mrtoner

By now, I believe everyone is aware of the replacement latches available from GM. These latches eliminate the roller, which caused the majority of the 'popping' noise.

While the e-clip helped in many cases, the occasional report of continued popping always suggested to me that there were other components shifting that may cause the sound.

After months of noise-free driving with my e-clips, my passenger side began to make an occasional pop. So, I made sure everything was lubed properly, and while I was at it, installed an o-ring on the front pins as suggested by Modshack and Talon90:



It was quiet at first, but then came back LOUDER after a few days.

For those of you, like me, that are no longer in warranty, I am reluctant to spend almost $200 for new latches, especially since we are so close to finding a 'cure' or patch.

So I started looking closely at the plastic receiver that the front pin fits into.

I noticed that the receiver did not fit tight in the striker.



I experimented by putting a finger in the receiver, pressing down, and moving from side to side. Each time the receiver would shift from side to side, it would make a distinctive 'pop' loud enough to hear, and definitely amplified by the structure when the top is in place!

This is what I believe is happening:



So, putting an o-ring on the PIN secures it to the receiver, and the receiver MUSTshift with the pin. Since the receiver tries to move with the vehicle but the pin moves with the top, the receiver shifts in its socket and makes the sound.

To prove my theory, I wanted to remove the receiver and apply RTV to help insulate it. However, I had difficulty and was afraid I would break it.

Since I wanted to prevent the receiver from moving, I needed to put something in that would flow around the receiver and fill up the gap between it and the striker.

I decided to apply cyanocrylate adhesive [ not the best choice but it is what I had ] as shown:



I applied slowly and let it flow in. I let it sit overnight, then re-installed the top.

Not a peep [ or a pop ]....

I think ideally, if the plastic receiver can be removed without damaging it, then an o-ring [approximately 1/2" ID, 1/16 CS ] installed as shown would give the same results. I am not able to verify this.



If any of you have already installed the new latches and are starting to get some popping, this may be the cause.

arcticblast

Thanks for the analysis. I changed the latches and all was quiet for about one week. Then the popping came back over rough surfaces.
Good write-up.

Wayne88

So far, the E-Clips are working for me, but I will bookmark this for thread for future reference. Thanks for the write-up.

2005ArcticWhite

VET4LES

Thanks for the information. I did the heat shrink trick a few years ago and it's still working. If I have additional problem's I'll give this method a try.

Sherman Fretwell

Excellent write up. Hope this added to the sticky.

mrtoner

Rogers 07

I also discovered this "Popping" source as I was reinstalling my top a few months ago, I figured the pin receivers needed to move a little due to thermal expansion (the actual cause of most of the popping) so I packed Die-electric grease into and around the receivers, working it into the openings where you show the super glue going, I also applied it to the latch rollers and the weather strips. The shrink wrap on the pins really helps to, So far so good, no popping!!

mrtoner

not08crmanymore

Mine makes noise in the back,not so much when it's on since I put that grease stuff from the Honda parts bin that some have used on here.In the end,I turn up the radio and all is well!!
I will try this next season,though.

talon90

Great work as always Joe! I'm glad that you finally were able to post this information. I will add it to the Sticky thread on roof panel noises for future reference.

Paul

AEA

OUTSTANDING.. Thank you: thumbs:

RanGer498

dvilin

Great info thanks.

Sigus

Many thanks for posting this well executed information.

I have a question on a different noise I have been experiencing on my 08.

When I run up to 80 and above i start to hear a loud noise sort like a hum or resonate type noise coming from the front of the top.

Have any of you guys experienced this?

Thanks for any insite.

LSTHREE

Thanks for taking the time to give such a good write-up on this problem. I'll address this problem soon. I appreciated your insight!! dkf

2006c6keller

Many of the top rear tail hooks are adjusted to take just the slack out of the hook and not snugly pull the top into the bow gasket. This causes the top to swivel slightly sideways in the front. If the tail hook is adjusted with an allen wrench to make sure the top pulls snugly into the bow gasket this helps reduce or eliminate top movement, therefore reducing or stopping popping noise.

Wizekrakr

I totaly agree that the rear top hook being loose can cause the popping noise. My 08 coupe is 13 months old now and I have never had a problem with the popping. Once on a 2800 mile trip I thought I could hear something starting to pop so I pulled over and reset the top latches and the noise goes away. I take my top off alot and when I reinstall it I ALWAYS latch the rear latch first so as to pull it snug to the bow gasket. Then I close the front latches. Never have a problem with popping noises.

Johnny Utah

Hasnt happened to me yet thanks for the insight

Sigus

I just finished reading the thread where Talon describes the popping noise and the fixes. From what mine sounds like it has to do with the rear hook being out of adjustment.

Many thanks for the enlightenment.

Sig