98 V70 tailgate rattles and latch failing

[98v70dad]

Bueller? Anybody?

The tail gate still rattles with a new latch installed and all the trim removed. Its much better but it still rattles. I don't know what could be causing the noise. Everything on the tailgate is secure ... ie no loose items. The rattle is big sound. It could be some of the side panels but it sounds like its coming from the tailgate area. Its definitely from inside the car. It happens only when I hit a good sized bump. The tailgate struts are fairly new (4 or 5 years old). I replaced them a while back.

The plastic on the latch brace is worn so there is a little room for the tailgate to move but its only a mm or so.

Any more ideas on things to check? I hate rattles

[obayha]

The only thing I did with the tail gate this weekend, was remove the back panel. I dove it this morning and it is a lot quieter without the panel on. I am also missing one bump stop. Not missing as much as it is laying in the back not attached. But still pretty rattle free for a 16 year old car. I would think you may need to adjust your striker. Have you checked to make sure it is not loose? Maybe try putting some weight against it from the inside after it is closed. Blankets with a tire to add weight and see if it is better or the same. At least it will narrow down to door or plastic around the back area.
That's the best I got for now.
Shane

[98v70dad]

i spent some time time banging on the raised tailgate with the heel of my hand and at least some of the rattling is coming from the rear wiper motor. If I hold it with one hand and bang with the other there is no rattle. I don't know why that part would rattle since its not loose when I try to shake it a little bit, but just holding it firmly completely eliminates the the "big part" of the rattle. I'm going to look into figuring out a way to damp the movement. ....the first thing that comes to mind is wrapping a few turns of vacuum line around the motor and securing it with a zip tie.

[obayha]

Look beyond the motor. Maybe at the mounts or linkage. Broken plastic bushings could be a problem.

Now the good/bad news is. My town is nothing but railroad tracks, everywhere you go. But right now I am rattle free, for a 16 year old car. Still have the cover off the back, but I will figure out a way to attach it with no noise coming from it. That set up for the cover is a POS as far as I think.
Good luck with the wiper motor, and let us know what happens.
Shane