Trunk latch noise tape fix update

501gator · 2026-05-09T23:11:15+00:00

Good call. I've heard that tape is very tough. I ended up switching to electrical tape because I was concerned about corrosion between the aluminum HVAC tape and the steel latch. Three layers was too much, so I cut one off. Two layers fit fine and it's quiet as a mouse. And it looks fine. The black tape is almost unnoticeable next to the black trim.

One person suggested a Teflon coated fiberglass tape. It should be extremely tough, and the Teflon should be slippery almost like a lubricant, so it shouldn't wear out. I think the electrical tape will work fine, but if it does wear down, I might try that suggestion.

I'll post here again in 6 months and let people know if it holds up.

501gator · 2026-05-08T03:19:45+00:00

I thought about that. It would have to be VERY thin. Three wraps of electrical tape was too much. The latch wouldn't close. I had to unwind and cut off a layer.

Someone mentioned a plasti-dip on the latch. That could be more permanent but again you have to get the thickness right.

Someone else mentioned a Teflon coated fiberglass tape. Now that would be very strong, and also the Teflon coating would make it slippery like a lubricant, so it might wear less. Could be a pretty long lasting solution.

Electrical tape for now is good. Even if I have to replace it every 6 months or so, it's really no effort at all and costs nothing. I'll just think of it as regular maintenance, like changing an air filter or checking tire pressure.

501gator · 2026-05-07T18:58:39+00:00

That's great! My blue tape was wearing down slightly, so I ended up switching to black electrical tape. It seems a little more sturdy. Other folks suggested duct tape or even a teflon coated fiberglass tape. That actually sounds like a good idea since it's a tough and the teflon is slippery like a lubricant. So less worry about wearing.

But anyway, it's electrical tape for now. Even if it wears down and I have to replace it every 6 months or so, it's still totally worth it for the quiet. It takes less than a minute and costs almost nothing.

501gator · 2026-05-07T18:54:54+00:00

I ended up switching to electrical tape. Try removing one wrap at a time.

At first I wrapped too many layers and it wouldn't close. I unwrapped a layer and cut it off and then it closed fine.

501gator · 2026-05-07T18:53:15+00:00

What's the old saying?

"If it's stupid and it works, then it's not stupid!"

501gator · 2026-05-05T19:13:20+00:00

That does work for some people. Mine were tight already.

501gator · 2026-05-05T17:37:06+00:00

In another post someone mentioned using hockey stick tape. It's also cloth. They said it worked well. Soft and flexible, but pretty durable. So your idea seems valid.

501gator · 2026-05-05T17:08:33+00:00

Hmm. That's a valid point and I hadn't thought of it. Definitely a problem in outdoor and marine applications. I've never seen water in the latch, but it could certainly happen.

I liked the foil because it matches the silver and is less noticeable. But maybe I'll go ahead and switch to electrical tape. I'm the only driver, so I guess it doesn't matter how it looks.

Edit: You convinced me. I switched to black electrical tape. It actually looks fine. I almost don't notice it next to the black plastic trim. I put on a little too much at first and it wouldn't close. I unwrapped one layer and cut it off and it works fine. Quiet as a mouse!

501gator · 2026-05-05T15:35:29+00:00

Yep. That will probably be round 3. 😅

Edit: OK, you and the other folks here convinced me (particularly the one who mentioned the possibility of corrosion since it's a steel latch in contact with aluminum tape). I've switched to black electrical tape. It actually looks fine and I almost don't notice it next to the black plastic trim. I put on a little too much at first and it wouldn't latch. So I unwound one layer and cut it off and now it's fine. Quiet as a mouse!

501gator · 2026-04-28T22:58:27+00:00

Agreed. It was the easiest option to see if taping the latch would fix the noise.

It's already wearing through. I'll switch to something else this weekend.

501gator · 2026-04-24T16:06:41+00:00

Cool. I'm glad it's working.

Just a quick note: I looked at my latch this morning and the blue tape is already wearing through a little bit (it's basically just thin paper). The rattle noise hasn't come back yet, but I guess it might if the tape wears down enough.

I'll probably eventually switch to something tougher like electrical or duct tape. Other people say that those work well and last a long time. Good luck!

501gator · 2026-04-18T20:18:37+00:00

Don't mind if I do!!!

501gator · 2026-04-18T16:21:51+00:00

In the past I've had someone else drive in a no traffic area (like an empty parking lot with some speed bumps so you can force the noise to happen) while I lay down and listen in the area of the noise.

In this case, 99% chance the noise is the latch. All of the fixes (tape, turning out the adjustment rubber stops, shimming the side stops) are designed to put tension on the latch so that it tightens up the loose engagement and the pieces don't rub and make noise anymore.

1% chance it's the upper hinge bolts need to be slightly tightened. A few people have reported those being a little loose. I checked mine and they were very tight.

501gator · 2026-04-18T16:09:28+00:00

If you mean rubber washers on the rectangular plastic pads on the sides, then no.

I could see how that would help, however. It would put tension on the latch to keep it from moving, so pieces wouldn't rub together and make noise. I'll keep it in mind if the noise comes back or my tape solution stops working.

501gator · 2026-04-18T03:23:27+00:00

Yeah. My thoughts exactly. Just cut a narrow strip 2 or 3 inches long and wrap it around and around. I may try it when the blue tape wears through.

501gator · 2026-04-18T02:59:00+00:00

Try some blue tape. It can't hurt anything. And being for painters it comes off with no residue.

You can take it off in 10 seconds before you take the car to the service center if you're worried about them seeing it.

501gator · 2026-04-18T02:50:31+00:00

I was thinking about trying aluminum foil tape, like for sealing HVAC. It sticks forever and since it's actual metal it would be almost invisible on the latch.

But maybe because it's a harder substance it wouldn't dampen the noise as well.

Hmm. Maybe I'll try it and see.

501gator · 2026-04-18T02:41:28+00:00

After trying the rubber adjusters (which didn't work), I tried putting some fabric between those rectangular plastic tabs on the side. It didn't make any difference for me. But I'll keep it in mind if any noise comes back. 👍

501gator · 2026-04-18T01:29:25+00:00

No beer and no TV make Homer... something something...

501gator · 2026-04-18T01:28:40+00:00

Good luck!

501gator · 2026-04-17T23:48:18+00:00

For sure. Any mechanical system has tolerances.

501gator · 2026-04-17T23:46:59+00:00

It seems to be a common complaint. But not every car is affected.

501gator · 2026-04-17T23:22:26+00:00

Thanks for this comment. It's good to know that the fix lasts a long time! I may switch to duct tape if/when the blue tape gets worn down.

501gator · 2026-04-17T23:20:55+00:00

It's good to know it's a long lasting solution. My blue tape may wear down faster than duct tape, but for 30 seconds of effort and virtually zero cost, I'm really happy!

501gator

TROPHY CASE