Rattle from Top Latch

[desmo4]

I have been searching for this issue since the dealer replaced the latches when the car was quite new. However at that time I was living in CA so the top was down most of the time. Spurred by the other post I examined the latches. And to my surprise Honda put a plastic covers over the metal top latches which are sandwiched by the latch in it's locked position. And this is the source of the rattle. I removed both latches and forces some silicone cement between the metal and plastic. Voila!! the rattle is gone.

Jonathan

[Bob A (SD)]

Johnathan,

Too bad you didn't take any photos as I'm having a bit of difficulty mentally picturing what you've described.

--Bob

[desmo4]

When you unlatch the top, the part that is bolted to the car has a plastic cover.

Jonathan

[Alexei]

Thanks! Your fix sounds a little easier than what I had to do...

Immediately after my hard top was installed it squeaked and rattled like crazy. I put up with the noise for about a day, then went to the dealer and bought Shin Etsu silicone lube and applied it to all the soft black rubber seals on the outside edges of the hard top/windshield where the HT mates to the windshield, body, and around the windows. (I know you mentioned you did this already - Good.)

Afterwards, I didn't notice any squeaks, but every time I hit a bump the latch rattle noises were driving me crazy - so I went to the dealer got some EPT Sealant (kind of like foam weather stripping) and performed the fix below:

Clickie ---> Squeaks and Rattling Latch Fix (http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=372605&st=0)

As you mentioned, silicone cement works too. I performed the fix, AND also tied down the latch hooks on each side of the lowered soft top with plastic cable ties (rubber bands work too); now my tops are very quiet - even on the bumpiest roads.

[desmo4]

Actually I was looking for that spray foam sometimes used for insulation but found the silicon rubber first. After over 100000 miles it is cured.

Jonathan