How do I stop my doors from rattling when I hit a bump or when my CD player is playing?

Question

It rattles a lot and I really want to make it stop. PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

The first step is to make sure there isn't anything mechanically loose in the door. Remove the door panel and check everything. Door latch, locking mechanism, window regulator, speakers, hinges, strikers - every single thing. All bolts and screws should be tight but not stripped.

Check inside the bottom of the door for any loose & broken parts or even tools that a stereo installer or tech left in there by accident. All this stuff must be removed.

Next move various movable parts like cables, rods, rollers, etc... around to make sure they're not rattling on other objects. If they are, you can use lithium grease on their pivot points or attach felt to the points they are touching. You can get felt from any hobby/craft store and secure it with zip ties. Make sure you don't attach or change things in a way where it will interfere with moving parts like windows, locks, gears, motors and cables.

If you're using an aftermarket high-powered stereo, you may need to go beyond these steps.

You can use a thick bead of silicone sealant or caulking inside the door around the edges and corners, making sure you don't seal any water drainage holes. Next you can apply self-adhesive rubber insulation pad, available from either Grainger or McMaster-Carr to the larger door panel areas. As a last step, you can also acquire some Sonex acoustic insulation and apply that inside the door where it will fit as well.

Once all of this is done, you will need to put the door panel back on. First make sure the vapor barrier plastic is secure using 3M clear duct tape (which is removable). Otherwise this may rattle or whistle as air passes through it. The plastic is very important as it keeps air and moisture out of the car.

Next, re-install the door panel securely. Most auto door panels install with plastic push-in clips. They must all be present and unbroken to hold the panel on well without rattling. If any are damaged or missing, go to any local auto parts store. Most sell these parts now in the "help" section.

If the door panel doesn't obviously come off, don't take a chance on breaking anything. Get a service manual for your car, or an experienced friend and do the job right. If these suggestions don't help, you may have to seek a mechanic...

Answer 2

hmm they make a certain underlamanent type foam for all the interiors of the cars... hmm trying to remember the name... sorry cant., call your local stereo insulation or auto body sound shop... and ask them for it.... its made to stop any rattling when your system is booming loud. now if its just occasionally, you may have something lose inside there, or just the stuff is getting old and thats just what it does, creak.

Answer 3

really depends on your car... but start with better shocks and struts. Many CD players can be installed to absorb the bumbs in the road so your cd doesnt skip.
lastly, STOP drving over BIG Bumbs in the road!

Answer 4

you will have to remove the door panel and see whats loose inside.