Window rattle fix - cheap and easy!

[4Runner4Leon]

I've never been able to drive in my truck with the windows partially rolled down - the rattle was deafening. Looking at the glass in the window channel, the weatherstrip opening is much wider than the glass, allowing it to rattle:

I assume that the weatherstrip opened up over the years, allowing the rattle. Before buying an expensive new window frame weatherstrip, I wanted to try a cheaper solution.

I pulled the upper rear corner of the weatherstrip away from the door frame:

There is flap on the inside of the weatherstrip that you can lift up on:

I then took about a foot long section of windshield washer vacuum hose, and stuffed it behind the flap:

Made sure it goes in fully behind the flap:

Pushed the weatherstrip back onto the door frame. Now the weatherstrip hugs the glass nicely (without squeezing it too much):

Here is the proof, wiggling the glass "before":

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xSRx0nAh9dI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>




And after:




<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x2IH2_uCysU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>




I think it'd be a good idea to put a few dabs of adhesive on the vacuum hose to stick it to the weatherstrip and keep it from sliding down. You may also need to choose the diameter of the vacuum hose based on how much set there is in your weatherstrip.

I'll see how this holds up over a few weeks, and report back.

 

[raKnizek]

This is pretty slick! I have been wondering how to tighten up my windows. They don't shake while driving but when I close the door with them partially down. My initial thought was maybe the window track/regulator in the door itself.

Its solutions like this that will keep these trucks going. I would be surprised if these parts are still available.

 

[JZiggy]

Brilliant! Added to the to-do list. I also find it impossible to drive around with the window partially down.

Sometime posted a while ago about putting some foam tape somewhere to put pressure on the window but I think this is a cleaner solution.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

This is pretty slick! I have been wondering how to tighten up my windows. They don't shake while driving but when I close the door with them partially down. My initial thought was maybe the window track/regulator in the door itself.

Its solutions like this that will keep these trucks going. I would be surprised if these parts are still available.

Interestingly, the weatherstrips are still available, but at $125 - 68151-35020 - Genuine Toyota RUN, FRONT DOOR GLASS, LH

Another concern I had is that I cannot be sure that a brand new weatherstrip would solve the problem. I assume that the rattle is due to the weatherstrip opening up over the years, but I'd hate to spend $125 only to find out that a brand new has the same wide channel.

I read some other threads on this issue, and the consensus seems to be that there is nothing inside the door that can be adjusted to help this rattle - seems like only the channel in the weatherstrip controls it. To be fair, I didn't take my door apart to confirm this.

Brilliant! Added to the to-do list. I also find it impossible to drive around with the window partially down.

Sometime posted a while ago about putting some foam tape somewhere to put pressure on the window but I think this is a cleaner solution.

Thanks Jordan! Yeah, I think I saw that writeup, but I didn't like the idea of adding something new for the glass to rub against. The beauty of mod is that it preserves the original rubbing surfaces against the glass, and looks totally OEM. Oh, and it's $2 and 5 minutes, one of my less involved mods .

So I drove to work today with the window partially open, and I could not believe the silence! I guess I got so accustomed to the awful noise right by my ear that I took it as normal. It is so wonderful to have nothing but wind noise when driving with the windows cracked open. Like a whole different car!

 

[raKnizek]

Interestingly, the weatherstrips are still available, but at $125 - 68151-35020 - Genuine Toyota RUN, FRONT DOOR GLASS, LH

Another concern I had is that I cannot be sure that a brand new weatherstrip would solve the problem. I assume that the rattle is due to the weatherstrip opening up over the years, but I'd hate to spend $125 only to find out that a brand new has the same wide channel.

I read some other threads on this issue, and the consensus seems to be that there is nothing inside the door that can be adjusted to help this rattle - seems like only the channel in the weatherstrip controls it. To be fair, I didn't take my door apart to confirm this.

I am preparing to do a sound deadening project so I’ll have my doors apart. I will check it out in there.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

I am preparing to do a sound deadening project so I’ll have my doors apart. I will check it out in there.

Sounds good, let us know what you find out. Realistically, I think that when the window is almost fully up, the only thing to prevent the rattle would be the weatherstrip, since the glass is mostly above the door at that point. But you never know, I'd like to hear/see what you find.

 

[TonyB66]

Leon, nicely done, and explained.

If all five door gaskets/seals were 125 bucks together, I'b be all over it. Maybe now with 3D printing becoming more commonplace, there will be desirable options...

raKnizek, with the doors apart, along the lines of rattles, the lock/unlock plungers can rattle too. Might be a good time to address those also.

 

[raKnizek]

Leon, nicely done, and explained.

If all five door gaskets/seals were 125 bucks together, I'b be all over it. Maybe now with 3D printing becoming more commonplace, there will be desirable options...

raKnizek, with the doors apart, along the lines of rattles, the lock/unlock plungers can rattle too. Might be a good time to address those also.

Appreciate the heads up! I will be sure to look at them while I am in there.

 

[TonyB66]

Appreciate the heads up! I will be sure to look at them while I am in there.

Sure, just look down one of them, and you likely figure something out. I'm sure I can find a photo or two also. If desired, just PM when that time comes...

 

[phattyduck]

Another concern I had is that I cannot be sure that a brand new weatherstrip would solve the problem. I assume that the rattle is due to the weatherstrip opening up over the years, but I'd hate to spend $125 only to find out that a brand new has the same wide channel.

I can't say the window track weather strip is in great shape on mine, but it is tight enough to keep the window from rattling when partially up. I'd say new weather striping there would work to fix it too. But as you say, $500 for the whole truck is a bit steep when a bit of vacuum tube will work.

(my 4Runner spent most of the first 15 years of its life in a garage)

-Charlie

 

[gamefreakgc]

How did I miss this... doing it this weekend. Mine doesn't rattle when driving too bad but does on bumps.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

How did I miss this... doing it this weekend. Mine doesn't rattle when driving too bad but does on bumps.

Do it! As an update, my window is still rattle free one tear after the fix.