Creaking Top
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 11
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Creaking Top
I have a 2008 Base 3LT coupe. The problem I am having is a creaking sound from the top not a squeak. I have rubbed silicone grease all along the rubber seals but it has not helped. Any suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Have you gone through the "C6 Roof Panel Noise Primer" thread in the "Mega DIY and FAQ" sticky at the top of the C6 General Forum? If not, that is the place to start. 
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ok-inside.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ok-inside.html
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
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I did not find the various roof panel noise threads to be very helpful because there is no consensus answer as to "the fix." Those threads will give you lots of different things to try (as you read through all of the different attempts and partial fixes over a span of years), but nothing really worked for me until I bought the redesigned handles. Too much reading and fishing just to get to that point. Installation of the redesigned handles fixed my problem permanently and immediately.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
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I used Tetra Gun Lubricant on the pins and no longer (for now) creak.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 30
From: Perdido Key,Fl. Fl.
I have an 08'. I replaced latches 2 years ago and now it noisy again. I recently purchased lithium grease small tube from advance auto. Cost was $4. I greased everything and for now quiet. I keep the grease handy and will use as need be.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I did not find the various roof panel noise threads to be very helpful because there is no consensus answer as to "the fix." Those threads will give you lots of different things to try (as you read through all of the different attempts and partial fixes over a span of years), but nothing really worked for me until I bought the redesigned handles. Too much reading and fishing just to get to that point. Installation of the redesigned handles fixed my problem permanently and immediately.
Get the bulletin
Do the bulletin
Enjoy the quiet
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 106
Mine has creaked since day 1, and it's a 2012 GS CE 4LT. I did all of the potential fixes, including putting shrink tubing in all 5 contact points, and greasing the crap out of everything. But the issue I think it's a bad alignment from the factory. I can tell right away the brackets where the front pins drop into are not perfectly aligned. Don't want to mess with removing the piece that allows access to the bolts since I'd surely break something, and would like to buy a new piece (POS fasteners everywhere). Since the creaking is minimal after the 'fixes', decided to leave it alone. Typical GM quality control is to blame here. Plus any removable top is going to be prone to issues. I just wish we had the option of a fixed roof (like Z06s) or removable. With the awful aerodynamics with the top removed, with major buffeting even below 40 mph, I don't know who wants to drive without it 
. But to each his own, of course.
. But to each his own, of course.
Last edited by JCtx; Mar 28, 2014 at 01:28 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
Mine has creaked since day 1, and it's a 2012 GS CE 4LT. I did all of the potential fixes, including putting shrink tubing in all 5 contact points, and greasing the crap out of everything. But the issue I think it's a bad alignment from the factory. I can tell right away the brackets where the front pins drop into are not perfectly aligned. Don't want to mess with removing the piece that allows access to the bolts since I'd surely break something, and would like to buy a new piece (POS fasteners everywhere). Since the creaking is minimal after the 'fixes', decided to leave it alone. Typical GM quality control is to blame here. Plus any removable top is going to be prone to issues. I just wish we had the option of a fixed roof (like Z06s) or removable. With the awful aerodynamics with the top removed, with major buffeting even below 40 mph, I don't know who wants to drive without it . But to each his own, of course.
. But to each his own, of course.put allen bolts in from bottom of header tighten,
the roof now is fixed (at the front ) no more creaks
may be I'll do the back too just for extra strength
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,001
Likes: 243
From: Surprise, Az
There is no consensus because there are so many different causes so your mileage is definitely going to vary. My '12 GS was quiet from the first day, started making noises about 18 months of ownership. If it was making noise from the very first day its still under warranty and I would let the dealer worry about fixing it.
If I read ErnieN85 correctly, you bolted the top down through the alignment pins?
If I read ErnieN85 correctly, you bolted the top down through the alignment pins?
Team Owner
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From: Right Corner Pocket of Illinois
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2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '12 thru '26
It's called an F.O.I.D. here
"Protect Metal-to-Metal Surfaces With This Heavy Duty Fluoropolymer Grease.
Widest operating temperature range -100°F to 750°F
Bonds to metals; smoothes and protects
Reduces friction
Quick to apply, easy to use
Low Odor"
"Protect Metal-to-Metal Surfaces With This Heavy Duty Fluoropolymer Grease.
Widest operating temperature range -100°F to 750°F
Bonds to metals; smoothes and protects
Reduces friction
Quick to apply, easy to use
Low Odor"
Last edited by Quick Silver Z; Mar 30, 2014 at 06:32 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3
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Check the trim panel across the top of the windshield, roof had worn the trim covering through to the plastic, horrible creaking noise in my 2012 Grand Sport. I had to shim my trim so it wouldn't happen again. Hope this helps.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
There is no consensus because there are so many different causes so your mileage is definitely going to vary. My '12 GS was quiet from the first day, started making noises about 18 months of ownership. If it was making noise from the very first day its still under warranty and I would let the dealer worry about fixing it.
If I read ErnieN85 correctly, you bolted the top down through the alignment pins?
If I read ErnieN85 correctly, you bolted the top down through the alignment pins?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
I was having issues with a creaking top the last few weeks, I just got out of the garage and found out I had lose pins that was making all the noise... Tightened them up and took a drive and no noise ....
Le Mans Master
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From: DFW, Tejas!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.