Hard top tapping / popping sound

[ATLbronco]

My '22 Badlands hard top is another victim of hardtop popping / rattling / tapping issues. I know there have been many threads on seemingly the same topic, however mine is different from those I've read.

My read is that this noise is most commonly heard from slightly back and left of the driver's head. In my case, it sounds like it's coming from the seam where driver and passenger quarter panels meet and right next to the windshield. It sounds like it could be coming directly from or above the driver's side T-joint.

The popping occurs when driving over some kind of sudden bump or even a minor undulation in road surface. It's generally just one metal-on-metal tap or pop noise until the next bump, rather than a continuous rattle. This noise used to occur once or twice per 10 minute trip, but the sensitivity seems to have increased and the frequency is more like once every 20-30 seconds now.

I've tried a couple solutions mentioned in other threads - I started by adding lubricant to the guide pins, which had no discernible effect. I then wrapped the guide pins in electrical tape, which also made no difference. Based on the location and character of the metal-on-metal sounding noise, I was really convinced it was coming from the metal bolt pictured and circled below, however I also double-wrapped that bolt in electrical tape to no effect so I'm not so sure now.

Any similar experiences and suggestions to resolve are appreciated!

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[21BRONCO]

i have the same problem. It goes away when it rains. Figured out it was the rubber seals rather than the pins. I put a light amount of grease on the rubber seals and pins and the sound went away but, it's back to the noise again. I going to re grease all the seals but a much heavier dose to see it'll fix the issue.

 

[ATLbronco]

i have the same problem. It goes away when it rains. Figured out it was the rubber seals rather than the pins. I put a light amount of grease on the rubber seals and pins and the sound went away but, it's back to the noise again. I going to re grease all the seals but a much heavier dose to see it'll fix the issue.

Interesting, I'll have to try that. There are a lot of rubber seals up there - did you identify a primary offender, or did you just apply grease to all of them?

I've definitely noticed some noises that come and go with rain / humidity.

 

[Techun]

One wrap of electric tape on the driver's panel locating pin. The one above the driver's shoulder. I would do all of those style pins.

 

[ATLbronco]

One wrap of electric tape on the driver's panel locating pin. The one above the driver's shoulder. I would do all of those style pins.

I already tried the electrical tape solution to no effect.

 

[Ksjrb03]

If it’s not the locator pins, are you sure it’s the hardtop? Noise goes away when topless? My noise in that area was on the passenger side, and it was the sun visor making the ticking and rattling. My drivers visor makes the noise once in a blue moon.

 

[ATLbronco]

If it’s not the locator pins, are you sure it’s the hardtop? Noise goes away when topless? My noise in that area was on the passenger side, and it was the sun visor making the ticking and rattling. My drivers visor makes the noise once in a blue moon.

Good question. It definitely sounds like the top but been a while since I’ve had it topless. I’ll have to check that.

 

[Dantastic]

Me who constantly drives either topless or blasting music:

 

[ATLbronco]

i have the same problem. It goes away when it rains. Figured out it was the rubber seals rather than the pins. I put a light amount of grease on the rubber seals and pins and the sound went away but, it's back to the noise again. I going to re grease all the seals but a much heavier dose to see it'll fix the issue.

Did this work for you? I'm still struggling with the same issue.

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

If you're sure it's the hard top popping try a little lube.

I just lubed the pins and metal to metal latch points with some super-lube grease. Doesn't take much just a apply with a q-tip and the popping went away. It's been pop free since Nov 2021.

 

[ATLbronco]

If you're sure it's the hard top popping try a little lube.

I just lubed the pins and metal to metal latch points with some super-lube grease. Doesn't take much just a apply with a q-tip and the popping went away. It's been pop free since Nov 2021.

It's definitely the hard top popping, it's silent when the top is off. I've noticed the pops are also 80% less frequent if I leave the front right elbow latch on the drivers panel in the unlatched position. The noise seems to be coming from directly above that point.

I've had the pins wrapped in electrical tape, which hasn't helped. I'll try removing that and the adhesive layer and applying lube instead as you suggested. I bought some Krytox a while back.

I have also been fighting a persistent rattle from my JCR tailgate table. I love my Bronco but it's also kind of driving me crazy right now.

 

[BradW]

I am having a similar issue. Mine pops from the location you mention, but also from over the driver left shoulder but it is the same cause that you mention in your initial post. slight undulations in the pavement or a more drastic dip in the pavement under one of the front tires. Seems to be more prevalent if the driver from tire drops. Also right turns with uneven pavement.

I have tried the locating pin trick and it's still there. I guess I'll try lubing the seals.

 

[ATLbronco]

I am having a similar issue. Mine pops from the location you mention, but also from over the driver left shoulder but it is the same cause that you mention in your initial post. slight undulations in the pavement or a more drastic dip in the pavement under one of the front tires. Seems to be more prevalent if the driver from tire drops. Also right turns with uneven pavement.

I have tried the locating pin trick and it's still there. I guess I'll try lubing the seals.

Lubing the seals did not help in my case. The only fix I've found is to leave the driver's panel front right elbow clip permanently unlatched. I guess that suggests it might be overtensioned and is creating excessive contact between the driver and passenger panel?

 

[Dan-O]

My '22 Badlands hard top is another victim of hardtop popping / rattling / tapping issues. I know there have been many threads on seemingly the same topic, however mine is different from those I've read.

My read is that this noise is most commonly heard from slightly back and left of the driver's head. In my case, it sounds like it's coming from the seam where driver and passenger quarter panels meet and right next to the windshield. It sounds like it could be coming directly from or above the driver's side T-joint.

The popping occurs when driving over some kind of sudden bump or even a minor undulation in road surface. It's generally just one metal-on-metal tap or pop noise until the next bump, rather than a continuous rattle. This noise used to occur once or twice per 10 minute trip, but the sensitivity seems to have increased and the frequency is more like once every 20-30 seconds now.

I've tried a couple solutions mentioned in other threads - I started by adding lubricant to the guide pins, which had no discernible effect. I then wrapped the guide pins in electrical tape, which also made no difference. Based on the location and character of the metal-on-metal sounding noise, I was really convinced it was coming from the metal bolt pictured and circled below, however I also double-wrapped that bolt in electrical tape to no effect so I'm not so sure now.

Any similar experiences and suggestions to resolve are appreciated!

I understand the feeling, been there was driving me absolutely Nutz. Mine only started after our temps here in AZ dropped below 90*. First it was only drivers side then as temp got a bit cooler it was doing it from both sides. On mine the problem was completely solved by removing front panels and I cut about 1”x1” 1/4” thick rubber foam and placed over rear outside pin holes and it is totally gone. I did not make hole in foam just let the pin poke/push through the foam. Hopefully this will work for u.

 

[Spidartanks]

Lubing the seals did not help in my case. The only fix I've found is to leave the driver's panel front right elbow clip permanently unlatched. I guess that suggests it might be overtensioned and is creating excessive contact between the driver and passenger panel?

Hey i sent you a message on this topic.

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