Moonroof rattling / clunking? Here’s the fix!
#32
Wind noise fixed
South bay Lexus dealer was nice to fix the wind noise issue with my 14 GS. As my car is still under warranty, it was fixed with $0.00 cost. Looks like they replaced rubber liner and all the wind noise is now gone.
#33
I just had this issue this morning for the first time, it seems like the onset of cold weather here might have something to do with it. Headed to the dealership to price the part before I buy on the web as sometimes my parts guy can get me better deals.
Thanks for the write-up, I've got a 2013 so it seems like this would be a good thing to do regardless of whether it's my issue or not.
Thanks for the write-up, I've got a 2013 so it seems like this would be a good thing to do regardless of whether it's my issue or not.
#34
Advanced
Finally got the chance to install my new seal today. Went pretty smoothly. I used the tilt and take out two screws method. One problem I did have was that after I installed the new seal and tried to close the sunroof, it would close partially and then open again. It was like what the windows do when you close a finger in them. I was a little worried that I broke something, but I got it resolved. The problem was one of two things, or a combination of both, I hadn’t property seated the new seal on the back right corner of the sunroof. It may have gotten stuck when I tried to tilt close the sunroom. It also may have been because I when I reattached the front two screws they were not in the right spots. In any case, I seated the seal properly and closed the roof without the front two screws attached, then attached them and adjusted.
Took it for a test drive and no more clunking in the back. I suspect that the clunking from the rear roof/c pillar area was the sunroof clunking and echoing between the roof and headliner. I haven’t been able to fully test for wind noise yet because it happened mainly over 60 mph and I wasn’t on any roads where I could go 60 during the test drive.
Very happy with this project. Thanks to everyone who posted pics and tips.
One question for the forum. The back corners of the sunroof sit below the roofline. They were like that even before I installed the seal. Is this normal for you guys? See the attached pic.
Took it for a test drive and no more clunking in the back. I suspect that the clunking from the rear roof/c pillar area was the sunroof clunking and echoing between the roof and headliner. I haven’t been able to fully test for wind noise yet because it happened mainly over 60 mph and I wasn’t on any roads where I could go 60 during the test drive.
Very happy with this project. Thanks to everyone who posted pics and tips.
One question for the forum. The back corners of the sunroof sit below the roofline. They were like that even before I installed the seal. Is this normal for you guys? See the attached pic.
#35
Advanced
Had a chance to test the new seal at speeds up to 85 mph last night. No wind noise! No more clunking either on my second and longer ride. My car seems so much quieter to drive. What a great fix for $45.
#36
Lead Lap
Finally got the chance to install my new seal today. Went pretty smoothly. I used the tilt and take out two screws method. One problem I did have was that after I installed the new seal and tried to close the sunroof, it would close partially and then open again. It was like what the windows do when you close a finger in them. I was a little worried that I broke something, but I got it resolved. The problem was one of two things, or a combination of both, I hadn’t property seated the new seal on the back right corner of the sunroof. It may have gotten stuck when I tried to tilt close the sunroom. It also may have been because I when I reattached the front two screws they were not in the right spots. In any case, I seated the seal properly and closed the roof without the front two screws attached, then attached them and adjusted.
Took it for a test drive and no more clunking in the back. I suspect that the clunking from the rear roof/c pillar area was the sunroof clunking and echoing between the roof and headliner. I haven’t been able to fully test for wind noise yet because it happened mainly over 60 mph and I wasn’t on any roads where I could go 60 during the test drive.
Very happy with this project. Thanks to everyone who posted pics and tips.
One question for the forum. The back corners of the sunroof sit below the roofline. They were like that even before I installed the seal. Is this normal for you guys? See the attached pic.
Took it for a test drive and no more clunking in the back. I suspect that the clunking from the rear roof/c pillar area was the sunroof clunking and echoing between the roof and headliner. I haven’t been able to fully test for wind noise yet because it happened mainly over 60 mph and I wasn’t on any roads where I could go 60 during the test drive.
Very happy with this project. Thanks to everyone who posted pics and tips.
One question for the forum. The back corners of the sunroof sit below the roofline. They were like that even before I installed the seal. Is this normal for you guys? See the attached pic.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...or-free-3.html
Last edited by AJLex19; 12-18-17 at 09:38 AM.
#37
Advanced
Mine sits pretty flush along the backside after I replaced it with the new seal, but as long as you don't have any leaks or issues with closing/tilting, you should be fine. The rubber may expand a bit based on the temps as well once it settles in. There is a way to adjust the resting height as posted by fellow member mryeh17:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...or-free-3.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...or-free-3.html
#38
Lexus Test Driver
My sunroof/seal fits flush at all points all the way around. The back corners do not sit lower as your image indicates. Mine has the original seal, has never been adjusted and does not make a noise or leak.
#39
Advanced
Thanks, maybe I will adjust the rear of the glass so it sits flush.
#40
Racer
For added color and detail, see the following pics. First raise up the sunroof which exposes the accordian cover.
you can pull the accordian cover from the bottom or the top. i chose the bottom for ease. this then allows for access to the front torx bolt. make note that there is a small indentation on the rear middle portion of the seal to help you align the seal properly instead of placing it on the front portion of the sunroof.
you can pull the accordian cover from the bottom or the top. i chose the bottom for ease. this then allows for access to the front torx bolt. make note that there is a small indentation on the rear middle portion of the seal to help you align the seal properly instead of placing it on the front portion of the sunroof.
These pictures were a HUGE help installing the new seal.
Bought the seal on ebay from Scottsdale Lexus. $51 delivered.
Installed in forty minutes...spent some extra time maniacally getting the moonroof flush at all four corners. I would describe it as recessed before adjustment.
#42
Intermediate
At the dealership for the 30k service, mentioned the moon roof rattle. They just let me know they're replacing the moon roof seal. I gather this is getting out to the dealerships.
#43
Same here. I was skeptical it would fix it but seems to have been quiet for over 6 months now. It used to rattle over every bump or slightly bumpy patch of road.
#44
Intermediate
Since they replaced the seal the rattling/clunking went away as well as the wind noises that used to make me feel like the rear passenger door wasn't fully closed.
#45
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2018
Location: florida
Posts: 2
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It fixed it!!!!
OH MY GOD! I lived with this noise for months it was so horrible I was thinking about trading in my car. I searched all over the Internet and came across this fix. it sounded too good to be true but I went ahead and did it anyways. I got the weatherstrip for $43 with my discount from the Lexus dealership and I went and changed myself with these steps. Seems like this rubber piece goes bad fast. As soon as I changed it and started driving, the wind noise and rattling noise disappeared like magic!!!!!!! Thank you so much for this fix!!!!!!!!