk/justbuggin/viewtopic.php?t=826

[ducati]

So I take it from the non-response of the group that this is not a common, normal occurance on the NBC? If this is the case, I'll press the dealer for a solution! We have a 20k scheduled this weekend, so this would be a good time :)

[schen72]

No, it is not normal. We had the exact same problem with our 2005 NBC. The first time we complained about a "rattling" sound near the latch, they applied some special "tape". I talked to the service technician directly, and he told me that the real solution is to replace the latch with a slightly thicker one, so it wouldn't rattle around. But VWoA will not allow dealers to install the new latch without first trying the tape.

I believe it's a ploy by VWoA to first try the half-assed solution (tape) in the hopes a certain percentage of people won't complain about it anymore.

So I did the tape, and in about 2 weeks, as I predicted, the rattle came back. Then I went back and said I'd like the new latch. The problem is fixed and it's been about 3 months.

Just another example of how VWoA tries to cover up a poorly designed product. I so wish the NBC was better built... but don't get me started...

[ducati]

This is the only complaint I have about our NBC... Everything else has been stellar.

Thanks for the info. I will press the dealer for a solution. I think asking a tech to come along for a ride is all I need.. It's not a quiet rattle :D

[TampaDub]

I just had my vert top side seaams replaced. Now mine too rattles. But I have noticed that the panel that goes back when i put it down (the panel the D latch that you turn is on) it is loose from the top in that corner like they broke a clip or something when they put it back togeether. if that isn;t the rattle for me I will try the tape but now I have to spend the day getting the clip fixed!!!!

[Izzie]

My 2006 new convertible still rattles, and I have yet to try the WD40 as suggested. I have my first 5,000 mile oil change in a couple of weeks. I plan on complaining for the 4th time at that service, and I will also ask if the WD40 is okay to use. I'm concerned that the tight seal the car has may be compromised if I do. My owner's manual said to expect noise from convertibles.

Good luck. Hopefully, we can find a way to quiet things down.

[Izzie]

My 2006 new convertible still rattles, and I have yet to try the WD40 as suggested. I have my first 5,000 mile oil change in a couple of weeks. I plan on complaining for the 4th time at that service, and I will also ask if the WD40 is okay to use. I'm concerned that the tight seal the car has may be compromised if I do. My owner's manual said to expect noise from convertibles.

Good luck. Hopefully, we can find a way to quiet things down.

P.S. My rattles are down each side and near the door latches.

[ducati]

I will keep everyone posted on the solution (if one is found). Our service was moved to next weekend. If VW doesn't have a good solution, I'm going to buy some 303... It's driving my wife a little batty :D

As I said, we love our car otherwise. Although maybe a little more power would be nice :cool:

[CGK]

Folks,
I have had the rattle or what sounds like two pieces of metal rubbing against each other, as well. Mostly when going over rough road surfaces, bumps or railroad tracks and primarily in the cold.
The solution I have used was to remove the plastic panel that conceals the top latch mechanisms. To do this,release the top and raise it half way; carefully pry the front edge with a plastic or wooden flat tool (prevents scratches). The front edge is held in with metal clips all along the front edge. Then there are four plastic "tree" clips that hold the center of the panel in. Pry the panel carefully down to release these from the top holes. Once disconnected, pull down, twist and hold the lock handle, turn the panel at a right angle to pull in over the handle and set the panel aside.

Now, you will see all the handle mechanics and rods and latches that lock the roof down. Get some Genie garage door lubricant. It's actually "Lubriplate" white grease. It's specially designed to withstand heat and cold without running or solidifying. Using it sparingly, apply to all the moving parts you can see by moving the handles and seeing what rotates or moves. You'll even see some of this grease on the return spring for the handle. Make sure to lube everything including the guide pins at each end of the roof, the latch hook surface that grabs the header when closed, the header bushings that meet the latch hooks and when all done, replace the panel in reverse order.

Lastly, as others have already mentioned, use some 303 protectant and coat the surface of the header seal on the top edge of the windshield that seals the top.
That should do it. I believe the dry surfaces of metal, plastic and fabric combine to create the moans, groans, squeeks and rattles in top.

This has worked for me and I haven't had a sound from the top for a year now.

Hope this helps guys.:)

[schen72]

You simply need to ask for the redesigned "hook" that latches the top shut. VWoA redesigned the hook to be slightly fatter all around, so it makes a tight fit, thus no rattling.

