jimmer!

Ok, we've talked about this before without any solid fix that I could figure out.
What about the rattling sound from the (top up) hinge areas (top left and right)?
I've had this problem forever and try to ignore it without luck.
It's always there when driving solo.
Isn't around with a passenger on board.
I've inspected the multi-slat hinge for anything that's out-of-whack,
but they look OK.
Sorry if you're tired of this topic, but maybe a fix, cause or
solution has surfaced that I'm not aware of.

Thanks. Jimmer

da-bizket

It could be the passenger seat. It's hard to tell where noises are coming from sometimes. The seat back cover rubs on the rear seat. Gets loose and makes noises.

I took it to the dealer and they replaced the seat. The noise was worse. I sandwiched a towel between the back of the passenger seat and the rear seat. No more noise.

jimmer!

yes, I heard of this fix. I've tried it with no luck.
the rattling is definitely coming from the hinges.
I think it has to do with weight distribution.
ok with 2 riders. rattles with only the driver.

maybe I should try putting a 150 lb. ballast in the passenger seat?

da-bizket

If it is the top it can be adjusted. I had the latches and hinges adjusted at the dealer. If your still under warranty, it's the way to go.

Mark
(da-bizket)

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

^^^ +1, I've too had extensive "adjustments" made on my 2002...adjusted hinge flange and added grease and some other stuff. It worked for the most part.

Another common rattle is the headliner. I noticed if you manually turn that plastic cover piece it seems to kind of tighten down more and stop the slight rattle.

maybe the cold? does it do it when it's warmer out?

jimmer!

I'm way out of warranty and it's usually a moderate temp. here in the Arizonan high country.
I'm not sure what 'plastic cover piece', but I'll take a look.
btw: the rattling isn't really slight. it's a very noticeable, rapid shattering sound coming from the hinge areas,
caused when passing over a rough driving surface. the hinges seem to 'flap.'

MDames2

iTrader: (1)

Jimmer: I too have had that same hinge rattle. We took it in to a few dealers to adjust with no luck. About a year ago I tried another dealer. They heard the rattle and spent no less than 1 week making adjustments to get rid of the rattle. It has reduced the noise significantly, but not completely. However, we can now live with it since it only happens once in while going over larger bumps or driveways. I'm not sure of all they did, but I know they added foam material to certain areas of the hinge structure in addition to tightening everything. This particular rattle seems to be very difficult to correct. I hope you can get some relief from it.

jimmer!

thanks for the reply, mdames2.
at least you know what I've been talking about and maybe there is a fix.

I'll talk to my local toyota shop and see what they say, next oil change.

deadeyed

Wow, magic towel! That did it for me, took away most of the noise when when driving alone. Thanks!

Harold57

Yep, I found that out a long time ago also. I just moved the seat forward a touch and the noise was gone.

I also found a similar noise coming from my visor. Occasionally, I need to slightly pull down on the visor to get it away from its rest stops and the noise stops. (I probably originally thought that was a roof noise and just got lucky by tugging on the visor.)