Concerns - Popping/Creaking Noise from Sunroof

[Marc Collins]

Not correct , Revs issues are identical to mine . Slightly open it was silent

Just to chime-in, I also experience the creaking only when the roof is closed. Pop it open a crack and it is silent. It also only seems to creak when there is a temperature change caused by being left out in the sun. So far, it is not too loud, but I can only imagine it will get worse over time since it is a contact issue.

But surely since it is a contact issue, there must be a less invasive solution than replacing the whole rail system? And if the same spec unit is replaced, then the problem will just come back again anyway. I assume none of us experienced this from Day 1 or we would have returned the car or had a fix attempted from the get-go. My car did not do this all last summer, but on any warm and sunny day so far this year where it is has been left outside, it creaks afterwards That suggests to me that some gasket or other protection/covering has shrunk or shifted or been worn by opening and closing the roof.

 

[westcoastGT]

Just to chime-in, I also experience the creaking only when the roof is closed. Pop it open a crack and it is silent. It also only seems to creak when there is a temperature change caused by being left out in the sun. So far, it is not too loud, but I can only imagine it will get worse over time since it is a contact issue.

But surely since it is a contact issue, there must be a less invasive solution than replacing the whole rail system? And if the same spec unit is replaced, then the problem will just come back again anyway. I assume none of us experienced this from Day 1 or we would have returned the car or had a fix attempted from the get-go. My car did not do this all last summer, but on any warm and sunny day so far this year where it is has been left outside, it creaks afterwards That suggests to me that some gasket or other protection/covering has shrunk or shifted or been worn by opening and closing the roof.

sorry to hear this , my car had door ticking and subtle creaking early on , once replaced the whole car tightened up .................crazy !

 

[Marc Collins]

sorry to hear this , my car had door ticking and subtle creaking early on , once replaced the whole car tightened up .................crazy !

I have some door ticking, too

But that shouldn't be too difficult to deal with assuming it's the usual trim rubbing on metal issues.

 

[westcoastGT]

I have some door ticking, too

But that shouldn't be too difficult to deal with assuming it's the usual trim rubbing on metal issues.

try the Shinetsu grease as well , It helps the doors but does nothing for the sunroof

 

[Marc Collins]

try the Shinetsu grease as well , It helps the doors but does nothing for the sunroof View attachment 23404

Dealer doesn't have the KIA-equivalent of this? I intend to make them do it. Unless problem is all around the window frame and not the inside/interior trim mounted on the metal door.

 

[westcoastGT]

Dealer doesn't have the KIA-equivalent of this? I intend to make them do it. Unless problem is all around the window frame and not the inside/interior trim mounted on the metal door.

Its a Honda product , I purchased it , and use it on all rubber door and hatch gaskets . My experience with dealer applied gasket lubes is they will get as much on your door panels and seats as gaskets ..................they use spray , this product can be applied with a Q Tip then massaged onto the surface with your finger

 

[Revvdmedia]

Just to chime-in, I also experience the creaking only when the roof is closed. Pop it open a crack and it is silent. It also only seems to creak when there is a temperature change caused by being left out in the sun. So far, it is not too loud, but I can only imagine it will get worse over time since it is a contact issue.

That is the odd thing, the heat related part of this issue. Currently it is still pretty chilly in the mornings, less than 5C, and I never hear any noises (or none that concern me) from the sunroof. Once it warms up, either ambient or direct sunlight, it gets worse. The hotter and sunnier it gets, the noisier it becomes. That's been part of my battle with getting the dealer to recognize it since I think last time they thought it was fixed they likely worked on it in the afternoon, then test drove it in the morning when it doesn't make noise.

 

[westcoastGT]

That is the odd thing, the heat related part of this issue. Currently it is still pretty chilly in the mornings, less than 5C, and I never hear any noises (or none that concern me) from the sunroof. Once it warms up, either ambient or direct sunlight, it gets worse. The hotter and sunnier it gets, the noisier it becomes. That's been part of my battle with getting the dealer to recognize it since I think last time they thought it was fixed they likely worked on it in the afternoon, then test drove it in the morning when it doesn't make noise.

I was able to record my creaking with my iphone as back up , and fortunately I was also able to get the noise to occur with the service mgr in the car as well .......thats when the fix was approved .

 

[Revvdmedia]

I was able to record my creaking with my iphone as back up , and fortunately I was also able to get the noise to occur with the service mgr in the car as well .......thats when the fix was approved .

Yes, you mentioned having the service manager was the one to approve it. I've briefly met with the one at my dealership, I anticipated just having him come for a ride would be better. I want a good "no strings attached" repair rather than this willy-nilly goodwill gesture they're offering. It's a bit angering but at the same time I feel I should be happy they offered such an expensive repair even without a confident diagnosis? So torn...lol.

