Creaky Tailgate
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 129
From: Texas
Creaky Tailgate
My 2017 RX450h has a very creaky tailgate since I got the car. The tailgate creaks when the road is uneven with one wheel higher than the other moving the car at low speeds. This is typical when turning into a ramp, or driving through the alley. On my 5K service, I indicated the problem. However, the dealer returned the car with the printed output stating it was unable to reproduce the problem.
I have tightened every screw I could find, which has minimized some of the noise. In fact, several of the plastic pieces on the tailgate (top and side spoilers, body under glass and on top of the rear lights) just creak by touching them, so I am not sure how to get rid of the noise. Do others have this issue? If so, how do I fix it?
I have tightened every screw I could find, which has minimized some of the noise. In fact, several of the plastic pieces on the tailgate (top and side spoilers, body under glass and on top of the rear lights) just creak by touching them, so I am not sure how to get rid of the noise. Do others have this issue? If so, how do I fix it?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 235
From: SoCal
Next time, find a place near the dealer where you can replicate the creak. Then have the technician ride with you at an appointment. If they can't hear it, they can't fix it. I've had pretty good results on getting creaks/rattles addressed when I drive with a technician at the dealer.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 542
From: Florida
You can also apply some spray lubricant to parts that are creaking to see if that will help.
Had a door that had a squeaked when going over a bump. Applied a little silicone to the rubber door gasket and all was quiet!
Had a door that had a squeaked when going over a bump. Applied a little silicone to the rubber door gasket and all was quiet!
Last edited by ggebhardt; Apr 27, 2017 at 04:11 AM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 349
From: ON
Most of my creaking comes from the cover. Sometimes it makes strange noises, but removing it solves the problem. I have lubricated the ends and that works for awhile. When I first got the car, I to thought it was the tailgate and did the same as you. It turned out to be the cover....give her a shot if you haven't already.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 129
From: Texas
Most of my creaking comes from the cover. Sometimes it makes strange noises, but removing it solves the problem. I have lubricated the ends and that works for awhile. When I first got the car, I to thought it was the tailgate and did the same as you. It turned out to be the cover....give her a shot if you haven't already.
Just poking the tailgate spoiler and side spoiler is enough to make it creak. If I open the tailgate and lay my hand on one corner of the open tailgate it creaks. So just any slight pressure on a corner of that tailgate is enough to make a lot of creaking sounds. So I do not it is the seals. I have heard the seals creaking on the front doors and is not the same sound. This sounds has more plastic and metal creaks.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 349
From: ON
Sounds like something the dealer will have to isolate. Hopefully it happens when you are there cause you know...oh sorry we can't find anything wrong.
Good luck, those creaks and rattles can be very frustrating!
Good luck, those creaks and rattles can be very frustrating!
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Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 127
Likes: 22
From: AK
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 129
From: Texas
After poking at the tailgate for a while, It seemed it was the side plastic spoilers mating to the top spoiler. Well, I loosen the screws of the spoiler and place a little piece of rubber between the side spoiler and top spoiler. Creaks are gone! Pretty simple and took less time than driving to the dealer.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 48
From: NY / LI
OP - we had a creak in the cargo area on the 3RX and it turned out to be the privacy panel that stays affixed (not the retractable cover) to the cargo door at the bottom of the glass. Not sure if the 4RX's have this, but one side wasn't fully attached which was causing our sound.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 349
From: ON
After poking at the tailgate for a while, It seemed it was the side plastic spoilers mating to the top spoiler. Well, I loosen the screws of the spoiler and place a little piece of rubber between the side spoiler and top spoiler. Creaks are gone! Pretty simple and took less time than driving to the dealer.
Funny this is what you did as I noticed the little side spoilers do make noises. I was polishing the car this weekend and noticed they creak a bit if you rub them... Glad it worked out for you, yea!!
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 4
From: sask
I know this is an old thread but thought my experience with a squeaking sound from the rear lift gate area might help someone. For a while now I’ve had this squeak coming from the rear when I went over bumps. I had some lawn chairs in the trunk and figured it was that. I eventually took out the lawn chairs and the squeak was still there. I took a look yesterday to see if there was anything obvious. The culprit was the plastic tray beside the spare tire, located under the flap on the trunk’s surface. When I pushed down on this plastic piece I can hear the squeak sound. As a fix, I used some foam I had lying around and shoved it around the tray. Squeak is gone!
10th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex
Tailgate noise
That was the first thing I tried. Removed the cover, but the creaking continues.
Just poking the tailgate spoiler and side spoiler is enough to make it creak. If I open the tailgate and lay my hand on one corner of the open tailgate it creaks. So just any slight pressure on a corner of that tailgate is enough to make a lot of creaking sounds. So I do not it is the seals. I have heard the seals creaking on the front doors and is not the same sound. This sounds has more plastic and metal creaks.
Just poking the tailgate spoiler and side spoiler is enough to make it creak. If I open the tailgate and lay my hand on one corner of the open tailgate it creaks. So just any slight pressure on a corner of that tailgate is enough to make a lot of creaking sounds. So I do not it is the seals. I have heard the seals creaking on the front doors and is not the same sound. This sounds has more plastic and metal creaks.
10th Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex
Creaky noise
My 2017 RX450h has a very creaky tailgate since I got the car. The tailgate creaks when the road is uneven with one wheel higher than the other moving the car at low speeds. This is typical when turning into a ramp, or driving through the alley. On my 5K service, I indicated the problem. However, the dealer returned the car with the printed output stating it was unable to reproduce the problem.
I have tightened every screw I could find, which has minimized some of the noise. In fact, several of the plastic pieces on the tailgate (top and side spoilers, body under glass and on top of the rear lights) just creak by touching them, so I am not sure how to get rid of the noise. Do others have this issue? If so, how do I fix it?
I have tightened every screw I could find, which has minimized some of the noise. In fact, several of the plastic pieces on the tailgate (top and side spoilers, body under glass and on top of the rear lights) just creak by touching them, so I am not sure how to get rid of the noise. Do others have this issue? If so, how do I fix it?