Creaking noise near the rear hatch
 

Hi,

Our 2008 Santa Fe is a great compact SUV except for one minor, yet annoying, flaw. There appears to be a creaking noise in the back while going up or backing out of a driveway. I would think this would be due to the flexing of the frame. I would like to know if there are any new owners experiencing this problem. Can it be fixed? What's causing this? Any feedback would be great!

Anthony

RE: Creaking noise near the rear hatch
 

Hi Anthony, I have an '08 Santa Fe and I love it also. I had the same squeak that was driving me nuts till I found the answer on this forum. It is the flexing of the frame and they have to spread a couple of pieces of sheetmetal apart. There is a TSB out there that addresses this problem. I took my Santa Fe back to the dealer and mentioned this TSB and they fixed it in one day. I wish I could remember the number but it escapes me. I found it on this forum though so if you just cruise through it, you will find it. You really don't need it though because the dealers are familiar with it. My car is running as quiet as it should now. I am very satisified with the repair. Good luck to you. Burt

RE: Creaking noise near the rear hatch
 

Page 1 of 5
Technical Service
Bulletin
Subject
Group
Number
Date
Model
CIRCULATE TO: [ ] GENERAL MANAGER
[X] SERVICE ADVISOR [X] SERVICE MANAGER [X] WARRANTY MGR [ ] SALES MANAGER
[X] PARTS MANAGER [X] TECHNICIAN
BODY
08-BD-008-1
OCTOBER, 2008
2007-2008 SANTA FE
REAR BODY CREAK
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TSB 08-BD-008 TO CHANGE NATURE AND
CAUSE CODES.
DESCRIPTION:
This bulletin provides a procedure to repair a creaking noise in the LH Rear on some
Santa Fe (CM) vehicles.
APPLICABLE TO:
Model: 2007 & 2008 Santa Fe (CM)
TOOLS/PARTS REQUIRED:
??? 1" Step Drill or 1" Bi-Metal Hole saw and drill
??? 14mm socket & 10mm deep socket
??? Phillips head screw driver
??? Trim removal tool
??? 8??? and 12??? pry bars
??? Primer
Page 2 of 5
??? HMA Squeak and Rattle Repair Kit
INSPECTION PROCEDURE:
1. If a body creak/noise is heard in the driver???s side rear of a vehicle, then the
technician must duplicate the condition during diagnosis. This can be achieved by
duplicating one or more of the driving conditions below.
??? Turning right at slow speeds over uneven road conditions
??? Easing over a significant bump such as a curb
??? Turning into a significant slope such as a driveway
NOTE: If the creak noise is duplicated, then proceed with the Service Procedure
below.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
1. Using a 10mm socket, remove the tool
box assembly and rear scuff plate.
NOTE: Use a trim tool to prevent
unnecessary damage to the scuff
plate.
Page 3 of 5
Technical Service
Bulletin
Group
Number
2. Using a 10mm socket, remove the cargo
box assembly. If equipped with a 3rd row
seat, remove the bolt covers, and using a
14mm socket remove the driver???s side
3rd row seat mounting bolts and remove
the seat.
Tightening Torque: 43.1-64.7 N-m (31.8-47.7
lbf-ft)
3. Remove the four bolt covers and
mounting bolts for the left rear seat
assembly.
Tightening Torque: 43.1-64.7 N-m (31.8-47.7
lbf-ft)
4. Remove the LH RR Seat Belt Lower
mounting bolt
Tightening Torque: 39.2-53.9 N-m (28.9-39.8
lbf-ft)
5. Using a 10mm socket and a Phillips screw
driver, remove the LH Rear Luggage
Trim.
NOTE: If equipped with a third row seat
remove the lower seat belt anchor
bolt. Tightening Torque: 39.2-53.9
N-m (28.9-39.8 lbf-ft)
NOTE: Do not damage the interior trim
pieces during removal.
BODY
08-BD-008-1
Page 4 of 5
6. With all trim removed; get inside the
vehicle.
7. locate the rib and dimple on the LH Rear
Inner Quarter Panel.
8. Drill two 1" diameter holes in the
designated locations.
9. Using a flash light, look inside the top left
hole to locate the area shown in the
photo.
Page 5 of 5
Technical Service
Bulletin
Group
Number
10. Start with a small pry bar (8") and wedge
between the body and bracket in the 3
locations noted to the right. Then switch
to a larger pry bar (12") and pry the
bracket away from the body until you
have a 2-3 mm gap.
NOTE: Do not attempt to hammer or force
the body away from the bracket.
11. Inspect to make sure that you have
created a gap between the body and
bracket of 2 ~ 3mm.
12. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the
noise is gone.
NOTE: If the noise is not eliminated then
you must further pry the bracket
away from the body.
13. Apply primer to the drilled area for
corrosion protection and allow to air dry
14. Apply foam pads over the drilled holes
for protection and noise dampening and
clean all metal shavings created while
drilling. (Foam pads can be found in the
HMA Squeak and Rattle Repair Kit)
15. Install all removed parts in reverse order.
NOTE: Make sure tailgate and rear door
weather strips are securely
attached
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
OP Code Operation OP Time Causal Part # Nature Code Cause Code
71601A0F Rear Body
Squeak
Repair
1.2 71601-0W000 N29 C24
BODY
08-BD-008-1