 

[westcoastGT]

Yes, you mentioned having the service manager was the one to approve it. I've briefly met with the one at my dealership, I anticipated just having him come for a ride would be better. I want a good "no strings attached" repair rather than this willy-nilly goodwill gesture they're offering. It's a bit angering but at the same time I feel I should be happy they offered such an expensive repair even without a confident diagnosis? So torn...lol.

Call Matt in NF and talk to him about it , he is your best Kia resource at this point

 

[robz32]

That is the odd thing, the heat related part of this issue. Currently it is still pretty chilly in the mornings, less than 5C, and I never hear any noises (or none that concern me) from the sunroof. Once it warms up, either ambient or direct sunlight, it gets worse. The hotter and sunnier it gets, the noisier it becomes. That's been part of my battle with getting the dealer to recognize it since I think last time they thought it was fixed they likely worked on it in the afternoon, then test drove it in the morning when it doesn't make noise.

You are absolutely spot on with the ambient temperature relationship to the creaking noise form the sunroof. I noticed the same symptoms now that is getting and staying warmer. During winter it was silent.

The increase in ambient temperature means that the rubber is expanding with the heat and sealing better with metal frame of the car, while at the same time causing the creaking noise when the car is moving.

 

[Revvdmedia]

You are absolutely spot on with the ambient temperature relationship to the creaking noise form the sunroof. I noticed the same symptoms now that is getting and staying warmer. During winter it was silent.

The increase in ambient temperature means that the rubber is expanding with the heat and sealing better with metal frame of the car, while at the same time causing the creaking noise when the car is moving.

Yes, I've been trying to theorize what is expanding and causing the noises. While the rubber is the most likely to see significant expansion in higher temperatures compared to other parts, I don't thing the rubber itself is the noise since liberal applications of lubricants do not stop the noises. I do think you are on to something though, the expanded rubber could be pushing up the glass compared to when it is cold, causing the contact which causes "the noises."

I could test this rubber theory by isolating it from the glass by some means between the two, but I still think if the lubricant is not making it quiet, I don't think the rubber on glass/metal is the actual noise.

 

[robz32]

The lubricant, works but for a limited time, as the rubber is exposed to the environment and it washes/wears off the lubricant, bringing the noise back.

 

[TigerGT64]

HI from OZ.
Hope I am not too late to assist.

I had this same sunroof noise here in Perth WA. Generally it was only when temperature was warmer ro when going over bumps. Took to my dealer who confirmed the issue is known to Kia and there is a service bulletin issued on it. Dont let your dealer tell you otherwise, i saw it.
Issue is lack of silicon above your roof lining around the sunroof. Where the special silicon, which has sound deadening qualities, is only placed at points about 6 to 8 inches apart, the places where there is no silicon flex and the car "creaks" when there is expansion and contraction or when you go over bumps. The solution was to remove the entire roof lining and apply silicon like a sewing machine all the way around. This is best done by the dealer. It was a fiddly, all day job done at no cost. It is a KNOWN problem. Was 100% fixed free of charge. Good Luck

 

[yunis]

HI from OZ.
Hope I am not too late to assist.

I had this same sunroof noise here in Perth WA. Generally it was only when temperature was warmer ro when going over bumps. Took to my dealer who confirmed the issue is known to Kia and there is a service bulletin issued on it. Dont let your dealer tell you otherwise, i saw it.
Issue is lack of silicon above your roof lining around the sunroof. Where the special silicon, which has sound deadening qualities, is only placed at points about 6 to 8 inches apart, the places where there is no silicon flex and the car "creaks" when there is expansion and contraction or when you go over bumps. The solution was to remove the entire roof lining and apply silicon like a sewing machine all the way around. This is best done by the dealer. It was a fiddly, all day job done at no cost. It is a KNOWN problem. Was 100% fixed free of charge. Good Luck

Did this fix totally eliminate the creaking and rattling? Mine used to creak but has turned into a full blown rattle over every single bump.

 

[Marc Collins]

Did this fix totally eliminate the creaking and rattling? Mine used to creak but has turned into a full blown rattle over every single bump.

And, did they manage to not damage the headliner in the process? Some of us have the Alcantara that is easily marred.

Also, many of the service bulletins are country-specific. Can you get a number for yours so others can find out if the fix has made it across the various oceans to our markets?

 

[TigerGT64]

Did this fix totally eliminate the creaking and rattling? Mine used to creak but has turned into a full blown rattle over every single bump.

I only had creaks - no rattles but they are 100% fixed. Has got to 35 degrees plus here since then an no noise so I am confident

 

[TigerGT64]

And, did they manage to not damage the headliner in the process? Some of us have the Alcantara that is easily marred.

Also, many of the service bulletins are country-specific. Can you get a number for yours so others can find out if the fix has made it across the various oceans to our markets?

No damage to headliner. I will try and get bulletin details

 

[nhcowboy28]

All this talk about rubbing, massaging, lubricant, rubber....

Pervs.

 

[Revvdmedia]

All this talk about rubbing, massaging, lubricant, rubber....

Pervs.

I can't do anything dirty with this car, it is too noisy. The missus would hear.