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Creak Creak!
- Thread starter Bootneckshuffl
- Start date
pdk42
Active Member
Neither. I just adjusted the bump stops. I moved the tailgate out a bit (extended the stops some more).
Ah ok. I’ve tweaked the bottom set of feet which made no difference at all. So the upper ones move too?
pdk42
Active Member
Yes, they have a locking collar you need to unscrew first.
Thanks, I’ll look at this later. Far as I know mine are screwed right in and aren’t out at all. The two actually on the lower end of the tailgate are out a bit and exposing one ring, if you know what I mean?
In my experience, the adjusters work for a bit - and don't get me wrong, you should spend a bit of time adjusting them to get the closure right - but the noise just comes back when the weather changes and things expand/contract. Same goes for silicone lubricant to the rubbers and the body.
After this post in another thread about squeaky tailgates I applied some fabric wiring harness tape to both sides of the boot opening where the rubber seals attached to the sides of the tailgate would meet the body, and the noise is gone. I can't see how it would come back TBH. The tape is low tack so isn't going to cause any damage, or need solvents to get it off - but sticks fine as long as the paintwork is clean even more so because it's contacted lightly by the tailgate.
After this post in another thread about squeaky tailgates I applied some fabric wiring harness tape to both sides of the boot opening where the rubber seals attached to the sides of the tailgate would meet the body, and the noise is gone. I can't see how it would come back TBH. The tape is low tack so isn't going to cause any damage, or need solvents to get it off - but sticks fine as long as the paintwork is clean even more so because it's contacted lightly by the tailgate.
I’ve also applied some of the fabric tape to the edge of the boot opening, and I’m sure that helps, but a small quarter turn adjustment on one of the upper bump stops made a big difference with mine.
I’ve had a play with the bump stops. Made no difference. Did notice that they’re extremely squeaky though, especially when turning the locking nut.
pdk42
Active Member
The squeaking I’ve had is definitely coming from the outer rubber seal that presses against the upper outside left/right edges of the tailgate. I can say this with confidence because :
- You can hear it by pressing down on the tailgate just above the light cluster when it’s closed.
- It almost completely disappears when it’s been raining (water along the seal).
- You can stop it by putting silicon grease on the rubber (but it’s a temporary fix).
The bump stop adjustment will work if you adjust it such that the tailgate no longer compresses the rubber. But it’s a fine line between pushing it so far out that the lock won’t engage but enough to get the tailgate to not compress the seal. Silicone grease works well, but it’ll need regular re-application. I haven’t tried the fabric tape approach, but I reckon it’s probably the best option.
- You can hear it by pressing down on the tailgate just above the light cluster when it’s closed.
- It almost completely disappears when it’s been raining (water along the seal).
- You can stop it by putting silicon grease on the rubber (but it’s a temporary fix).
The bump stop adjustment will work if you adjust it such that the tailgate no longer compresses the rubber. But it’s a fine line between pushing it so far out that the lock won’t engage but enough to get the tailgate to not compress the seal. Silicone grease works well, but it’ll need regular re-application. I haven’t tried the fabric tape approach, but I reckon it’s probably the best option.
I read somewhere on here that some people in the US have been removing the rubber strip completely. I haven’t yet resorted to that in case there’s no way of refitting it if it causes further unintended problems.
Might be worth getting a mobile service visit and get someone from Tesla to do it. I expect they have had plenty of practice!
pdk42
Active Member
I don’t think its purpose is to stop water getting in given that it’s only on part of the overall aperture and that there is a much bigger seal further in that is surely the real waterproofing barrier. So, my suspicion is that it’s there for wind noise reduction.
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