[ducati]

The redesigned hook sounds like exactly what we need. Does anyone have the part number in case my dealership "doesn't know" about it? :D

[gunthermoose]

"Here is what my repair invoice lists regarding the convertible lock mechanism:

61445500 REPLACE LOCK
1688 WV03
01320024 TECHNICAL DIAGNOSIS
1298 WV03
1 1YO-871-383-B-3PT LOCK
2 1CO-868-243 CLIP
FC: 614415BFA2
PART#: 1YO-871-383-B-3PT
COUNT:
CLAIM TYPE: W2
AUTH CODE:
Reply With Quote

[ducati]

BINGO! Just got back from our 20k... My tech knew nothing about the new latch mechanism, but rang up Tech Line anyway... There is indeed a new mechanism. A TSB is forthcoming in the "coming month" according to Tech Line. The parts are ordered and we're having the fix done next Saturday (18th). :thup:

Thanks to schen72 and gunthermoose!

[schen72]

Glad it worked out. The good news is my new latch has been rattle-free ever since it was installed -- at least 4 months ago.

[ducati]

Well, it hasn't worked out quite yet, I'll reserve a victory lap for the hopefully quiet drive after the latches are replaced on 3/18 ;)

This is good news, indeed. It's essentially the only thing we didn't love about the NBC.

Now we just need to chip it :D

[pieceofcrapbug]

Yes, I have the exact same problem that you have. I have 2005 bug and the problem started 2-3 months after I purchased it new. I am now in my 16th month of the ownership of the car and the problem is only getting worse. I have had the car in the dealership six times and it is now heading back for its 7th visit. I keep getting the run around from the dealer and they say its "body flexing".....yeah right. I am so frustrated!!! Did you ever get any resolution on your problem? I also have a paint issue with the car, and the canopy top keeps coming loose from the interior rear window.

[pieceofcrapbug]

Yes, I have the exact same problem that you have. I have 2005 bug and the problem started 2-3 months after I purchased it new. I am now in my 16th month of the ownership of the car and the problem is only getting worse. I have had the car in the dealership six times and it is now heading back for its 7th visit. I keep getting the run around from the dealer and they say its "body flexing".....yeah right. I am so frustrated!!! Did you ever get any resolution on your problem? I also have a paint issue with the car, and the canopy top keeps coming loose from the interior rear window.

[schen72]

The new latch solution has worked for me. It is a new part from VW, and I highly suggest you get it from the dealer. You may have to pester them for it though, as many dealers are ignorant of it.

As for the headliner coming loose from the rear window, it hasn't happened to me, but I've read of others having the same problem, and having it fixed under warranty.

Yes, the Beetle is a very fragile car, and IMHO, a crappily constructed car. In many ways, it is overengineered and prone to mechanical failure. But I suppose that is the price one pays for German engineering. I don't think my wallet or stomach can handle another German car after this. We're going back to Acura for the next car!

[pieceofcrapbug]

Actually our German cars are made in Mexico and Brazil. If I had only known I was buying a German "enchilada or empanada", I might have thought again. I just want to get it noise free so I can sell it. I will take them the info on the latch.

[Steinola]

I have an occassional rattle... but, really, only when I'd expect to hear it (like when I'm driving over rough road). Otherwise it's pretty quiet. I'll definitely look into the new latch, though. Might as well push for it before I need it ;)

The interior liner coming apart from the rear window is a known issue... and one that affected my NBC 6 months ago or so. I took it in for service at the time and my dealer found a service bulletin that involved a new, beefier (metal??) clip for the liner. They replaced the clip with the new one... and I haven't had any problems since (though, admittedly, it was right before our rainy season and my top hasn't been down a whole lot since that service... we'll have to see how well it fairs when the top is in full use during the summer).

[ducati]

Well, it hasn't worked out quite yet, I'll reserve a victory lap for the hopefully quiet drive after the latches are replaced on 3/18 ;)

This is good news, indeed. It's essentially the only thing we didn't love about the NBC.

Now we just need to chip it :D

I justed wanted to update the members: the new latches are a godsend. No more clunks from the top. :cool:

[TampaDub]

Thats good to know. Powder goes in on monday for a list of about 20 little problems that are driving me crazy. That is one of them.

[Peter D.]

Hi, folks. I'm new to newbeetle.org, having just purchased a used 20004 NBC with 21k miles.

