Creaking/squeaking doors and door seals

[Alex31]

Upon my daily drive to get coffee, as I went up the drive way to the coffee shop (at an angle) I heard all the doors creak quite loudly!!
And from there on I could hear it creak on every road surface that was not level.
I spent the remainder of the day in a paranoid state thinking the car was going to fall apart after just 5000km.
Was going to book it into the dealership to demand it be fixed ASAP but I thought I should see if any one else has this problem.
I found out that yes others do have it and it is a simple fix.
Here is the link to another forum

Creaking doors? Mystery solved - GOLFMK7 - VW GTI MKVII Forum / VW Golf R Forum / VW Golf MKVII Forum (http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2277)

And this is the fix

1z Einszett car care products - Gummi plege stick 150ml (http://www.einszettcarcare.co.uk/door-seals-24-c.asp)

So I have ordered this and will report back when it arrives

In the mean time if any one else has/had or knows of this problem please feel free to let me know :-)

Alex


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[Brendan_A]

Yep, my new GTI will do it up certain gutters/driveways. Gummi plege helps it for a few weeks then comes back.

Seems to be a common thing with VW's. My mk6 did it bad and my mk5 Jetta that we still own does it too.

[Dutch77]

$5 at Bunnings on irrigation pipe fixed the issue on the 6, still got half a roll for the 7 assuming it's the same issue.

If so, make sure it's the hard plastic pipe, not the softer flexible one, and run it through the gap in the door seals around the windows. Worked a treat on the 6, I'm guessing the 7 hasn't fixed the problem. Big thumbs down VW!

[Disciple]

Can't believe they didn't fix this problem in the MK7. Dreadful.

[Eaglehawk]

Is this the same sort of squeak that appears to come from the driver side B pillar? I find that opening and closing the rear passenger door makes it disappear for a couple of days/weeks, but I could never work out why this would fix it until I read this thread.

[Alex31]

Dutch77 could you please put up some pictures of the pipe and where you put it?

Thanks Alex


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[Umai Naa!!]

Also try loosening the latch mechanism and spraying the surface of it where it fastens to the inside of the door with silicone spray, then re-tighten.

I've found this to be the most effective, and longest-lasting solution.

[AdamD]

For those who are interested, the following thread describes the problem - as it manifested in the Mk6 Golf - and its solutions, in detail:

B Pillar clicking / ticking & door rubber / seal creaking / squeaking (http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f112/b-pillar-clicking-ticking-door-rubber-seal-creaking-squeaking-41289.html)

[Dutch77]

Dutch77 could you please put up some pictures of the pipe and where you put it

Pretty sure there's some better pics in the thread Adam has referenced, but here is a really bad pic of where the tubing goes - I just held my leftovers up as some kind soul unwound the whole roll and threw away the packaging. It's the non-flexible 4mm irrigation tubing which as a bonus I used in the garden as well.

8923

Assuming the 7 is the same as the 6 and current Polo the door seal is in two parts and the pipe slides between the two. The seal should still be tight enough to hold it in place. I'd go all the way along the seal on all doors. On the 6 it ended the creak on all bar the most angled of driveways and I never replaced it or had it fall out.

(I've demoed this on the mrs' Polo which is making way for my new Dub)

[Alex31]

Went to bunnings and got the irrigation pipe and installed it in the door seals.
Worked 100% perfectly!! Best $3.95 I have ever spent!
Recommend it to anyone who is having the creaking sound in their cars.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/04/y9y8anyz-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/04/y8ane9av-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/04/pabyjeqa-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/04/6uza4yqy-1.jpg


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[Dutch77]

Sigh.. yep same design flaw, same fix.

Glad I kept my irrigation piping. :)

Thanks for the much better pics.. recommend this to anyone who suffers the dreaded creaks.

[Brendan_A]

Thanks for posting! Will give it ago when I'm back from holidays.

[BAD WOG]

Tried the same irrigation pipe today and didn't work at all. Back to the drawing board

[Umai Naa!!]

Try the method I mentioned, if you've got a set of spline sockets.

[Alex31]

BAD WOG you must have a slightly different sound to what I was experiencing
... Also in that irrigation pipe there is two different types. One is softer than the other
. You need the harder one


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[Dutch77]

Also note that over time the pipe can eventually give a little - you can either replace it or some Mk6 owners spliced a second lot of pipe into the first. I don't know if the Mk7 has the same clearance.

