Rear hatch on Jeep.

BRONZEPOCKET32

MEMBER
JEEP CHEROKEE

The vehicle is a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Loredo
with the 5.2 V8.
The rear hatch seems to close fully but whenever I hit a bump it sounds like the door is going to come off.I know it is the hatch because I left it open and traveled the same roads and no rattle. Could this be the stiker and plate or am I missing something?
Thank you for your help.

4 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

This is one of those times that you wish it was in front of you.

Have you check the strike/latch for any play or abnormal wear?

If push on it from the inside, while it is closed can you re-create it?

IF you jostle the truck by pushing on the bumper can you re-create it?

Checked for loose panel, loose wiper arm or wiper, does the wiper work?

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Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 AT 5:12 AM

BRONZEPOCKET32

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The wiper does work and stays in its craddle.
Got on the bumper today and could not get the noise. The door seems latched from the outside, there is no play at all. On the inside it moves when going over bumps.I may just get a striker and plate and see what happens. There is some wear on the striker but I have no idea if it is original to the jeep. Thanks for the help. Any advise is appreciated.

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Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 AT 8:21 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

If the door is tight, I doubt the latch is the source. You can go for a ride in the back while someone else drives it. This way you can narrow down the proximity of it. IF it sounds internal but not at the latch, pull the panel and check for loose regulator screws or. Anything else. Can go for a ride again with the panel off to quickly nail it down.

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Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 AT 9:05 PM

BRONZEPOCKET32

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I and several other people have ridden in the back and it seems to be right on the bottom where the latch is.I tryed moveing it forward(latch) and it rattled even worse.
Thats what is so maddening. The outside apears tight but inside it rattles like the back seats are loose.(The seats are fine. It was the first thing I checked).
I have ordered a new striker and plate and hopefully that does the trick. If not then I will change the latch itself.I'll let you know how it goes. It will be a few days(4) for the part to come in.

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Friday, May 4th, 2007 AT 4:24 PM