Chasing an annoying rattle

[MaSnaka]

I hope one of you can help me. 1986 944 NA. While driving there is a significant rattle noise heard. It sounds like it comes from the headliner behind the passenger side. Or over and behind my right shoulder. There is an 8" wide headliner between the sunroof and the rear hatch. I have had this apart several times thinking I have identified the source but the noise is not yet gone. I have taken the sunroof out and test drove, so I know that is not the source. I have removed the interior panel exposing the drain tube for the sunroof and the tube is secure. But that is the sound you would expect to hear if it was loose. I keep looking at the sunroof latch but all i could find was a cracked bracket, I epoxy repaired and it cracked again right away when i bolted it back together. I am going to try and get a replacement. The car runs so smooth and purrrs like it should but bumps in the road cause me grief with this. Anyone with a similar experience??

Thanks,
John

[Monkey Wrench]

I think the issue is that when you drive you can;tlook for the rattle, you need a helper in the back seat to listen for it, maybe you could set your phone on reord and move it to various locations?

[MaSnaka]

Well...In my search for a new sunroof bracket, on the Only944 site I stumbled upon a Hatch Latch and was reading the caption that said if you have a rattle this was most likely the cause. The receivers, there are two, have a rubber bushing that deteriorates leaving space in the latch. So I went to check and yes there is enough play when its closed for me to push and pull on the hatch to get movement and a slight knock. I cant adjust the posts to tighten the grip because the threads are frozen solid and I don't want to break them. I stuck a folded up paper towel between the hatch and the seal taking up the slack and went for a test drive. Rattle is gone. I ordered the replacement rubber bushings and may get creative if needed to shim the receivers. I have already replaced the seal/weatherstripping. The website has detailed instructions on the replacement part. I was looking in the wrong place the whole time (years) and so glad to move on to something else.

Monkey Wrench- You're right. Hard to trace when you're the one driving. Basically, a guess and check procedure.

I hope my story can help save a fellow 944 enthusiast hours of frustration.

Cheers,
John