Hatch rattles bad.
- Thread starter Lyonmt
- Start date
glowstang93
20+ Year Stangneter 
Start with adjusting the bumpers down so that it tightens up when closed. The latch and striker bolt is next step. The striker bolt may need a new bushing and may need moved to align properly when hatch is closed.
I think that may be my first problem... I have to go look, but I don't think I have any bumpers! Can the striker be moved? it doesn't look like it can be. Lastly, where can I get a new bushing? Mine are definitely shot. The last guy put electrical tape around it!
Any suggestions on where to order those parts from?
The plastic bushing is available in the Help! section of most auto parts stores, but it will require some searching to find it. The washer is screwed on to the bolt, so it may require placing the washer in a big vise and unscrewing the bolt off of it so you can replace the plastic bushing.
Took me two seconds.
I don't think these two will come apart unless there is a saw or a torch involved...
It will come off, I have done it before. It took a big vise to hold the washer and lots of effort.Took me two seconds.
I don't think these two will come apart unless there is a saw or a torch involved...
EMW150
Founding Member
Also check your hatch weatherstrip. They shrink over time and allow the hatch to ride loose. A new weatherstrip tightens things up. 5.0 resto has them pretty cheap.
I can't remember where I found it, but there was an article explaining how to replace the hatch striker in case it wore down. From what I remember, you take out the older striker and replace it with a T45 torx bit. It's the identical size of the striker and should work perfectly. I'll try tracking down that article.
sorry for the double post, but this link might prove useful. It's the step by step of the fix I described above.
http://www.automedia.com/Hatchback_Rattle_Repair/ccr20030701hr/1
http://www.automedia.com/Hatchback_Rattle_Repair/ccr20030701hr/1
If the striker is worn, definitely replace it. Same goes for the doors. Replace what you can as they are cheap but often overlooked parts
These little items like this make the difference between a nice tight car and a rattle box.
These little items like this make the difference between a nice tight car and a rattle box.
You are exactly right about that. It messes up the threads a little, but they still work good.
If you have the right size drill bit, you can drill the hole in the washer a little larger when you put it back together,
I put a piece of vacuum hose over it for now and it works perfectly. I think I'll remove it at work and give it to our machinist to remove the washer and install the new plastic sleeve that I bought. easy peasy. If it becomes an issue, I'll buy a new one. The rubber seal is definitely shrunken and in need of replacement. I had to "adjust" it so that it sits on the chassis properly, but that leaves a 1.5" gap at the center, so a replacement will be in order. I also adjusted the bumpers and the spoiler is definitely tight as it was just replaced before I had it painted last month.
Thank you all for the help and input!!
Thank you all for the help and input!!
SuperStang83
Founding Member
