Annoying Squeak in Hatch Tracked and Eliminated

Duken4evr · 04-05-2008, 08:33 PM

Mrs. Duke complained of a prominent high frequency squeak coming from the hatch area of our new Rondo (1,200 miles on it to date). I checked the tightness of the fasteners on all the mounting points and lubed the hinges with no resolution.

Then I got smart and found the problem. I was able to replicate the squeak by opening the hatch and firmly grasping it by it's sides and putting a twisting torsional force on it like it would experience while being driven. Squeak squeak squeak, just like it did when driving. It became apparent that the squeak generator is the 3rd brake light, which is (in my opinion) overkill mounted to the top center of the hatch with three fasteners.

The 3rd brake light nuts are hard plastic, with metal cores. It seems the hatch flexes a bit at it's center and the three hard plastic nuts "squeak" (a lot in my Rondo's case) on the slightly flexing hard metal hatch body. This makes sense, as the hatch will deflect the most at the center, especially because it loses a bit of stiffness there due to the mounting and wire holes for the 3rd brake light.

A dab of grease on the mounting surface for the nuts and on the light side too, for good measure, and the problem went away. Maybe later I will find some rubber washers and put them in. The grease was handy and the wife had to be placated as she was in full bitch mode - new car, squeaking, driving me crazy, wouldn't have bought it if I knew it was going to do this, blah blah blah... Anyway, at least if the squeak comes back, I know where to look. Nothing like fixing a problem under spousal pressure!

Other than that issue, the Rondo has proven to be very "tight" and squeak/rattle free. Better than my 2007 Camry, which has squeaked badly and so for unfixably from it's dash almost from mile 1

Anyway, I have to cut Mrs. D some slack, buying the Rondo was my idea. It is normal to have 2nd thoughts after a big purchase is made. I really have not had that problem though. I love our Rondo. Best new car bang for the buck out there

OregonBruin · 04-07-2008, 06:16 PM

I am having what sounds to me like the exact same problem with the rear hatch. I appreciate the hint and I will look at it before going in to the dealer for the first time. Unfortunately, I have some other rattles that have surfaced. The major one is somewhere in the rear right door. It all depends on the asphalt surface but is at its worst on the freeway and gets quite annoying. Another one has surfaced somewhere in the front either dash or right front door. It has been driving me crazy but rattles have been a sore spot for me. I had a 2003 VW Golf that developed a rattle so bad, it was in the shop for 31 days straight! VW paid my car payment that month but the source of the rattle was never found exactly. I do not want to go through this again.

Blow-in · 04-08-2008, 06:16 AM

I had the squeek too which was eliminated by the dealer who adjusted and greased the rear hatch - not sure whether than included the 3rd brake light fixing but this is useful information to exchange. We've been squeek free for 4000 miles now.

leomigliano · 05-09-2008, 01:37 PM

I'm having the same squeek problem took the car to the Kia dealer and I was told they had to replace the wheelbearings,because the grease inside the bearing was dry,the Kia mechanic told me,can I trust him?I wonder to mention the 3rd brake light as reported in this forum.Leo.

vanner · 05-09-2008, 04:57 PM

Bruin:

The only minor little "defect" we had to have fixed on our 07 LX was a loosened wiring connector for the power window in that right rear door. It ended up disconnecting and the window wouldn't work. Dealer diagnosed and fixed it quickly. Like they new what was wrong? Seems there is a wire wrap or bundle tie there to keep the wires from drooping or swaying and causing the connector to come undone. Ours either lacked the wrap or it came off. When the dealer fixed it, he put a wrap on the harness where it should have been, and our window works, AND - the rattle is gone! Might look into that?

conwelpic · 05-09-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leomigliano

I'm having the same squeek problem took the car to the Kia dealer and I was told they had to replace the wheelbearings,because the grease inside the bearing was dry,the Kia mechanic told me,can I trust him?I wonder to mention the 3rd brake light as reported in this forum.Leo.

If you wouldn't mind, could you fill out your profile as to your location and details of what you are driving, as this helps us in conversations - thanks.