Rattle Found! Need Help with a fix.

[SAS OBX SOB]

I have a soft top that has been rattling for a long time. I finally tracked down the culprit. One of the hinges is loose. See photo below. There is a tiny gap in the hinge and the metal rattles like crazy when driving. What can I put in that gap? Is there a tool that can tighten the rivet connection (without breaking it)? Felt tape is way to thick fit in the gap. I tried some white teflon spray that didn't do anything to help. Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated!

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[HighVelocity]

You need a counter-balancing rattle, preferably exactly 180° opposed from the origin.

 

[JT58Bronc]

Lube usually helps but you already tried that- maybe try more lube? Is it a fold point where it pivots? If not you could try to squeeze some silicone in there. Or get some very thin steel shim stock and cut a "U" in it instead of a hole and place it in it and try some loctite or super glue to hold it in place. If it is a pivoting joint you could just drill out the rivet and replace it with a bolt and locking nut. Some ideas anyway.....

 

[MFP2241]

I'd probably get a wave washer of the appropriate size and make a single cut in one side so I could slip it over the rivet.

Or, using a C-Clamp as a crimping device, close the gap.

 

[jonwithanelcamino]

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[SAS OBX SOB]

I should clarify that it is a pivoting joint. i could shim it with something like paper or plastic, but will have to redo after folding the top. I may try some thicker grease or see if I can clamp it harder without breaking it.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

 

[Fordified1]

Is this not a crack?

 

[Fordified1]

As far as closing up that gap at the hinge. Can you use a hammer with a dolly behind it and tighten that joint?

 

[SAS OBX SOB]

Is this not a crack?

No it's part of that plastic saddle. It looks like a crack in the picture, but it's a solid piece. It's inset right there so it looks like a crack. The gap and rattle is in the joint below it.

 

[BullyHayes]

Maybe a teflon washer, if not a wave washer like MFP2241 suggested? Slice open an end so you can slip it in.

 

[Brian_B]

As far as closing up that gap at the hinge. Can you use a hammer with a dolly behind it and tighten that joint?

This is what I would try - hammer the rivet tighter. Can also try packing it with some grease, that may be more of a temporary thing though.

The washer ideas are good too if you can find one thing enough to get in there (before you start hammering on it), or a snap-ring.

 

[Alassise]

Wrap dental floss around it and call it a day

 

[SAS OBX SOB]

Wrap dental floss around it and call it a day

Well that sounds like a smart place to start. I'll give that a shot before hitting with hammer.

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