Rear Hatch – Squeaking

Overview

This procedure addresses a squeaking or rattling rear hatch on your Porsche 944 (16v engine). Over time, the hatch seals can dry out and shrink, causing a loose fit that leads to noise. Other culprits include a dry latch mechanism or, in more complex cases, the rear glass separating from the hatch frame due to repeated slamming. Fixing this keeps your Porsche 944 quiet and structurally sound—crucial for both comfort and maintaining the hatch’s integrity.

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Tools Required

• 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Vise-grips (optional, for stubborn trim nuts)
• Drill with bits (if screws are stripped)
• 1.5-inch wide flexible putty knife
• Sharp utility knife
• Razor blade scraper
• 4X steel wool
• Cotton cloth
• Thin wooden block (for wedging)

Parts Required

• Good quality grease (for latch lubrication)
• 3M Window Weld Urethane Auto Glass Sealant (08609) or similar urethane-based sealant
• Adhesive remover
• WD-40 (to aid separation)
• Fine polishing compound

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Adjust the Hatch Posts

1. Locate the two posts on the rear hatch where it latches to the body.
2. Use a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench to loosen the lock nut next to each post.
3. Turn each post clockwise several times to tighten the hatch fit—don’t overdo it, or the hatch will be hard to latch/unlatch.
4. Tighten the lock nuts back down with the wrench.
5. Test the hatch by closing it gently and pushing down to latch—listen for reduced squeaking.

Step 2: Lubricate the Latch Mechanism

6. Find the latch mechanisms on both sides of the rear hatch where it meets the body.
7. Apply a good quality grease to each latch, working it in to ensure smooth operation.
8. Open and close the hatch a few times to spread the grease and check if the noise persists.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Hatch (if Glass is Separated)

9. Disconnect the rear window defroster wires—one on each side of the hatch.
10. If equipped with a rear wiper (optional on the S2), access the side panel inside the car, disconnect the wiper power and control wires from the harness, and pull them through the hole in the rear pillar near the hatch top.
11. Detach the hatch shocks by unclipping them from their mounts.
12. Lower the hatch gently without latching it—place a piece of wood between the hatch and body to keep it ajar.
13. From inside the car, remove the rear header panel to access the hinges.
14. Use a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench to remove the four bolts (two per hinge) securing the hatch to the body.
15. With a helper, carefully lift the hatch off the car and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove Trim Strips

16. From the underside of the hatch, locate the clips holding the trim strips around the edge.
17. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the clips on the top trim strip and remove it.
18. For the side trim, remove the knurled-knob nuts—use vise-grips if they’re stubborn.
19. For the rear spoiler trim, unscrew the Phillips head screws; if stripped, drill them out carefully.

Step 5: Separate Glass from Frame

20. Work slowly with a 1.5-inch wide flexible putty knife to pry the glass from the frame—start near a hinge if separation is obvious there.
21. Spray WD-40 between the glass and sealant to ease the process.
22. Use a sharp utility knife to cut the outer edge of the sealant along the top side of the hatch.
23. Wedge a thin wooden block between the glass and frame where separated to hold the gap open—avoid bending the frame.
24. Continue prying and cutting around the entire hatch until the glass is fully separated.

Step 6: Clean Old Sealant

25. Use a razor blade scraper to remove leftover sealant from the glass.
26. Clean the glass further with 4X steel wool, avoiding scratches.
27. Polish the glass with fine polishing compound and a cotton cloth to remove minor scratches.
28. Apply adhesive remover to the frame and scrape off remaining sealant.

Step 7: Reinstall Hatch Frame and Apply Sealant

29. Bolt the hatch frame back onto the car using the four hinge bolts, tightened to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs) with a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench—keep it in the closed position without shocks attached.
30. Check the frame alignment with the hatch seals; gently bend it if needed for a snug fit.
31. Apply a continuous bead of 3M Window Weld Urethane Auto Glass Sealant (08609) around the frame, following the product instructions.

Step 8: Reattach Glass

32. Turn the glass upside down and position it behind the car, rear edge facing forward.
33. Place the rear edge of the glass into the rear of the frame.
34. Rotate the glass forward until the front is about 30 cm (12 inches) from its final position.
35. Have one person hold the glass from outside while another supports it from inside the car.
36. Lower the glass fully into the frame, pressing around the edges for good contact with the sealant.
37. Fill any gaps between the glass and frame with additional sealant.

Step 9: Final Reassembly

38. Let the sealant cure for at least 24 hours.
39. Reattach the trim strips and clips, bolting the hinges again if needed.
40. Reconnect the hatch shocks.
41. Reattach the rear window defroster wires and, if applicable, thread the wiper wires back through the pillar and reconnect them.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Close the hatch gently and push down to latch—check for smooth operation.
• Listen for any remaining squeaks or rattles while driving 5 miles (8 km).
• Inspect the glass-to-frame bond for gaps or leaks after a rain or car wash.
• Ensure the defroster and wiper (if equipped) function properly.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube