2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport

When I drive over a rough road (like the street we live on) the rear hatch makes a lot of noise.

The hatch shocks are relatively new and seem fine.
I replaced the two rubber bumpers about a year ago and they look new.
I was sure I found the problem when I found the hatch handle was almost falling off - but after I tightened it up that wasn't it.
I tried adding a couple layers of two-sided tape on top of each rubber bumper - made no difference.
Had a friend ride in the back with the hatch opened six inches or so - no more noise.
Whatever bolts are apparent are tight.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

I never had much luck getting mine quiet. That pin the latch attaches to can be moved in. Loosen the (torx) screws and slide it forward and see if that helps.

My uni-body has cracks up top, outside the hinges. I think the whole works is flexy and bumping all around.

 

a little gorilla tape around the "striker" shut that b!#$h up for me.

 

I had what sounded like a loose screw rolling around in the hatch itself. Prodded and poked around, used a magnet on a long wire...nothing...

Sounded off every now and then. Drove me crazy...

About a year and a half later, went to upgrade the interior overhead lights. The one in the rear, the bulb had fell out and was rolling around in the plastic cover.

I thought "naw..really? naw.." sure enough..no more noise.

Just a shot in the dark for you...

 

No tape of any sort necessary, bumper bolt has at least 2" fore/aft adjustment. But first adjust the striker to a uniform 3/8" gap around the hatch.