Loose screw noise in FLOORBOARD?!
 

Hello fellow roadster drivers,

I'm new here. Just bought a 2012 Sport Touring/Nav 7AT a few weeks ago. Prior to that I had a 2005 Audi TT and before that I had a 2007 RX8. This is my first auto and I'm already in love with the car. Hopefully that lasts a while.

BUT...

I have a few noises which are driving me insane. I was able to diagnose one which is coming from the top (a tapping sound). The other one has me worried.

It sounds like there is a screw or other small object rolling around in the floor. I thought the sound was just something rolling around in the door's map packet, but it's not. Definitely coming from the floor.

The only thing I can figure is that something came loose or was dropped down in the convertible cubby (I don't know what the formal name is for the top's storage area). When I accelerate or stop it rolls back and forth and it's very, very loud and is killing the enjoyment of the car. It doesn't happen all the time. I think it must get hung up on something sometimes and stay put for a while.

IT'S AWFUL.

Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know of a way I could ever find this thing? I've looked in the compartment under the liner but don't see anything and have no idea how I'd ever begin trying to find this. I'm not even 100% positive that's where the noise is coming from, but I can't think of anything else.

I would love any suggestions. Right now this is only one of two rattles and I know how to fix the other one. But THIS is KILLING ME. It is terrible.

I'd try magnets. You might be able to grab the screw with a magnet on a stick or place several strong magnets in the bottom of the top stowage area and wait for the screw to roll into it.

That's a good idea. I thought about trying that. I definitely should see if it works. I'm concerned whatever is loose may not be metal though and even if it is I'm not sure I can place the magnets in a spot that would catch the thing.

I was really hoping someone on here had experienced this problem in the past and had a solution. Thankfully, I don't always hear it but the 50% of the time I do it drives me nuts.

I actually have the exact same noise on my 2010 roadster. Sounds like a plastic clip rolling around on the metal floor behind the drivers seat. I also thought it was in the convertible top storage cubby but couldn't find anything in there. I'm planning to remove the plastic trim behind the seat to find it. I'm sure it's a trim clip or harness clip that worked loose. Let me know what you find! Good luck!

YES! That is exactly the same noise. Were you able to look around in the cubby to make absolutely sure it's not down there? It seems like the only place it could possibly be. I'm sorry to hear you're having the problem because it's annoying as hell, but at the same time I have to say I am relieved it isn't just me.

I was going to try and look in the cubby first then I was going to do exactly what you are for the next step and remove the plastic trim behind the seats. That area is where the sound is coming from. I'm taking apart the center console next weekend to see if I can find anything. I'll let you know.

The only other noise in the entire car is a tapping sound coming from the driver's side in the "B-pillar". I found that one. There's a bungee for the top that runs through a retaining ring/clip. The ring is tapping against the structure. It's secure on the passenger side, but came loose on the driver's side. I can reach my fingers up and move it around which settles it and fixes the sound but I haven't yet been able to get any epoxy up there. It's a tight fit. Have you noticed this one as well?

Well it is nice to hear I'm not the only one with roadster noises! They are annoying, but fixable. Another one I had was a nasty metallic squeak heard over every little bump. Very loud with top down, noticeable with top up. I searched and searched and found it was the metal stud that positions the toneau cover in front of the trunk. One side had a black plastic cap, the other was missing so the metal stud was rubbing on the backside of the metal toneau making a horrendous squeak. I put plastic/vinyl anti-squeak tape and that fixed it 100%.

For this clip rolling around, I'll have to check the convertible top storage area once more to be sure. It's a bit tricky since you need to partially open the top to get in there, and then after a few minutes half open, the system drops the hydraulic pressure and the top starts closing. You have to work fast! LOL If there's nothing in there, I'm taking that trim panel behind the seats off.

For the driver side B-Pillar, I have a ticking noise there as well with the top up near the upper seatbelt anchor. It's hard to hear with the top down. I was playing around with that trim flap behind the seatbelt and noticed some change to the pitch of the tick noise, so I suspected it was in there somewhere. It's a complex mechanism so I couldn't pinpoint it exactly. I'll check for the loose trim clip you mentioned. Thanks for the help!

The other noise I have is a squeak noise from the back of the leather seats rubbing on the rear plastic finisher when someone is seated. It may be from the cleaner/conditioner the detailer used on the seat before I bought the car (I just bought it used this past February). I've tried de-greasing the leather back there, but it still squeaks. I'm thinking of adding adhesive backed black felt to the plastic trim so the leather rubs on the felt and that should prevent the noise.

I'll let you know what I find out!

Nice! I'd love to hear what you find. I haven't had the time to dig in yet. I know it's going to be elusive. I'd be money that it's in the storage cubby rolling under the seat.

Yeah, reach your hand up under the fabric for the top and feel around for a circular ring with a like...a ummm, plastic slinky thing running through it. I don't know what to call it. It's a plastic wrap for wires or cables or something. Well, that little ring might be loose and tapping against the structure. It's annoying as hell.

My car now has a squeak over bumps. I've never had a squeak in any car before. It sounds like it's coming from the front but I'll check that thing you mentioned.

Long shot but reviving this thread. I have this same issue exact issue except it's a coupe. Any chance either of you guys found the source of the rolling noise?

My car is 100% rattle free. It took a couple month to get rid of all the noises.

I found that our cars collect small rocks in the plastic rocker panels and suspension parts. You can access the rocks by removing the rear wheels and the plastic wheel wells and covers and shop vac the rocker panels with a long tube extension. You wont believe how many rocks and debri is rattling around in these places.

My car only had 20000 miles on it and it was bad. No rattles or noises now. Hope it helps!