Knocking noise from moonroof
01-25-2016, 05:41 PM
#311
Given the number of dissatisfied customers, I’m amazed by the apparent reluctance of Ford to accepted responsibility for this problem. My KR has been into my Dealer twice, to have “adjustments” to the moonroof under directionfrom Ford Service, and then a second visit at the request of my Dealer to try adding lube. The “adjustments” made no improvement and the knocking was as prominent as ever, the lube eliminating the noise, but only for about 200 miles.
I’ve always believed that the knocking results from the difference in the relative movement of the roof compared to the more rigid glass of the moonroof. As the roof aperture moves with torsion input from road surface variations, the changing contact area with moonroof peripheral seal then produces the knocking noise.
What I’ve never understood is why the noise is not apparentat at day one, generally only developing after several thousand miles (8,000 in my case). Well I have a theory that it’s caused by the peripheral seal becoming less compliant over time. After all it is black, which is the prime color to absorb heat, it’s located in direct sunlight, and probably absorbs radiated heat from both the glass and the surrounding roof panel. In essence the seal is drying out, then rather than flexing to accommodate movement, it moves against the aperture surfaces causing he knocking noise.
So 1,500 miles ago I applied Meguiar’s #40, which nourishes the rubber seal to make it compliant again, and also adds some UV protection. It is easy to apply and it’s possible to access all edges of the seal by tilting the front glass panel, and then retracting it to the rear, applying the product in both of these positions. I’ve waited six before sharing this on the Forum, but as the noise was immediately eliminated and has not returned, I thought the time was right !
I’ve always believed that the knocking results from the difference in the relative movement of the roof compared to the more rigid glass of the moonroof. As the roof aperture moves with torsion input from road surface variations, the changing contact area with moonroof peripheral seal then produces the knocking noise.
What I’ve never understood is why the noise is not apparentat at day one, generally only developing after several thousand miles (8,000 in my case). Well I have a theory that it’s caused by the peripheral seal becoming less compliant over time. After all it is black, which is the prime color to absorb heat, it’s located in direct sunlight, and probably absorbs radiated heat from both the glass and the surrounding roof panel. In essence the seal is drying out, then rather than flexing to accommodate movement, it moves against the aperture surfaces causing he knocking noise.
So 1,500 miles ago I applied Meguiar’s #40, which nourishes the rubber seal to make it compliant again, and also adds some UV protection. It is easy to apply and it’s possible to access all edges of the seal by tilting the front glass panel, and then retracting it to the rear, applying the product in both of these positions. I’ve waited six before sharing this on the Forum, but as the noise was immediately eliminated and has not returned, I thought the time was right !
I have thought about this until I'm goofy. I agree with your conclusion of the seal drying out, hence a delayed knocking. If accurate, those that garage their trucks should have a longer lead time before the knocking starts. Mine stays outdoors in Virginia where it is both hot and cold (2' of snow right now) and it started at around 5,000 miles. I'm curious if those that garage their trucks have still experienced the knocking and when? Finally, why does the knocking stop when the glass is tilted? I drove mine today on icy, wash board Virginia roads and it was awful. I tilted the front glass and it stopped instantly and totally. Is it possible all of this knocking is simply the front and rear glass banging together and the Mequiars is providing lube? And, when you tilt the glass they aren't in contact? What is little sad about this is that I looked at the 2016's and the seal looks identical. Are these folks in for the same issue? Hope not.
01-25-2016, 06:44 PM
#312
Senior Member
Team Tee,
I have thought about this until I'm goofy. I agree with your conclusion of the seal drying out, hence a delayed knocking. If accurate, those that garage their trucks should have a longer lead time before the knocking starts. Mine stays outdoors in Virginia where it is both hot and cold (2' of snow right now) and it started at around 5,000 miles. I'm curious if those that garage their trucks have still experienced the knocking and when? Finally, why does the knocking stop when the glass is tilted? I drove mine today on icy, wash board Virginia roads and it was awful. I tilted the front glass and it stopped instantly and totally. Is it possible all of this knocking is simply the front and rear glass banging together and the Mequiars is providing lube? And, when you tilt the glass they aren't in contact? What is little sad about this is that I looked at the 2016's and the seal looks identical. Are these folks in for the same issue? Hope not.
