Squeaking (Not bushings)

[Chad Thomas]

First post. I am the fairly new owner of an 87 Westfalia and I am having a hard time nailing down a pretty annoying high pitched squeaking that originates somewhere behind and above my head when driving.

I was initially pretty sure that some Jigaloo on the pop top frame joints would do the trick but alas the squeak remains.

Has anyone else had this and found its origin?

[Terry Kay]

Adjust your pop top latch tight right above and behind your head.

The squeek, squeek, squeek will be a thing of the past.
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T.K.

[floggingmolly]

Terry,

How do you adjust the latch? Mine is a bit loose and I have a rattle there because the clip is not snug against the latch. But I don't see a way to adjust it.

Thanks,
Scott
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'85 Wolfsburg Weekender

[Sobeys]

Could it be your sun roof hatch?
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Dave
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87 Vanagon Westfalia

[Chad Thomas]

The squeak actually appears behind and to the left rather than the middle.

I looked at the latch and at a quick glance couldn't see how it's "adjusted" either. However, when not moving I can partially recreate a similar squeak by reefing down on the latch leading me to think that its is either

a) latch needs adjustment
b) squeak in the pop top frame assembly somewhere
c) the sunroof hmmmm

As far as lubricant goes, I bought a can of this: http://www.jigaloo.com/us/e_what_it_is.php

Any thoughts on something thats a better lube for this kind of thing?

It's one of those things that now I hear it,. it's almost all I hear.

Thanks for the replies
C
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Jusy my .02¢
87 Westfalia Stock as can be

[Terry Kay]

Take a look at the screws for the catch as well as the latch--

They are all adjustable.

Loosen them up, adust so the latch & catch is tighter, which will pull the top down to the roof tighter.

Mine used to rattle & squeek, I adjusted the latch & catch--no more driving me nuts squeek.

loosen the top latch fastening hardware--don't be afraid--just do it.
The solution will be plain as day.
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T.K.

[Chad Thomas]

Thanks for the advice Terry but I can recreate the squeak even with the pop top in the up position. I have traced it to the area pictured here:

In other words, when I push hard right where the arrow shows, I can create the exact same squeak I get when driving. It doesnt appear to be where the shelf meets the wall that is the cause, rather it appears to be coming from behind the wall covering. What is back there that could cause this? Is it a big deal to take the shelf down and wall covering off to find it-OR- turn up the stereo and drive on?

I swear it gets louder the longer I look for it......
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Jusy my .02¢
87 Westfalia Stock as can be

[tencentlife]

You have mice nesting in the B-pillar air duct.

Ask me how I know.
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Experience is death to doctrine.

[Chad Thomas]

edited
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Jusy my .02¢
87 Westfalia Stock as can be

[tencentlife]

I was afraid you would ask.

<best Foghorn Leghorn>Tha, ah-say, that's a JOKE, son.
_________________
Shop for unique and useful Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/
also available at VanCafe.com!

Please don't PM here, I will not reply.

Experience is death to doctrine.

[Chad Thomas]

Alright. I guess the next step will be to take down the shelf, peel back the vinyl and start hunting (not for mice). I've used the search function and couldn't find threads of anyone who has done this in this area specifically.

Is there anyone who has had that part of the interior apart and can give any advice as to what is behind the shelf that might be making the noise or if it might be the window seal (feel really solid and the rubber looks good). Or any other ideas?

Also, if I end up taking the vinyl off the walls, any suggestions on the right products for re applying when I'm done? I imagine a spray 3M adhesive of some type, just looking for what people have found works well.
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Jusy my .02¢
87 Westfalia Stock as can be

[Chad Thomas]

I decided to take the latch mechanism off the roof to adjust and see if it helped as Terry K suggested. Very straightforward to adjust (you cant really see the adjustment screws until you remover the mechanism)---
unfortunately didn't help the noise. The roof is much tighter when closed now.
Thanks anyway.
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Jusy my .02¢
87 Westfalia Stock as can be

[Chad Thomas]

Don't know if it's right for me to be the only one posting on a thread I started or if I should just take the hint and let it die. Oh well.

I removed the shelf and screws from the headliner enough to see into the area that the squeak is coming from. Right across under the roof latch is a beam that terminates at the outer body panel and is connected by a number of welds. The noise is originating at the point that this beam meets the body of the van so I am thinking one or more of these welds have let go and are squeaking under stress. My initial thoughts were to run a couple of screws through various points to see if I could "pull" the offending metal together. Other options are a body shop for some welding.

Really appreciate any advice here.

Thanks
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Jusy my .02¢
87 Westfalia Stock as can be

[Christopher Schimke]

Is there enough room to clamp a Vise Grip® onto the area in question to see if the squeaking stops or changes? This might help determine the exact area that has the most effect on the squeak.

Although welding it back together would obviously be the best course of action, if it's only one spot weld that has come loose, I would be inclined to just use a screwdriver (WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PRY TOOL) to pry the two panels apart just enough so that they don't rub anymore.
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[floggingmolly]

[Chad Thomas]

Here is what the beam/pillar section looks like under the headliner and behind the shelf.

You can see the screw I put in at the lower point on the join (1 on each side) I also inserted a foam washer between the two parts-you can see it as a gray peice sticking out directly above the screw and wire.

Took her for a drive and the sound is gone- I'll keep my fingers crossed and see if it lasts.

Thanks for the suggestions.
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Jusy my .02¢
87 Westfalia Stock as can be

[Dogpilot]

The other thing you can do is get some body welding adhesive, or seal adhesive from a body shop. They come in two part tubes, or get the Lord Urethane seam sealant. You can inject these into the seams. They are a bit flexible and may do the job as well. Your screw may be all it need.
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Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G