The Dreaded Roof Creak

[strugglinauthor]

The car has been sitting idle for a couple of weeks - half of that time covered in snow. Took it out yesterday and all was well . Took it out today and all was well...for about 20 miles. Then suddenly the roof started creaking like billy-O, firstly from the rear nearside and then a minute or so later from the centre where the two panels meet :x . Now I know some of us are a bit obsessive about cabin noise but this was loud enough to drive you nuts if you had to cover any distance. Also it wasn't just over bumps, it was constant.

Dropped the roof when I got home, let the car sit for a while and then had to do another journey. Repeat performance - silence for 10 miles or so and then all creaking-hell let loose.

I did use apply some gummi pflege to all of the seals just before Christmas. I shall have a go and cleaning and re-applying very soon.

I guess this is all down to changes in temperature - e.g. a couple of degrees outside and 20 degrees in the cabin. Just wondered, is anyone else suffering with this unseasonal spring or is just me...?

 

[TitanTim]

Try some Krytox

Tim.

 

[strugglinauthor]

Thanks Tim. Twas strange how it came from absolutely nowhere :?

There seems to be a number of Krytox products. Is this what you meant?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Krytox-Oxygen-Compatible-Grease-20-grams-rebreather-O2-Nitrox-Regulator-Service-/200813163393?pt=UK_SportingGoods_Scuba_SnorkellingEquipment_SM&hash=item2ec165b381

 

[TitanTim]

Thanks Tim. Twas strange how it came from absolutely nowhere :?

There seems to be a number of Krytox products. Is this what you meant?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Krytox-Oxygen-Compatible-Grease-20-grams-rebreather-O2-Nitrox-Regulator-Service-/200813163393?pt=UK_SportingGoods_Scuba_SnorkellingEquipment_SM&hash=item2ec165b381

Yes thats it, I think Volkswagen also sell it under their own branding as the Eos tends to have roof squeeks. The Gummi Fledge tends to be a little watery as opposed to the krytox which is more like a waxy cream. I use the krytox on the rubber seals and on the rear deck where the roof sits. Haven't really experienced any roof creaking although its creaked slightly on very hot days when first driving off after the car has been standing but usually goes away quickly.

Tim.

 

[strugglinauthor]

Thanks, I'll get some ordered

I've had the odd noise in the past, which I've ignored. After all, there are a lot of separate parts and a flexing body. Today though there was no build up, no warning. It was as though someone had pressed the 'irritate the hell out of him' button. I read also that dust 'n' dirt can start the creaking so I'll give everything rubber a good clean first (so to speak).

 

[strugglinauthor]

Thanks Tim. I now have a silent roof.

 

[Kettleboy]

Just put an order in too, I find the Gummi needs to be reapplied every couple of weeks, hopefully this will have better longevity.

It's basically a vacuum greas, I wonder if something like Fomblin would work? I've got that at work...

 

[supersebbo]

I used Krytox on my old Audis, its a brilliant product, it lasts a long time and I would recommend it endlessly.

 

[TitanTim]

Thanks Tim. I now have a silent roof.

Brill Glad it sorted the problem

Tim.

 

[Zed_Steve]

I applied some Halfords own brand silicone lubricant (£3.99 a tin) over the rubber seal at the roof join. Seems have done the trick

 

[Maniac]

The rubbers are one thing, I just wish I could find that click from the back when the chassis twists going over twisty roads or speed humps. Drives me mad. HiFi up!

 

[strugglinauthor]

I applied some Halfords own brand silicone lubricant (£3.99 a tin) over the rubber seal at the roof join. Seems have done the trick

That's somewhat cheaper than the Krytox. Isn't the Krytox silicone free...and does it really matter anyway? :?

 

[strugglinauthor]

The rubbers are one thing, I just wish I could find that click from the back when the chassis twists going over twisty roads or speed humps. Drives me mad. HiFi up!

I think I may have that noise too. My driveway has a camber on it and every time I turn in I hear the noise and tell myself it doesn't bother me...

 

[Maniac]

We probably just need to use the roof more!!

 

[strugglinauthor]

We probably just need to use the roof more!!

 

[bhavin85]

I took the zed to work today and after 25 miles I started to get a fairly annoying creak from the roof!

Am i correct in assuming that you are simply applying Krytox on the rubber parts of the roof ?

 

[strugglinauthor]

Hi bhavin85. Yes, a very light smear over all of the rubber seals. I didn't put any on the seals around the windows simply because although light, it has a greasy texture and I thought: "that'll make a nice mess on the glass".

Worth giving the seals a wipe with a damp cloth first to get rid of any dust/particles. I gather that it's the presence of such that triggers the creaks/squeaks.

Good luck!

 

[buzyg]

I have a permanent solution.

Only drive the car with the roof down.

 

[strugglinauthor]

I have a permanent solution.

Only drive the car with the roof down.

 

[jonnywells]

Brought some Krytox and applied at the weekend along with putting some more fabric strips in different places.....the last 3 days has been bliss almost no noise at all now!!!