Knock From Right Rear

[nwoods]

Gareth on the d3 website posted that it could be the rear anti-sway bar. Give it a tug and see if it's loose. He reports that his bushings detoriated on that item, and it was really loose and noisy.

 

[steppenwolf]

Well, took the Rover in to the dealer and he tightened the struts and strikers. Assume he roadtested it but the "knock/groan" continues same as ever. It's definitely coming from the right tailgate/door combo. When I put gear in the back and lower the liftgate, the noise takes a few bumps to begin again, as if the parts are re-settling against each other. Have to try some grease or temporary shims as an experiment. On a more positive note, spent a few days last week up in the Rockies, xc skiing and snoeshowing. Averaged 20.4 mpg for 1700km trip - about 17 mpg U.S. Unfortunately ended up with a big windshield "star" courtesy of the big rigs plying the "sanded" Trans-Canada highway at high speed. The developing crack is working its way across the windscreen at about 1/8"-1/4" per day so I guess new glass will soon be in order. Fortunately, my insurance has only a $200 deductible - that filamented screen must cost $2000-$3000! Ciao.

 

[Bluebird]

I used just the smallest amount of grease on my finger tip and applied it to the stationary part. Cured it! then I did them all, doors, bonnet, smooth as silk!

 

[dry_fly]

I had this same issue with my LR3... I identified it to be the torsional twist issue with the lift gate before reading this post, right side as described. I wish I had seen this before, as it would have saved me a few hundred miles of driving myself nuts! I figured as an extra measure of precaution, I cut exact lengths of velcro & stuck the furry side to the body side of the strikes. Didn't use the plastic side of velcro... thus far it works like a charm. Good luck... let me know if it ends up to be something else?

 

[steppenwolf]

Thanks for the suggestions "Bluebird" and "dry fly". Not to be thick but where EXACTLY did you apply the grease/velco? Was the noise coming from contact between the liftgate and dropgate or between either one and the vehicle body? Thanks and ciao.

 

[Bluebird]

The grease goes on the "catch" part of the lock mechanism.

 

[dry_fly]

I'll take a picture of where I put the velcro... it was on the contact pads. stay tuned, as soon as I can find my digital camera I'll shoot a shot to you

 

[steppenwolf]

Just an FYI; finally cured my torsion/pothole-induced squeaking/clunking noise. Seemed to be emanating from the right side of the rear seat (5 seater), but it was indeed the right side of the rear liftgate. Greasing all the latch mechanisms didn't make a difference, but a touch of grease to the hard rubber stops on the liftgate and those secured to the frame cured it pronto. Ciao.

 

[roverman]

Old post follow up. I've had the exact same symptoms, but the noise happens almost exclusively below 32 degrees. Dealer said it was coming from inside the tailgate strut and has ordered new ones. He confirmed from his experience that for whatever reason it occurs when it gets colder out.