Freedom Panels Making Noise

[Scott46&2]

I recently purchased a used (2,300 miles) JT. About the 2nd or 3rd day I started noticing that the hard top seemed to be making a lot of noise. It is not at highway speeds but does it when I turn, hit bumps, pull into the driveway etc. It sounds like a popping/cracking noise. The sounds reminds me of my JK when I would be on a trail really twisting up the frame/body but this is just normal in town driving. Has anyone else experienced this? I am thinking of taking to a dealer to see what they say.

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[Gvsukids]

I recently purchased a used (2,300 miles) JT. About the 2nd or 3rd day I started noticing that the hard top seemed to be making a lot of noise. It is not at highway speeds but does it when I turn, hit bumps, pull into the driveway etc. It sounds like a popping/cracking noise. The sounds reminds me of my JK when I would be on a trail really twisting up the frame/body but this is just normal in town driving. Has anyone else experienced this? I am thinking of taking to a dealer to see what they say.

Probably flexing. See what the dealer has to say.
Or try, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T44D1R2/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[rokhead]

In cold weather I notice a lot of noise, too, but it's to be expected. It's plastic and it will expand and contract and squeak and sound like it's cracking. I don't have leak issues so I don't worry about it anymore.

 

[Undecided]

Happens to me when it's super cold out.
Also had it happen when the rear wasn't tight enough. So if it's no super cold where you live, might check the bolts. A few could use another turn tighter.

 

[jac04]

The day I brought my JT home, I removed the Freedom Panels and thoroughly cleaned all of the seals, then applied Honda Shin Etsu silicone grease. They have been super quiet ever since.

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-08798-9013-Silicone-Grease/dp/B00GD49GTS

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2019/09/26/hondas-secret-weapon-squeaks-door-leaks-shin-etsu

 

[Hootbro]

Both my Gladiator seem to squeak within a couple weeks after purchase and daily driving. I also used a thin film of silicone grease on the seals and eliminated most of the noise problem with the Freedom top.

I would also recommend loosening the rear hard top to body bolts and re-torque starting inside out to take any off center preload out of the equation.

 

[Scott46&2]

I tried the Honda Shin Etsu silicone grease and it worked great. No noise at all now. Thanks everyone!

 

[Gryphon]

Imo and experience over the last year with a JL and now my recent JT purchase i'm amazed at how squeak, creak free they are especially when trail riding over rougher terrain, pretty impressive when you look at what they were designed to be able to do.

 

[Gvsukids]

Here's my clicking noise. I've used the 303, but to no avail.

 

[Kyle10]

Tighten all the bolts

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