Hmm... I made this exact observation also during my initial
investigation. But realised later that the bigger problem must be with
the 3rd row seats since the noise is exaggerated when either they're
'stowed' into the floor or when passengers are sitting on them.
I found a temporary way to eliminate the noise: simply fold and stow
the seats, then re-lift them back into place firmly, and ensuring that
the seatback recliner strap has properly locked the seatback into
position.
Still looking for a real solution, I have yet to try:
- removing those rear side interior panels and applying some sort of
foam or padding material
- buying some sort of WD-40 type substance or grease that can be
applied to the seat catches and latches.
Another area I found produces the squeaking: if you press on the
plastic backing behind the 3rd row seatbacks. To really hear it, just
half-fold the seats and try it.
> Ref "discovering a recurring problem with squeaking noises more than
> likely coming from the rear seats of these vehicles".
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> car is noiseless for a while until it returns after about a week or
> so....
abasalma - 24 Aug 2006 15:45 GMT
Just to be fair, the statement:
"...Driving away a brand new car and hearing these noises makes it feel
like you're driving a 20-year old beat-up army vehicle...."
is obviously a descriptive exaggeration but it does speak to the
disappointment of a new car owner. After stowing and re-fixing the 3rd
row seats back in place and not having any passengers sit on them for
over a week, I must admit the squeaking noise has diminished
significantly.
> Hmm... I made this exact observation also during my initial
> investigation. But realised later that the bigger problem must be with
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> > car is noiseless for a while until it returns after about a week or
> > so....