Fix Tailgate Rattle Once and For All

Are you being constantly annoyed by the tailgate rattle noise coming from your Volvo? When driving alone, the noise can be somewhat tolerable but when you have passengers riding with you, the sound is just plain embarrassing. Read on to find out what our MVS forum members are saying about how they went about fixing the annoying issue of a tailgate rattle.

Looking for a PERMANENT solution to fix your volvos tailgate rattle?

jinglebuddy »

Hi all!!
I was so fed up with the rattle from the tailgate trim, and this is my solution, works great!! This could be the PERMANENT solution!

Parts

• 4 square nylon anchor nuts. I used Hillman .304 x .440. (image1)
• 4 stainless #8 screws, should be longer than 1 1/2.
• 3 stainless tee-nuts. 1/4-20 x 5/16 is perfect. (image2)
• 3 1/4-20 threaded rods, should be longer than 5″.
• 3 washers and locking nuts with nylon insert.

You can buy all of these from your local hardware store, like Lowe’s or HomeDesperate.

Procedure

Remove the tailgate trim. There are 4 elongated ovalish holes in the bottom of the tailgate, where the plastic clips should go into. The square nylon nuts fits perfectly in there. There are 4 pockets on the right under the rear window, again where the plastic clips should go into. The tee-nuts fits right in there, you might even have to force it a bit. You can’t put the tee-nut in the middle driver’s side, as the threaded rod will interfere with the wiper arm.

Do not put the threaded rods into the tee-nuts just yet. On the trim, drill holes from the INSIDE on both top and bottom, right in the middle of the clip mounting point. The top holes should clear 1/4 threaded rod, and small hole in the bottom, I did mine with 3/32, which is plenty big for #8 screws. Put 4 #8 screws part way into the trim so it sticks out just enough to locate the nylon nuts.

Once they are lined up, you can screw them in, the nylon nuts spreads slightly and holds the trim in place tightly. Now, on the top side, you feed the threaded rods through the hole, and screw them into the tee-nuts. Put the washers, and the lock nuts and tighten it. I’d be careful not to over tighten it.

I used a grinder to cut off the excess threaded rods, and you are done!! My 850 still has a plenty of rattles, but at least I completely eliminated one!