I test drove it with the top down. Yesterday I finally registered the car and drove today with the top up and have been hearing the same creaking and rattling you guys are complaining about. The seller never bothered to mention it. Hmmm....

Anyway, is this new latch mechanism fix from the dealer covered under the warranty and if not, how much is this gonna cost me?! ($20,000 and counting so far)

-Pd

[schen72]

Yes, the new top latch is covered under warranty. Although some people have reported they've had to be more adamant about getting it.

[ldyrev1]

I had the latch replaced on Gabrial with the updated part 3 weeks ago under warranty, and what a differance. No more rattles over bumps, and the latch actually is more snug feeling.

I had printed off this thread and brought it into the dealer. They ordered the part and took care of me no problem.

Guess VW will only change it out if the customer complains.

Thank goodness for this forum.

[Peter D.]

So I brought my car to the dealer, left it overnight and they road tested it. They claimed they didn't hear anything! They said it's fine. Are they deaf or just BS-ing me?

I'll print out this thread too and see if I can get some results!

[Peter D.]

Basically I got nowhere with the dealer.

I gave the service rep the part number and she called back and told me, "yeah, that's the whole latch." And I said, "yes, I know, it's the new heavy-duty upgrade." She claimed that it's the same latch that's already in the car and they won't replace it.

I was also told that this is the noise the car makes and I should just learn to deal with it because "they all do it."

So I explained how I read this information on bewbeetle.org and she replied, "well there's a lot of misinformation on the internet...." Yeah, no s#!t, and there's a lot of misinformation at Riverbank VW of Stamford, CT!

Looks like I'll have to go to the dealership in Greenwich when I have a day off and deal with this mess in person.

[Peter D.]

The solution I have used was to remove the plastic panel that conceals the top latch mechanisms. To do this,release the top and raise it half way; carefully pry the front edge with a plastic or wooden flat tool (prevents scratches). The front edge is held in with metal clips all along the front edge. Then there are four plastic "tree" clips that hold the center of the panel in. Pry the panel carefully down to release these from the top holes. Once disconnected, pull down, twist and hold the lock handle, turn the panel at a right angle to pull in over the handle and set the panel aside.

Now, you will see all the handle mechanics and rods and latches that lock the roof down. Get some Genie garage door lubricant. It's actually "Lubriplate" white grease. It's specially designed to withstand heat and cold without running or solidifying. Using it sparingly, apply to all the moving parts you can see by moving the handles and seeing what rotates or moves. You'll even see some of this grease on the return spring for the handle. Make sure to lube everything including the guide pins at each end of the roof, the latch hook surface that grabs the header when closed, the header bushings that meet the latch hooks and when all done, replace the panel in reverse order.

Lastly, as others have already mentioned, use some 303 protectant and coat the surface of the header seal on the top edge of the windshield that seals the top.
That should do it. I believe the dry surfaces of metal, plastic and fabric combine to create the moans, groans, squeeks and rattles in top.

This has worked for me and I haven't had a sound from the top for a year now.

Hope this helps guys.:)

I gave it a shot and it totally worked. YOU ARE A GENIUS!!! The hardest part was actually finding the Genie garage door lubricant at Home Depot.

The plastic cover came off easily and there was no damage. I didn't have a plastic tool to get if off so I just pried it with my fingers. One small tube of the lube stuff does the trick.

I tested the car by driving fast over a railroad crossing and some potholes. Other than the usual sounds a car makes when hiting a road obstacle, there was no grinding from the top. I wish the VW dealership was this resourceful. thanks again!

I will post pics later.

[calvin.hoe]

Inside the boot's left side is an electronics tip-over detector. It has a ball-on-a-plate type that detects roll-over and fires up the roll-over protection devices.:)

[Bandit]

I just had the same problem with my 06. It being a late build it has all the upgrades. The handle is not the problem causeing the rattle. The 2 plactic posts on the locking part of the top causes it. went to the dealer today and it was a 5 min fix. no more rattles.They put a rubber pice of hose around the post. Just slipped it on and no more rattles. They also glued them on one on each post. VW knows about the problem and the dealers have the rubber bushings. I drove over 100 miles today some back roads and no more rattles!!! The handle replacement is for the older years, the pins break and thats why they relpaced them. The handles do not cause the rattle.All the handles are the same size except for the pin that holds the handle. Hope this helps.
Bandit

[Bandit]

Did you read my post?
Bandit