What Causes the Sunroof Rattle in the Escape?
2 Answers
The causes of sunroof rattle in the Escape: 1. Aging sunroof seal or rubber gasket: The sunroof seal is constantly exposed to rain or sunlight, making it prone to aging. Rubber conditioner can temporarily restore the seal's performance. 2. Loose sunroof screws: Loose screws can cause rattling in the headliner and sunroof, and may even lead to the risk of the sunroof detaching. 3. Dust particles in the sunroof track: Repeated opening and closing of the sunroof inevitably leads to dust accumulation in the track gaps. When enough dust accumulates, friction occurs during sunroof operation, resulting in rattling. You can remove the dust with a towel, and regular maintenance is essential.
When I first drove the Edge, I also encountered a squeaking sunroof. The creaking noise was really annoying. After a thorough inspection by a mechanic, it turned out that dust and small stones had accumulated in the tracks, causing friction and noise when sliding. This might not be noticeable during city driving, but it becomes especially loud on rough roads. Another common issue is the aging and hardening of the rubber seals, which can cause rattling noises when they don't seal tightly during bumps. For DIY fixes, I recommend keeping a can of sunroof track cleaning spray on hand—clean the tracks thoroughly and apply some specialized silicone grease. Avoid using sticky substances like engine oil or grease. If the rubber seals feel hard or cracked, replace them as soon as possible, or you might end up with leaks during rainy days.
