Liftgate latch metal clank when driving over bumps

[dekuramen]

I've tried adjusting the bumpstops, electrical tape to dampen the metal on metal noise, plastic seemed to be the best remedy. Time to take latch out and re-position?

Any ideas? It is such an annoying sound.

 

[beatle]

Do you know it's the latch? Could other parts of the lift gate have metal to metal contact?

 

[IchDochNicht]

Check the whole hatch area, including the struts and the license plate. Something is lose, or lose enough to make the sound. I wouldn’t be surprised, if it turns out to be the license plate or it’s frame.

 

[dekuramen]

Not the license plate. Im leaning towards the driver side hatch strut...

 

[IchDochNicht]

Not the license plate. Im leaning towards the driver side hatch strut...

Can you wiggle it? Does it feel lose?

Do you hear the rattle also when you close the hatch?

In the past, I had a few rattles in areas where I didn’t expect them. For example one car had a rattle on certain bumps that I thought was from the hatch, but came from the mechanism that latches the foldable rear seat.

I would systematically check everything in this area, bump things with my fist etc. It could be a lose toe hook in the compartment below the trunk, even!

 

[dekuramen]

This ones a weird one. I shook the back left brake backing plate and a parking pad came out... Noise gone

Similar issue
Parking Brake Pad Separation

 

[dekuramen]

I fear I have only 3/4 parking brake pads left. Will see how much Tesla Service quotes me. I have been driving with it separated for some time now without knowing. I am hoping no more problems arise so I can afford to replace my bent rims lol.

Off topic: anyone selling 20" wheels for Model S? I am leaning towards buying these. $2k CAD for 4 EVR "Roadster Style" Wheel for Tesla Model 3 & Tesla Model S

 

[IchDochNicht]

I remember that when my car was in for service sometime ago, they said they performed a recall on the parking brake. I wonder, if that's what it was.

Glad you found the source!