Creaking/squeaking doors and door seals

**Dutch77** · 09-11-2014, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by mgrobins

How widespread is this problem on the Mk7? I saw a lot of threads on older models trying to find answers....

What I think you're describing sounds different to what a heap of us had issues with on the Mk6 and seems to be popping up again on the Mk7 which is the door seals rubbing. The tubing is a $4 invisible fix which shouldn't need to be done but at least is simple and effective.

The banging of the rear door would be a lot rarer and sounds like a possible alignment issue which is what you're exploring. See what the dealer offers..

**mgrobins** · 09-11-2014, 11:07 AM

Thanks Dutch.

What I have not been able to achieve is a balance where the rubbing is gone but the banging is also gone. It's the only door I get the rubbing from which is quite good. Not sure if that's a temp circumstance of the newness of the car though.

I did note the outer rubber seal that goes along the top and rear of the door glass area is not touching the body at the lower corner. It's like the door is tilted or too far forward. The gap with the front is ok though which also then makes me wonder if the front door alignment is out too (I get slight wind noise there but otherwise it's ok).

The lubrication by the dealer actually helped quiet the door a little.... enough to help hone in on the cause. I get annoyed when their effort at a "fix" is to put grease on the striker or so forth though rather than deal with the underlying issue.

Sounds like I need to get the banging sorted and if the rubbing is still their maybe look at the tubing. I wonder if alignment is the real cause / fix and people haven't had it done so ended up having to g o the tubing route???

**Dutch77** · 09-11-2014, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by mgrobins

Sounds like I need to get the banging sorted and if the rubbing is still their maybe look at the tubing. I wonder if alignment is the real cause / fix and people haven't had it done so ended up having to g o the tubing route???

Sounds like a plan.

I can't talk for other people but the doors on my Mk6 were fine, I suspect some wax got in the wrong spot and after that it was squeak central no matter what cleaning/wipes etc were used. Tried the tubing and presto, problem gone.

I'm pushing towards 5k in the Mk7 and touch wood the doors have been squeak free. Unfortunately one or two minor rattles have snuck in however nothing consistent or annoying. Yet.

**Idle** · 09-11-2014, 05:55 PM

If you compare the Mk 6 and Mk 7 doors, you'll notice that they've cut the Mk 7 to only 2 bolts per hinge (4 per door) — which will make them more difficult to adjust.

**jonoz** · 09-11-2014, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Dutch77

I'm pushing towards 5k in the Mk7 and touch wood the doors have been squeak free. Unfortunately one or two minor rattles have snuck in however nothing consistent or annoying. Yet.

2k on the ODO in the R and its squeak central, car is going into Austral on Wednesday.

Just curious with all those that had Mk6's, is it really acceptable, not just only on a ~60k R, ~50k GTI and even a ~20k base to expect the car to not make squeaks as you drive it? I am getting a little ahead of myself but I mean honestly, inserting tubing into the seal on the door is a bandaid fix, surely there is some design flaw that needs addressing here? Ive owned BMW's, Holden's, Toyota's, Mitsubishi's and latest was a Kia and none of which come close to the level of odd noises the Golf produces...

**mgrobins** · 09-11-2014, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Idle

If you compare the Mk 6 and Mk 7 doors, you'll notice that they've cut the Mk 7 to only 2 bolts per hinge (4 per door) — which will make them more difficult to adjust.

I only see 1 bolt per hinge on my rear doors. External hex with an internal star. Loosening them did not allow me to budge the hinges so I was unsure if another bolt is present. If so is it inside the panel (requiring removal of trim)?

**Idle** · 10-11-2014, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by mgrobins

I only see 1 bolt per hinge on my rear doors. External hex with an internal star. Loosening them did not allow me to budge the hinges so I was unsure if another bolt is present. If so is it inside the panel (requiring removal of trim)?

A hinge has two leaves — Mk7 hinges have one bolt per leaf, = 4 per door.

The outside appearance suggests the internal and external sections move together when the bolt is loosened — probably there's paint holding them to the panel both sides.

When adjusting, remember that the hinge pins need to be fairly accurately aligned to prevent panel distortion.

It doesn't look as though there is an internal bolt — would make assembly tedious and designers would get the rounds of the kitchen for that.

**daveee** · 10-11-2014, 11:49 AM

One of my rear doors has developed a squeak when opening and closing the door. No sound or movement when the car is in motion. Approx 1800kms on the odo.

Is this just a lack of grease?

**jonoz** · 10-11-2014, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by daveee

One of my rear doors has developed a squeak when opening and closing the door. No sound or movement when the car is in motion. Approx 1800kms on the odo.

Is this just a lack of grease?

Have a look at the bottom of the b pillar and see what the rubber seal is doing that is down near the skirting, this is one of the sources of my noises...