Rattling sound in the tailgate

[Shermerrr]

Hi, I'm a complete noob and I have a question. Over the summer I bought a 99 Jeep Cherokee Classic. Lately I've noticed a rattling sound coming from the tailgate. I don't know what it is and was wondering if anyone else has had this problem or knows of a way to fix the rattling sound. Thanks.

[ZachMan]

exhaust?

[Shermerrr]

I don't think so. I think something is loose and when I begin to drive the tailgate begins to shake and rattle.

[djblade311]

could be the exhaust clamp smacking your leaf spring. Do you have a rear wiper motor? If so, they have been known to become loose.

[Shermerrr]

could be the exhaust clamp smacking your leaf spring. Do you have a rear wiper motor? If so, they have been known to become loose.

Huh, no idea. Like I said, I'm a newb. What should I look for?

[kennzz05]

try opening the liftgate and shaking it up and down rapidly that should tell ya if its coming from the door if not look at the exaust right at the back where the tailpipe ends see if its hittin the spring

[tgoff]

I don't know about a 99 but on my 86 the 3 torx bolts that hold on the locking mechanism on the lift gate can loosen up causing it to rattle.

[brak]

i have a similar rattle from the tailgate/hatch area of my 01. it definitly sounds like it's coming from the latch area. i havnt got around to checking mine yet, but that's the first place i'd check.

:piratefla

[GScott]

I also have a rattle in the back somewhere. (98 Classic) Happens over bumps and seems to be coming from the right rear. I've gone over every bolt, checked the jack, spare tire mounting etc, and moved the tailgate up and down quickly to try to find it.

My next move is to get in the back while my buddy drives around...i think i can narrow the location and go from there. Also, what is under the back package storage area? Does the carpet come up?

[GScott]

i have a similar rattle from the tailgate/hatch area of my 01. it definitly sounds like it's coming from the latch area. i havnt got around to checking mine yet, but that's the first place i'd check.

:piratefla

Could the latch be loose inside but still function and appear ok from the outside?

[GGR]

I had a rattle in the back of mine for a while. It was buggin the crap outta me. Found out my speaker had come loose, and was rattling betwix my tailgate and the cover. Screwed the speakes in tight, and no more rattles.

[jrock]

Check the interior liftgate panel (the one that covers the lower half). I'm 99.9% sure that's was rattling on my 87 as it is loose. Probably will end up with a duct tape fix.

[jeeperz]

I had a ratlle sound on my 01, tured out to be my license plate.

[dynorockcg]

I have a rattle in my 01 that makes noise when I accelerate and soemtimes when I brake...also, when I go over bumps. It sounds like it is coming from under the rear bench. I have the bench out, most of the trim off, and I still can't find it. I have checked underneath as well. Any ideaS?

[Shermerrr]

Still don't know where the rattling is coming from. I checked EVERYTHING!!! It's like chinese water torture!

[XJTony]

I have a 97 ....2 12 inch subs in the back ...only one rattle ...it was the tailgate latch ...on the outside ...RTV silicone around the outer edge of the latch assembly ...no rattles ...even with 2 12's pounding !!!! Hope you find the rattle .....

[kennzz05]

um turn up the radio???!!!

[norcalsnow]

sometimes the little clips that hold the rear bench seat in an upright position start to rattle or squeak as they wear. try wrapping a piece of ductape arount the posts and then re latching the seat upright. also i had an expierienge in a zj where the honeycomb inside the cat had broken up and began rattleing inside there. that took a while to figure out. good luck.

[CHUGLYxj]

I also have a rattle in the back somewhere. (98 Classic) Happens over bumps and seems to be coming from the right rear. I've gone over every bolt, checked the jack, spare tire mounting etc, and moved the tailgate up and down quickly to try to find it.

My next move is to get in the back while my buddy drives around...i think i can narrow the location and go from there. Also, what is under the back package storage area? Does the carpet come up?

I have the same rattle in the rear passenger area of my 01, it sounds like it is coming from behind the inside rear pannel. I've decided this after going over everything in the rear suspension and retourqueing and adjusting everything. Turning up the radio will only mask the problem and not point out any issue. Is there anything behind this rear cover? I know I have an exhaust rattle but it is a much different sound.

[streetpirate]

i always hear squeeking bed noises but faster from the ass end of mine. its probally just the hatch rubbing on the unibody as it shakes from the unbalenced tires or the super stiff suspension.

[Fish'nCarz]

My 01 rattles at the hatch unless I wedge something up against it. I'll keep watching this until you find our problem!

[husker25]

Open your back hatch and you'll see a small round rubber bumper just inside of the tail lights. There are two--one on each side of the jeep. Peel off each bumper and you will see a large torx screw. Turn it counterclockwise 1/2 to 1 full turn--do this to both sides. This lengthens the bumpers and causes them to snug up to the lift gate better when it is closed. This helped on my '99.

[djblade311]

Huh, no idea. Like I said, I'm a newb. What should I look for?

well, if you have a wiper on your rear window, then you have a rear wiper motor...hehe.

1. Remove the interior panel off the hatch
2. Tighten wiper motor bolts (if applicable)
3. Tighten latch bolts for both locking mechanism and the door handle.
4. Drive it around and see if you still have the rattle.
4a. If no rattle, re-attach interior panel and repeat Step 4. If it rattles, then your panel is the culprit
5. Look at your exhaust pipe at the rear of the vehicle and follow it along, inspecting it for rubbing the passenger side leaf spring at any location.
6. Look at your leaf spring bushings and make sure the leaf spring loops arent hitting the unibody buckets (where the leaf springs attach). If the leaf springs are loosing their bushings, it will cause rattles when the spring hits the mounting boxes.
7. Check to see if you rear seat is rattling. Lay it forward to see if it stops.
8. Check for loose speakers.
9. Check for loose wingnut on the factory tire carrier

Hopefully that will cover most of the possibilities.

[CHUGLYxj]

Open your back hatch and you'll see a small round rubber bumper just inside of the tail lights. There are two--one on each side of the jeep. Peel off each bumper and you will see a large torx screw. Turn it counterclockwise 1/2 to 1 full turn--do this to both sides. This lengthens the bumpers and causes them to snug up to the lift gate better when it is closed. This helped on my '99.
WOW, what a DUH thing. Thank you, I never noted that the studs were adjustable. I should find out if it solved my issues tomorrow. Its a good thing that my road is the purfect test track for a vibration hunt.

It also helps with my spare tire placement, 31" MTR in the factory spot with a little adjustment. Oh yeah, thanks again. If you search you shall find. :NAXJA:, has it all.

[OjXj]

Ahh - the license plate! Only happened in 4WD but that was it - glad I didn't tear the hatch apart. Thanks Jeeperz and NAXJA!