I have thought about this until I'm goofy. I agree with your conclusion of the seal drying out, hence a delayed knocking. If accurate, those that garage their trucks should have a longer lead time before the knocking starts. Mine stays outdoors in Virginia where it is both hot and cold (2' of snow right now) and it started at around 5,000 miles. I'm curious if those that garage their trucks have still experienced the knocking and when? Finally, why does the knocking stop when the glass is tilted? I drove mine today on icy, wash board Virginia roads and it was awful. I tilted the front glass and it stopped instantly and totally. Is it possible all of this knocking is simply the front and rear glass banging together and the Mequiars is providing lube? And, when you tilt the glass they aren't in contact? What is little sad about this is that I looked at the 2016's and the seal looks identical. Are these folks in for the same issue? Hope not.
Hello VTHokie
We're definitely on the same page. I'm in South Texas (73 degrees today), and agree that the noise would previously stop with the front glass in the tilted position, and as you say, this probably suggests it is the contact between the front glass seal and the rear fixed glass which is creating the noise. Although it always sounded to me like the noise was coming from the passenger side. FYI my KR is garaged every night, which brings me back to believing it's the sun / heat that is causing the seal to dry out, and hence the delayed on set of this problem. I also agree that the 2016's will develop the same problem over time. If there had been a part number change for the moonroof on the 2016, then surely this would have provided the basis for Ford to issue a TSB to address this issue with the 2015's.
01-25-2016, 07:42 PM
#313
Hello VTHokie
We're definitely on the same page. I'm in South Texas (73 degrees today), and agree that the noise would previously stop with the front glass in the tilted position, and as you say, this probably suggests it is the contact between the front glass seal and the rear fixed glass which is creating the noise. Although it always sounded to me like the noise was coming from the passenger side. FYI my KR is garaged every night, which brings me back to believing it's the sun / heat that is causing the seal to dry out, and hence the delayed on set of this problem. I also agree that the 2016's will develop the same problem over time. If there had been a part number change for the moonroof on the 2016, then surely this would have provided the basis for Ford to issue a TSB to address this issue with the 2015's.
We're definitely on the same page. I'm in South Texas (73 degrees today), and agree that the noise would previously stop with the front glass in the tilted position, and as you say, this probably suggests it is the contact between the front glass seal and the rear fixed glass which is creating the noise. Although it always sounded to me like the noise was coming from the passenger side. FYI my KR is garaged every night, which brings me back to believing it's the sun / heat that is causing the seal to dry out, and hence the delayed on set of this problem. I also agree that the 2016's will develop the same problem over time. If there had been a part number change for the moonroof on the 2016, then surely this would have provided the basis for Ford to issue a TSB to address this issue with the 2015's.
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TeamTee (01-25-2016)
01-25-2016, 08:05 PM
#314
Senior Member
Thanks. The info on garaging is helpful. May suggest exposure to weather in general may be the cause. There are some on this forum from colder climates (parts of Canada) that are experiencing the knocking so weather, in general may be the culprit. I have had the rear fixed glass panel replaced (brand new, hence new seal on three sides) and that made no difference at all. So, if it is the glass panels knocking it can only be one of 4 remaining sides all on the front panel. Theres's an experiment I think I'll try and that is to insert a small continuous strip of thin rubber (like an inner tube cut into a 1/2", or so, strip) across the length of the intersection between the two panels and close the front glass on it. In essence, a second temporary seal. If it stops the knocking it would suggest the current seal isn't sufficient in size. If it doesn't stop it I may insert a small shim (again, like inner tube thickness) on each side of the intersection to, in essence hold the front panel and the rear panel slightly further apart. If this stops it, you know it was the panels banging together. Let you know. In the mean time I'll pick up some Mequiars #40. I've tried good quality silicone to no avail. Don't know how to check on the part number between 2015 and 2016. It's really a shameful situation. Love the truck from the roof line down but would love to have a "do over" and not check the box for the moon roof.
