AndyK

Could the annoying as hell noise I have been getting from the hatch area (sounds like loose hatch glass against the frame--but it's not) be caused by the rear shoulder belt retractor mechanism?? Nothing else could be causing this sound...and today, when I pulled the belt hard, and released it a few time, the noise stopped (but for how long?).

Anyone have this problem...or know how to stop it? It sounds like I left a near-empty can of soda in one of the rear cubby holes.

triscadek

Mine did that and it was the hatch not closing tight enough, then it became a balancing act of tight enough to not rattle or too tight and the hatch opens by itself. Emabrassing at the wrong moment.

AndyK

I thought it was that, but the hatch is solid. Something else in the back is rattling...may be that belt retractor.

nyda

I had a problem that sounds a lot like yours. Does it still make the sound when you gently apply the brakes? My rattle ended up being the brake pads that should get here monday.

AndyK

It's hard to describe....it's not your standard rattle sound. It has a bouncing sound...like my roll-up cargo cover was broken, and rattling around within that housing. That's why I think it's the seatbelt mechanism noise...

Maybe it's a combination or something. When it's quite, the car feels more solid! Nothing worse than a rattly sounding Porsche!

Tom R.

no rattles in the z28! maybe they will appear when i get the spare.

AndyK

Hey Tom-

No rattles = good in my book! I hate rattles!!

How does your Firebird do in the rattle and noises dept?? Can you tighten everything in that car easily?

Tom R.

the firebird flexes like a piece of tin foil, has plenty of rattles, and is noisy. but it is from a whole nother generation. you cant compare it to todays cars. todays quality is much better.

the handling is like the handling of an old nova, which it is, the brakes need a reservation, etc.

the camaro is a whole nother animal. my wrench gave it a thorough once over. needs front pads in a few months. an oil change, some washer fluid and i am good to go for the winter. the gas mileage sucks, but even with the chip it passed inspection with some good numbers. straight line it is like a beast. have to get used to the extra length an width . gas mileage was 15 on premium in mixed driving.

the acoustics are amazing. put four six and a half two way alpines, and an inexpensive alpine head unit in the car. wish i had that system in high school.

Tom R.

there was something on a camaro board. said to put electrical tape on the latch that holds the back seat. seems the tape stops rubbing/squeaking. may want to try looking there.

AndyK

Yeah...old cars are VERY different, quality/ride wise! My dad owned a crappy 65 Falcon when I was in high school. You had to step on the brakes and PRAY the car stopped before the intersection! Nothing like a heavy car and tiny drum brakes!

Seat latch...yeah...my noise does sound like that....seat latch rattling. But, the seat is locked in there solid, and the seat doesn't have any play when locked. Maybe I'll try some tape on there for the hell of it!

Tom R.

even though it is latched tightly you may be hearing the flex. picture a license plate, and twist it. convertibles do that a lot. hardtops not as much. maybe your car is doing it just enough so you hear it as the car flexes, and the pin rubs against the latch. a little piece of electrical tape would cure that.

Tom R.

also, i used to latch the belts when not using them. it made it easier to fold down the seat without catching them. that may put a little pressure on the tensioner.

AndyK

All great ideas! I'll give that a try!

Marc Gelefsky

I always keep the back seat belts buckled, because otherwise they rattle and drive me nuts! Ok I am already nuts, but you get the idea.

washington951

i had a rattle that was driving me crazy for the longest time. turned out to be the jack handle moving around a bit in its stowage position back there....i hate rattles.