[Ashoz85]

2000km in and I've some vibrations and creaks from panels, mostly from the front passenger side and some from the base of the center console. Eh, what can you do, living in Australia with our temperatures and road conditons they will always appear. The door ding I found when came back to the car park 2 weeks into ownership annoyed me more.

[Paul_R]

Sigh.. yep same design flaw, same fix.

Is it a design flaw or deliberate? Could there be some reason that the, presumably fairly clever, VW engineers have left that hole in the door seal?

Then again, they did let loose the 118 twin charger, dry clutch DSG, and those diesel injectors on the public didn't they...

[Dutch77]

Is it a design flaw or deliberate? Could there be some reason that the, presumably fairly clever, VW engineers have left that hole in the door seal?

Well lucky for us the door seal is split so we can go out to a garden shop and slide irrigation pipe in there. Those who have experienced the annoying creaks would be buggered if the door seal was joined like on most other cars I've seen/owned. Then again they never creaked either.. ;)

[Jamestc]

I just tried the pipe trick and the wax trick and no luck. I don't know what the issue is but it's driving me nuts. On a forum in Europe I saw they added some black tape to the inside of the window sills and that helped. Noise is on the passenger front door. I wonder if others have the same issue on the passenger door.

[veew]

I noticed creaking from the door seals about 2000km into ownership, always heard when we enter/leave our garage as the approach is always diagonally over a deepish gutter. I bought the 4mm riser tube as per Alex31's and Dutch77's post, easy to install and found it significantly reduced, but did not totally stop, the creaking. Right now it is tolerable and doesn't bother me as much but down the track I'll look at using the Gummi Pfledge stick as an adjuct.

[TSI_Dan]

It was a known problem in the Mk6 Golf and current Polo. I used the identical method as above on my Polo and has eliminated about 80% of the squeaks. Can still be heard on sharp angles turning on the driveways etc, but much quieter. What a joke VW that it was not fixed for the mk7...

[Disciple]

Some Silicon Spray on the door seals will work for a good period of time too.

[nikmorris]

Hey folks, so I tried the irrigation piping the door seals and it worked a treat. Not 110% but certainly a huge reduction for sure. Highly recommend this if not attempted.

I just have another concerns which is driving me bonkers and wonder if anyone else has this issue? I have the panoramic roof and right above me where the sunroof opening is, there is a distinct rattle in the roof lining. At times its above the driver, other times above the passenger. Basically it feels like it jumps from one side to another. I also feel that it comes from the middle sunglass holder too at times. Could be both?? It occurs when the car has been over some bumpy roads and will continue for the rest of the ride. There are days when it doesn't occur at all. Interestingly I don't notice it when the sunroof it completely open. Thanks in advance for any input about this.

[mgrobins]

I'm beginning to revise my opinion of my GTI from "Precision Engineered German Luxury" to "Precision Engineered and CRAP build".

My 7 year old Mazda 3 has less rattles than this thing - with no history of tweaking or managing any either.

I have the following that I have found so far at 650km driven from new:

1. Front passenger door "bangs" when I brake hard or accelerate (sounds like may be the glass shifting in the door) - consistently
2. Rear doors 'bang' less often than front and have rattles internally (sporadic and not constant)
3. Rear centre arm rest rattles like a maraca when folded up. With it down (including the door to the boot) it's ok.
4. parcel shelf rattles.
5. door seal squeaks when the chassis flexes - most common after washing (lubrication of seals helps for a bit).

6. bubbles in tint on two windows - including from holes where some joker attempted to squeegee air out but there is debris behind the tint.

Not sure if some of the noise is from the rear suspension.... hard to tell from the drivers seat at times.


VW Newstead (Brisbane) have conceded the issues are likely covered under warranty and have agreed to give me a loan vehicle during the refit work at no charge (but that had to "considered" by management after I refused to pay).

Workarounds are all well and good but constant greasing, lubrication and babying of a car to keep it performing at the promised "luxury" level is BS. I can accommodate the noise that may come from wear and tear but VW should be ashamed of themselves.

I'll give them a shot at rectification then deal with the Head manager if it turns into a jerk around with trial and error fixes.

[Dutch77]

Not a good situation to have but from my experience fairly unrepresentative of the breed.

I had the creak in my Mk6, helped along by some wax getting in there, and one rattle which I eventually traced to a sun visor. That was through three years of ownership, weekday parking outside and the stiffer VWR springs in the latter period of ownership.

