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MG MGB Technical - tailgate squeak

I have a squeaking noise coming from my tailgate, it seems to be coming from the lock mech and despite adjustment, lubrication and swearing, it simply won't go away.
Anybody have this or know any cures. Its worse on longer journey where the constant noise drives me nuts!
Neckieman

I have had this too. It is the tailgate fretting slightly because it is not held down firmly enough. Like you I tried to adjust the latching staple down as far as it could go, but that wasn't enough. I ended up cutting a piece of soft rubber tube from a spare piece of a door seal and glueing it on top of the tailgate seal as you can see in my photo. It hasn't squeaked since.

Mike Howlett

Is it metal parts or rubber? Try 'painting' the seals with talcum powder and see if that changes things.
paulh4

Mine was definitely the metal catch fretting against the metal staple as the car went over bumps. As Neckieman says, it drives you crazy!
Mike Howlett

I used to wrap some tape around the staple. It would last for a month or two before I had to put some more on.
Geoff Everitt

If tape solves the problem temporarily would a small bit of thin wall tube (split lengthwise) araldited on last a bit longer?
Michael Beswick

I had this as well.

Remove the lock mechanism's access panel.

I cured it with smearing generous amounts of wheel bearing grease on all of the moving parts inside of the lock.
Steven Rechter

Re the thin wall tube: it's probably a case of getting the right thickness. Too thick, and the catch won't latch. (Probably ... I don't have the B anymore)
Geoff MG-TF

I have tried most of these remedies already and they stop it for a while, then it comes back.
Its one of those niggley annoying things that on a longer journey drives you nuts. The car doesn't even have a radio at the moment so can't drown it out.
Neckieman

"Too thick, and the catch won't latch. "

The staple on the rear panel is adjustable by slackening the bolts. Have you tried moving it up or down a little?
paulh4

Tried moving it, wrapping it in tape, bending it slightly so there is a centre point, cursing it, ignoring it, replacing all the seals on the tailgate, making a voodoo doll and sticking pins in it and considering taking a tin opener to the car and making it a convertible.
The latest plan is I have a new radio from Moss to fit and simply fitting this and turning up he volume very high...........

Neckieman

This thread was discussed between 10/02/2017 and 12/02/2017

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