Annoying squeaking from load cover in V70

[scot850]

The load cover squeaks incessantly when driving the 'project' V70. I thought it was that one end had been broken off by PO (a problem easily done having done it myself). However you can still install it and it worked but squeaks all the time. Found an unbroken version from an 850 (identical to the V70 one in fit and colour). Fitted it and the same issue.

Has anyone else come up against this issue and found a solution to it?

I have both panels out on the sides of the load area to allow access for PDR work so before re-fitting thought now was the time to try to fix. Looking at solutions as simple as silicon grease on the mounts, spraying silicon oil into the ends of the cover end plates, maybe trying some additional hard foam to make the area more rigid and even take in the hole for the locator pin.

It almost looks like there should be something in the hole for the locator pin near that area to slot into, but it looks like it just aligns the panel and fits into an oval hole.

Thoughts please?

Neil.

[wizechatmgr]

Check your spare tire... It could be the mount isn't tight/secured so the tire is rubbing as it moves.

[scot850]

Good suggestion, but problem is not there when the load cover is removed. Car is quiet in the back otherwise. Put cover back in and squeak comes back.

Also, when doing endless cleaning in the car, I pulled everything out in the spare wheel well, cleaned it all and re-installed the missing mounting hardware and tightened it all back down. Thanks for the suggestion though!

Neil.

[wizechatmgr]

Always worth a try... =)

I'd bet there is one or more missing grommets on/in the body. I've been known to take a small piece of DynaMat and use it as a rubber insulator at all the mounting points.

[scot850]

I don't know if I fixed it or not, but scooted a little silicon oil in each clip on the body and run a little tape on the mating faces where the lower side panel meets the C pillar panel just behind the rear door. Also put a little electrical tape in the 2 locating pins (one front one rear) of the lower panel to insulate the pins from the metal sides.

I have re-assembled it all and guess I'll find out tomorrow if it has any improvement. Ever the optimist! Let you know how it goes.

I did try moving the load cover while in place and no noticeable noise. I did also spray silicon oil down the sides of the end caps of the cover again hoping it reduces noise due to the ends and main section possibly sagging with age (a lot like me!) and so causing unintended contact.

Neil

[Clemens]

I think the load cover - when closed - easily makes the plastic bezel (where it is mounted in the closed position) vibrate, especially if the bezel is loose.

[101]

I have an annoying squeak in the rear of my wagon as well - but I've traced it to the rear seatback. The squeak goes away when the seats are folded down.

Perhaps your load cover is pushing against the seatback making it squeak when it the load cover is installed? Try folding the seats down and installing the load cover to isolate further.

[scot850]

I'll look at both suggestions once I try driving the car later today. I'll let you know how it goes.

Neil.

[scot850]

Justy as the never ending creaking and groaning continues with the V70R front RH suspension, the V70 NA rear load area trim, particularly on the RHS is back squeaking away today. If I remove the load cover it stops, and if I press the lower side panel it is quiet, but as soon as the cover is back in is starts squeaking again if you press on the lower side-panel near where the load cover mounts.

I have noticed that the panel I replaced on that side is missing a notch around the aerial (?) or security wiring 3 bars that run up the side rear window glass. There is a connector on the bottom where they meet and the LHS has a notch in the plastic to clear it and the RHS does not. I'll pull it and notch it and see if it improves the issue. Either that or I will try a can of spray expanding foam!!

Neil.