Compared to other makes I've owned or been in its a cut above. It's disappointing the creak is still there in the Mk7, and while it shouldn't require a trip to Bunnings it is easily rectified.

Also to be fair the tint isn't VW, that's whoever the dealer has used.

[Umai Naa!!]

They ALL creak and groan in the doors over uneven ground at low speeds.

Plenty of fixes mentioned in this thread. Some permanent, some not so.

And yeah, as for the tint, hardly a VW problem. If you're not happy with it, get it stripped off and re-done :)

[NCGR1]

After over two years of DD with my 2012 Mk6 R, never here a peep from the doors or body. Stiff and twist-free with no door or seal noises. And I don't do anything to the seals but keep them clean.

With the Mk7 body being even stiffer and stronger than the Mk6, seem strange some have an issue when most do not.

[NCGR1]

....6. bubbles in tint on two windows - including from holes where some joker attempted to squeegee air out but there is debris behind the tint.....

Certainly can't fault VW of something they had nothing to do with. Seems that would be between you and who ever installed the tint.

[mgrobins]

I have a rear door on my GTI that makes a LOT of noise. Rubbing seals and "banging" for want of a better term.

I have adjusted the door striker and reduced the problem however note the door is not aligned as well as the other side which is silent.

In fact if I use one finger and push on the glass or the vertical bar between the two panes the door "bangs" against the body.

It feels like that support on the door is moving more or looser than the opposing side.

I am seeking some advice on the following:

1. is that support between the panes possibly loose?

2. I loosened the door hinge bolts however cannot get the hinges to move. Are they bonded by paint or an internal bolt as well??

I don't want to go down the path of plastic tubing at this time and will have the car to the dealer on the 17th to correct tint and look at the door. Last time they just lubricated it so I'm hoping to have some targeted info to get a better result :).



How widespread is this problem on the Mk7? I saw a lot of threads on older models trying to find answers....

[Dutch77]

How widespread is this problem on the Mk7? I saw a lot of threads on older models trying to find answers....

What I think you're describing sounds different to what a heap of us had issues with on the Mk6 and seems to be popping up again on the Mk7 which is the door seals rubbing. The tubing is a $4 invisible fix which shouldn't need to be done but at least is simple and effective.

The banging of the rear door would be a lot rarer and sounds like a possible alignment issue which is what you're exploring. See what the dealer offers..

[mgrobins]

Thanks Dutch.

What I have not been able to achieve is a balance where the rubbing is gone but the banging is also gone. It's the only door I get the rubbing from which is quite good. Not sure if that's a temp circumstance of the newness of the car though.

I did note the outer rubber seal that goes along the top and rear of the door glass area is not touching the body at the lower corner. It's like the door is tilted or too far forward. The gap with the front is ok though which also then makes me wonder if the front door alignment is out too (I get slight wind noise there but otherwise it's ok).

The lubrication by the dealer actually helped quiet the door a little.... enough to help hone in on the cause. I get annoyed when their effort at a "fix" is to put grease on the striker or so forth though rather than deal with the underlying issue.

Sounds like I need to get the banging sorted and if the rubbing is still their maybe look at the tubing. I wonder if alignment is the real cause / fix and people haven't had it done so ended up having to g o the tubing route???

[Dutch77]

Sounds like I need to get the banging sorted and if the rubbing is still their maybe look at the tubing. I wonder if alignment is the real cause / fix and people haven't had it done so ended up having to g o the tubing route???

Sounds like a plan.

I can't talk for other people but the doors on my Mk6 were fine, I suspect some wax got in the wrong spot and after that it was squeak central no matter what cleaning/wipes etc were used. Tried the tubing and presto, problem gone.

I'm pushing towards 5k in the Mk7 and touch wood the doors have been squeak free. Unfortunately one or two minor rattles have snuck in however nothing consistent or annoying. Yet.

[Idle]

If you compare the Mk 6 and Mk 7 doors, you'll notice that they've cut the Mk 7 to only 2 bolts per hinge (4 per door) — which will make them more difficult to adjust.

[jonoz]

I'm pushing towards 5k in the Mk7 and touch wood the doors have been squeak free. Unfortunately one or two minor rattles have snuck in however nothing consistent or annoying. Yet.

2k on the ODO in the R and its squeak central, car is going into Austral on Wednesday.

