s1uma1

Interesting solution of cutting out a portion of that piece. I grew impatient waiting for a free slot for it to be looked at at the dealer's. And for these noise issues, they would go down all possible avenues, which would prob necessitate a few trips. And since I tried the solution myself, I don't want to risk cutting anything out. Maybe sticking a strip of duct tape on that edge of the rubbery fabric piece would have the same effect as a felt sticker.

By closest to the front of the car, you mean the upper edge when the roof is in the service position?

On a related note, I cracked the B pillar gasket while trying to lube the area where it contacted the frame. It still is watertight but I want to get it replaced. Anyone have an idea of taking those 2 torx T15 screws that hold it in place at the bottom of the B pillar? The rest of the frame is held in by 5 or 6 T15 screws which are easy to get out, but the bottom 2 seem to require some dismantling of the door gasket or the use of an angled torx driver.

If you look at the picture on the prior page it was frayed exactly where the red felt pads were placed. That's were a small part was cut out by the dealer.

To add to the renewed discussion, i'd been meaning to send in some pics of the fix on what the end result was that rid me of this little niggle. It was as simple as purchasing some felt tape (or equivalent) and working it around the area to reduce the friction. This is how it currently looks: -

I just had to be sure that all surfaces that the strap is in contact with were sufficiently covered to prevent any contact with the plastic. Other than that and how always it's the case, a pain to discover but simple to remedy.

Regards

Pop

OMG. This is by FAR the best thread I've read. For 2 years now i've had this very exact cracking noise and nobody (dealers) knew where it came from. It just tried your fix and it took all of 5 minutes and 2 bucks. Sound is now GONE.

Pop. i think i love you. LOL