Joevirus563

OK so I have a roof rattling. Coming from the metal panel of the roof. Now I've open the lining. It's winter and cold but I could see water condensation and a lot of drops on the panel itself. My question is, isn't it supposed to have some foam or something in between the lining and the metal roof? How can I fix the rattling while running on holes and when closing the doors?

Joevirus563

Thread Starter

No one?

for4me

I've never had my lining open, but I think only expensive cars have anything added above the lining, mainly for noise suppression.

Make sure there is nothing loose inside the roof console pocket.

Check for any loose screws in the roof console or dome light assembly.

Noise could be coming from the wiring harness up there. I had a ringing noise on the passenger side, everytime I hit a bump on that side. I pulled off the A-pillar cover to expose the harness cable. I found it securely attached except at the very top. I fixed my noise by adding a cable tie at the top where the cable enters the roof. Apparently, it could flop around.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Bassmaker

The condensation above the lining is probably more important in the long run. I think for4me is probably correct and removing the lining will be in order but it could be the headliner suspenders rattling in their mounts as well.

As condensation is caused by warm air hitting the cold roof metal (I don't mean to sound patronizing), you need to install something between the lining and the roof skin to insulate it further/keep the heat from getting as far as the roof. Some foam sheet perhaps? This will keep the heat in the cabin and will have other benefits too at this time of year with better heat retention, and sound insulation as well. Having not removed the liner on my Foz, I have no idea how thick that foam needs to be but between 1/2" and 1" should work fine. This can be bought at upholstery shops, usually in sheets a few feet wide, you choose the thickness and length.

Removing the liner and installing some insulation will also allow you to check everything is ok up there and any potential rattles should be taken care of by the foam. I doubt you need to fully remove the head liner, just enough to get a good look in there, sort any rattles/loose parts and then insert the foam. Making sure the outer skin is dry first and gluing the sheets to it will work best so as the foam isn't resting on the liner, which will eventually make its presence known.

If this seems viable, you try it and it works, would you mind posting the results relative to the other benefits (noise reduction and better heat retention) please.

__________________
Scruffy 99 S Turbo. TD04-19T hybrid. DeCat. JGM.

for4me

I would not be surprised if all cars have condensation in the roof at times. There is no reason to think yours is any worse than other cars. Talk to a dealer or mechanic.

If you add open-cell foam, it may act like a sponge and hold moisture against the roof longer, and impede evaporation. Closed-cell foam would act like a moisture barrier. However there will still be nooks and crannies where moisture will acumulate. The foam would slow down evaporation, and the net effect may be detrimental.

Some people (with plenty of spare time) have completely covered their roof with sound dampening aluminum/butyl rubber products.

I would do lots of research before adding anything up there. Vinyl taping any loose cables to the roof is safest.