Just curious with all those that had Mk6's, is it really acceptable, not just only on a ~60k R, ~50k GTI and even a ~20k base to expect the car to not make squeaks as you drive it? I am getting a little ahead of myself but I mean honestly, inserting tubing into the seal on the door is a bandaid fix, surely there is some design flaw that needs addressing here? Ive owned BMW's, Holden's, Toyota's, Mitsubishi's and latest was a Kia and none of which come close to the level of odd noises the Golf produces...

[mgrobins]

If you compare the Mk 6 and Mk 7 doors, you'll notice that they've cut the Mk 7 to only 2 bolts per hinge (4 per door) — which will make them more difficult to adjust.

I only see 1 bolt per hinge on my rear doors. External hex with an internal star. Loosening them did not allow me to budge the hinges so I was unsure if another bolt is present. If so is it inside the panel (requiring removal of trim)?

[Idle]

I only see 1 bolt per hinge on my rear doors. External hex with an internal star. Loosening them did not allow me to budge the hinges so I was unsure if another bolt is present. If so is it inside the panel (requiring removal of trim)?

A hinge has two leaves — Mk7 hinges have one bolt per leaf, = 4 per door.

The outside appearance suggests the internal and external sections move together when the bolt is loosened — probably there's paint holding them to the panel both sides.

When adjusting, remember that the hinge pins need to be fairly accurately aligned to prevent panel distortion.

It doesn't look as though there is an internal bolt — would make assembly tedious and designers would get the rounds of the kitchen for that.

[daveee]

One of my rear doors has developed a squeak when opening and closing the door. No sound or movement when the car is in motion. Approx 1800kms on the odo.

Is this just a lack of grease? :confused:

[jonoz]

One of my rear doors has developed a squeak when opening and closing the door. No sound or movement when the car is in motion. Approx 1800kms on the odo.

Is this just a lack of grease? :confused:

Have a look at the bottom of the b pillar and see what the rubber seal is doing that is down near the skirting, this is one of the sources of my noises...

[Guy]

the hinge bolt change in the door makes it very annoying to adjust. I had to adjust mine also

[mgrobins]

Hi Guy, how did you get the hinges to move? I loosened the two bolts on the car body but the hinges seem welded in place. Even thumping them with a mallet didn't get them to budge. I assumed the paint may be stuck together.

I guess if VW do the work and the paint around there is messed up adjusting they can touch it up :).

Unfortunately door striker adjustments haven't done the job for me. I can still make the door rattle/bang by lightly pressing on the glass divider or top of the door.

[Alex31]

My 1 year old golf has all of a sudden started creaking when I open and close the drivers door.
It sounds like a door from a 100 year old car :-/
I'm going to take it into the dealership.
Has anyone else had this problem?
How could the hinges be buggered after just one year?!?



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[h100vw]

Don't own any WD40?

[jonoz]

Cause the hinges and seals on VWs, to me, just seem dodgy.

Maybe it has something to do with them being designed for European climates but need constant lubing. I have had to do the seals on my Golf every 3000kms so just doing it again.

[Kesh]

Does it only happen to the rear doors when the front doors are closed? Try opening the rear doors when the front doors are open. I think it has to do with the seal between the front and rear door. I have the same issue.

[kry_wolf]

I had the same issue on the rear left door, it was just the rubber lining rubbing on the car so I simply pushed it up so that it would no longer rub :P

[AdamD]

Read through this thread for info on lubricating seals:

B Pillar clicking / ticking & door rubber / seal creaking / squeaking (http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f112/b-pillar-clicking-ticking-door-rubber-seal-creaking-squeaking-41289.html)

Hinges - as mentioned above you can use a general purpose grease/lubricant on the hinge as required.

[Alex31]

So after a trip to the dealer... It turned out to be the door check strap was faulty. Replaced it and all good :-).


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[zardoz]

Hi,

I've got a rattle in my doors at the handle end of the door (not the hinge end). Any suggestions on what I can do to resolve the issue? It's happening to all four of my doors on my Mark 7 Wagon.

[MrGadget]

Hi, anyone else having squeaky/noisy door seals? I have read that a solution is to put some irrigation tubing between the felt on top of the door. My rear doors are very noisy.

I have read about this issue with the mk6 but haven't heard anything about the mk7.

[capkapak]

What works for me currently is to wax the inner door parts that runs against the rubber seals of the body.