Top Rattle & Vibration

dougcsd

Had my entire convertible top replaced last year (hydraulic failure), and have had this rattle ever since. Took my car in to the dealer 3 times for this problem, and they were never able to fix it. Even got a couple of attempted (that is normal) comments, which I quickly shot down. The squeaking and rattling were driving me nuts. Guess I should have realized that the reason the tonneau cover had to be re-aligned was because the caps on the adjustment screws had been lost when the new top was installed. Anyways, long story short, I came across this thread, and took the picture posted by Mize to the dealer and showed them that both of mine were missing. They had the parts for me in one day. Popped them on, and not a squeak or rattle since. The top actually closes quietly now (no big bang when it sets down). Will have them re-align the tonneau cover (now it is too high in back) next week, but enjoying the peace and quiet. For anyone what wants to just order the part and fix this themselves, I managed to keep the baggies the parts came in. This is a part shared by the 350Z, 370Z, & GTR, so I think it will be available for a while.

Nissan Part #84410-AL520

They are about $2 each on the internet, so it is a nice cheap fix.

Thanks to the people who figured this one out.

Doug

ParkStr8

The only rattle I have now is right by my driver side left ear. Seems to be coming from the top pillar. I had the top replaced and the actuator replaced as well. If i lower the window a smidge - it stops.

Wondering if i put a small amount of felt on the pillar so when the window rolls up it hits the felt if that would help?

I still love my car. Seriously.

beltonr

I've been trying to get rid of little squeaks/rattles above and forward of my left ear for a while - have added ties, foam insulation strips, electrical tape here and there. Last weekend I took some silicone spray, opened the top so the forward section was straight up, and sprayed the joints and hinges. I also sprayed a rag and rubbed it along the top of the windshield and front of the top where it contacts the top of the windshield. I also hit the points where the roof sections come together when the top is closed just above the side window. Big difference! Seems like a lot of the squeaks were plastic on plastic or rubber on plastic. The silicone makes a difference. Probably have to do it every few months or so, but it's working for now. Cheap, easy, quick fix.
Silicone spray is an old dealer trick I stumbled when I had another car in the shop for a rattle. They will spray the snot out of the area with silicone and that will often "fix" a rattle long enough to get you out of their hair and on your way. I saw the service rep spraying something in my car and asked him what he was doing - he 'fessed up.

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2010 370Z Roadster Touring 7AT Sport Pkg/Nav Pkg
2013 Pathfinder Platinum 4x4
1996 4Winns 190 5.0L

dsmarks2002

I went ahead and opened a complaint with Nissan North America, for whatever good that might to. At the very least I think they owe it to 370zr owners to evaluate the problem, and put together some procedures the service departments should try in order to address the problem. Sounds like it would be a great idea for them to get with Danny at Trophy Nissan and see what he's done. I'm not expecting perfection, but these are not cheap cars, and they don't have a lot of miles on them. I agree, Nissan still has a lot to learn about developing convertibles, and that might make my next car a BMW.

dsmarks2002

Is the actual closing of the top smother. Mine always sort of "pops" as the first bow some into the windshield header, almost as if it's a little gavity assisted to close it. I don't actually have any premature wear on my top, but it sounds like this just flat out works better and I'd love to get a new one

TonySlimfast

Also had issues with the roadster:
1. top hitting the tonneau cover as it would open
2. After dropping the roadster on coilovers, i started to hear a squeaking noise only coming from the rear DRIVER side, (which originally, i thought was my damper was squeaking) but im sure its near the tonneau cover because if i tap or hit the hinges of the tonneau cover, near the trunk cover i can sorta hear the sound again. Plus i had a friend riding with me with half his body off the car listening for it.
3. I hear a different squeaking noise from both ends of the rear when i go up and down a driveway, it sounds like a chassis flex causing something squeak I am thinking the the Roadster is not coilover friendly but that didnt bother me as much as problem 1 and 2
ANYways.. I Brought it to Nissan, told them my top was hitting the cover and it was making noise. They installed me a brand new top within 2 weeks (no questions or hassle, dealer said it was $15,000 to fix =X) . Got the car back, Top is now operating smoothly, no contacts with the cover. But , the squeaking noise slowly started to come back, and is now squeaking very often. I will be bringing the car back to nissan soon... i think it has something to do with or near the Tonneau Cover hinges

Joebarchuck

What you are describing is exactly the same problem as my car but I don't have coilovers therefore I would say it has nothing to do with that. I have all three problems you describe.

I took it to Nissan and they changed some parts not the whole roof, there was no more sqeaking noise for a few months now, it is as bad as when I first took it to them.

The first time I took it to Nissan he had lubed up some parts and the noise went away. He did that in the meantime he was getting the parts. I think the solution is just lubbing up those parts every two months or so. The problem is I don't know which ones.

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Red 2010 370Z Roadster: Stillen G3, Stillen Exhaust, Up-Rev Tune (312 RWHP), Eibach Pro Springs, 20mm spacers front and back, Rear Camber Kit, Tinted Windows, GT-R Start Button, Interior Mods