W124 Door Rattle

Greetings-

I've been dealing with a really annoying door rattle in my '95 E320. It's on the driver's side and it sounds like it is coming from the door latch area. It sounds "metallic", and it almost sounds exactly what it sounds like if you tapped on the silver-colored metal part on the inside of the door frame that door latch latches into. I seems like the latch is rattling against that metal piece, but I can't say for sure. I can't tell exactly, but it seems like the tension on the latch on the problem door is about the same as the passenger side door (I thought maybe there were some springs loose).

Additionally, that door seems to be a little harder to close and open than the other doors.

I searched around on the forum here (found tons of ideas for questions I had for other issues, thanks everyone!) and have heard mention of a Door Check Strap (and saw the replacement procedure), but I don't really know what that's even for. What is that for? Anybody got ideas on the rattle?

If there's other information that I have left out to help troubleshoot, please let me know. Thanks.

steve

[95E320cab]

It is relatively easy to remove the door panel to get a look at what is going on in there. Part of the removal requires disassembly of the door handle mechanism. You may find a bent part or orther offending piece of sheet metal. Then get creative in the repair. Maybe a strip of foam with adhesive backing where the contack occurs will stop the rattle. Let us know if you need help getting the panel off.

I loathe squeaks and rattles, too.

[JCE]

Check the DIY tab at the top of the page - there is an article with photos on repairing the door check strap.

Thanks, I 'll take the panel off and have a closer look. I'll post back if I find anything interesting.

Out of curiosity, what's the functional purpose of the door check strap?

[J.HIDALGO]

helps in controlling the force needed to open or close the door. As such, it also acts as a "stop" for the door. If is getting harder to open or close the door and/or it is making sounds. Most likely, it is the door strap or something related. The good news is...they are cheap and easy to replace.
Are your windows working OK?

[sbourg]

Just a tip: the sound plastic makes rubbing or vibrating against plastic is an amazing mockingbird. In my experience it can sound like metal rattling among other impersonations. Before pulling things apart, push and prod the plastic pieces to see if it makes a difference.

Steve

For the quesiton about the windows earlier, they sure seem to be working fine. The only "complaint" I could think of is that when they are rolled down, they start off a bit slower, and then speed up as the window is rolled down further. That doesn't bother me; I'll just mention it in case it helps figuring things out.

steve

[J.HIDALGO]

Also check if the window mechanism is not loose, causing the rattle. Although, it is most likely, the door strap.
Good luck!

[400E]

The other common noisemaker in door panels is the wood strip. It is attached by about 4 small nuts. When it is loose it'll make a lot of annoying noise. Be sure you tighten this when you have the door panel off.