How to Deal with the Toyota Prado Sunroof Abnormal Noise?
3 Answers
Toyota Prado may experience abnormal noise when opening or closing the sunroof if it is not regularly maintained over time. Here are the solutions for the Toyota Prado sunroof abnormal noise: 1. First, turn on the ignition, press the sunroof switch button, and ensure the interior and exterior are quiet. Observe the sunroof's movement track to check for any obvious up-and-down fluctuations. If present, it is likely due to component aging, and the only solution is to replace the parts. 2. Continuously open and close the sunroof while keeping the surroundings noise-free. Carefully listen to identify where the abnormal noise occurs and at which point during the movement it appears. Once the problematic area is located, use tissue paper to clean the dust in the groove under the sunroof's front wind deflector. Press the front wind deflector by hand to check if the sunroof feels tight. If it does, apply some grease in the groove.
I've driven my Prado for over a hundred thousand kilometers and have also been bothered by the sunroof rattling issue. The main causes are sand/dust entering the tracks or dried-up grease. When handling it myself, I first use compressed air to blow out sand from the track gaps, then wipe stubborn stains with a damp cloth. After drying, apply white lithium-based grease (avoid regular grease as it attracts dust). If the noise persists, check the screws - the four fixing screws at the front and back of the sunroof tend to loosen; gently tighten them with a hex key. If the rattling is noticeable on bumpy roads, it might be due to aged/damaged seals squeezing the glass - a temporary solution is applying rubber protectant. I recommend cleaning the tracks monthly and don't forget to flush the sunroof drainage outlets during car washes.
Last time I went on a self-driving trip with my Prado, I encountered a rattling sound from the sunroof and managed to fix it myself. First, I removed the interior headliner panel to inspect the sliding rails and found that the sliders were worn out. I temporarily alleviated the issue by spraying WD-40. Later, I went to a repair shop to replace the new sliders. The mechanic mentioned that the plastic parts of the Prado's sunroof tend to become brittle after five or six years of use. During regular maintenance, I always ask the technician to adjust the sunroof height, as uneven gaps between the glass and the roof can also cause friction and noise. The sunroof is especially prone to rattling after being exposed to intense sunlight in summer, so now I try to park in shaded areas whenever possible. If the noise sounds like metal friction, it's crucial to check whether the welding points on the brackets are cracked.
