2015 Tahoe LTZ - Noise From Hatch

voltagefx · February 5, 2017

So my wife just purchased a used 2015 Tahoe LTZ and when I got a chance to drive it I noticed a creaking/rubbing noise from the rear hatch, driver's side area near the tail-light. The noise occurs primarily at low-speeds and is present whenever the body is stressed (ie: pulling into/out of an inclined driveway) or passing over bumps on the roadway.

I checked the normal stuff in that area, floor cargo box (removed it), jack, plastic panels, etc. and everything seemed fine.

So I opened the rear-hatch and left it open while I tested it in a spot where I turn sharply to pull into my driveway which always makes the sound occur since it causes the body to tweak slightly and voila, no noise. From what I can tell it is coming from the rubber weather seal around the perimeter of the rear hatch rubbing against the metal body of the vehicle right next to the driver's side tail-light...

Anyone know a fix for this? Should I replace the entire weather strip or is there some type of rubber conditioner/lubricant I could apply to the existing weather strip? OR is my hatch closing too tightly and needs adjustment (it makes a loud rubber squeak sound from that area when the power latch engages tightly during its closure process)...

Thanks guys!

voltagefx · February 13, 2017

I tried a silicone grease that was highly recommended for this purpose and it didn't resolve the noise issue so I'm thinking it it something else on the hatch causing the noise; perhaps the latch or something inside the hatch door...

Anyone else have this similar noise issue with their hatch on a 2015+ Tahoe?

dab5577 · February 13, 2017

We had something similar on our Caddy...dealer finally found a wire loose under the plastic molding that would make a noise when the body flexed. Not sure if it was a break light wire or what, but they adjusted it and the noise went away.

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voltagefx · February 13, 2017

Thanks! That gives me something to check.

voltagefx · February 24, 2017

I believe I finally got this resolved. I pin-pointed the sound from originating very low and center on the hatch so I inspected the striker for the latch and it had some shiny areas where it appeared that the OEM black coating had worn off. So I put some lubrication on it and the sound has completely stopped for the last three days. Therefore, I went ahead and ordered a replacement striker from my dealership so I can replace the worn one.