01-25-2016, 08:20 PM
#315
Senior Member
I love my truck too, and I've obviously been a lot happier this last six weeks, now I'm not getting irritated every day with that knocking moonroof. Just an idea, after you have picked up some Meguiar's #40, you might like initially to only apply it to the seal at rear of the front glass. (too late for me to try, as I applied to all four sides). Good luck with your experiments !
01-25-2016, 08:51 PM
#316
Thanks. The info on garaging is helpful. May suggest exposure to weather in general may be the cause. There are some on this forum from colder climates (parts of Canada) that are experiencing the knocking so weather, in general may be the culprit. I have had the rear fixed glass panel replaced (brand new, hence new seal on three sides) and that made no difference at all. So, if it is the glass panels knocking it can only be one of 4 remaining sides all on the front panel. Theres's an experiment I think I'll try and that is to insert a small continuous strip of thin rubber (like an inner tube cut into a 1/2", or so, strip) across the length of the intersection between the two panels and close the front glass on it. In essence, a second temporary seal. If it stops the knocking it would suggest the current seal isn't sufficient in size. If it doesn't stop it I may insert a small shim (again, like inner tube thickness) on each side of the intersection to, in essence hold the front panel and the rear panel slightly further apart. If this stops it, you know it was the panels banging together. Let you know. In the mean time I'll pick up some Mequiars #40. I've tried good quality silicone to no avail. Don't know how to check on the part number between 2015 and 2016. It's really a shameful situation. Love the truck from the roof line down but would love to have a "do over" and not check the box for the moon roof.
Meguiar's M40 Mirror Glaze Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Conditioner - 16 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQYV4..._zdTPwb8S1HYK9
01-25-2016, 08:57 PM
#317
I have the same issue on my panoramic moon roof. It's a brand new truck. When I push up on the seam between front and panels it stops. Got to take it in and see if the Dealer blows me off...
01-25-2016, 09:02 PM
#318
Senior Member
For what it's worth, mine is always garaged. I started hearing the knocking around 5000 miles. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet. I'm taking the wait and see approach while continuing to monitor this thread.
Team Tee,
I have thought about this until I'm goofy. I agree with your conclusion of the seal drying out, hence a delayed knocking. If accurate, those that garage their trucks should have a longer lead time before the knocking starts. Mine stays outdoors in Virginia where it is both hot and cold (2' of snow right now) and it started at around 5,000 miles. I'm curious if those that garage their trucks have still experienced the knocking and when? Finally, why does the knocking stop when the glass is tilted? I drove mine today on icy, wash board Virginia roads and it was awful. I tilted the front glass and it stopped instantly and totally. Is it possible all of this knocking is simply the front and rear glass banging together and the Mequiars is providing lube? And, when you tilt the glass they aren't in contact? What is little sad about this is that I looked at the 2016's and the seal looks identical. Are these folks in for the same issue? Hope not.
I have thought about this until I'm goofy. I agree with your conclusion of the seal drying out, hence a delayed knocking. If accurate, those that garage their trucks should have a longer lead time before the knocking starts. Mine stays outdoors in Virginia where it is both hot and cold (2' of snow right now) and it started at around 5,000 miles. I'm curious if those that garage their trucks have still experienced the knocking and when? Finally, why does the knocking stop when the glass is tilted? I drove mine today on icy, wash board Virginia roads and it was awful. I tilted the front glass and it stopped instantly and totally. Is it possible all of this knocking is simply the front and rear glass banging together and the Mequiars is providing lube? And, when you tilt the glass they aren't in contact? What is little sad about this is that I looked at the 2016's and the seal looks identical. Are these folks in for the same issue? Hope not.
01-25-2016, 09:12 PM
#319
Senior Member
Is this the product you used?
Meguiar's M40 Mirror Glaze Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Conditioner - 16 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQYV4..._zdTPwb8S1HYK9
Meguiar's M40 Mirror Glaze Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Conditioner - 16 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQYV4..._zdTPwb8S1HYK9
01-25-2016, 09:57 PM
#320
Perfect. Just ordered. I'll apply to the rear of the front panel seal only first and see if that solves the problem. I'll report my findings here afterwards. Hoping this works!! Maybe it'll help repel some of the water from dripping into the tracks too?! That'd be a great bonus.