Freedom Top Panels
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Libertyville, IL
Here are a few of tips I used to fix 90% of my top noises.
Basically the top moves and flexes with the Jeep causing rubbing.
1 - Wrap thin felt around the pegs that go into the roll bar. The plastic peg rubs in the hole in the roll bar and causes a popping noise that travels to above your ear.
2 - The black latches can be screwed on too tight, causing the latch to be too tight up against the top causing a nasty rubbing/creaking noise. The latch only need to be firm just to hold the panel from flying off in conjunction with the bolts. Use a torx bit to loosen a little at a time.
3 - The bolts need to be secured fairly tight by hand. You'll notice when you tighten one the other is loose again. Careful as they was a time when the bolts were too long and popped through the top.
4 - Use some silicon to lube up the rubber door seals. Spray to a paper towel and rub it on to the seals.
Basically the top moves and flexes with the Jeep causing rubbing.
1 - Wrap thin felt around the pegs that go into the roll bar. The plastic peg rubs in the hole in the roll bar and causes a popping noise that travels to above your ear.
2 - The black latches can be screwed on too tight, causing the latch to be too tight up against the top causing a nasty rubbing/creaking noise. The latch only need to be firm just to hold the panel from flying off in conjunction with the bolts. Use a torx bit to loosen a little at a time.
3 - The bolts need to be secured fairly tight by hand. You'll notice when you tighten one the other is loose again. Careful as they was a time when the bolts were too long and popped through the top.
4 - Use some silicon to lube up the rubber door seals. Spray to a paper towel and rub it on to the seals.
Last edited by poppakristof; Jan 1, 2010 at 12:11 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
Probably not. You might get a squeak or rattle here and there. Think about it though, it is a removable, 3 piece hard top......which is priceless, squeaks and leaks and all!
Oh, it was 14 this morning and no squeaks.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Big Sky Country
Definitely not the quality of my wife's TJ or the Rubcon that I traded in on this JK ... for the $$$ I paid difference, FIAT can have their jeep. I'm terribly disappointed after owning more than ten Wranglers. The creaking is a joke ... even after the weather has warmed up from below zero F. The jeep is stored in a garage; so, the te,p differential is not really a consideration. I have likely spent 40+ hours on this %$#@ thing lubing and adjusting ... with ZERO support from the manufacturer - whoever they are now !
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: san antonio,texas
this is not bragging,because it could change tomorrow,no leaks and no squeaks. the 09x freedom top stays outside and we just had a 2 day hard rain. all dry. i have had my panels off many times but i take care putting them back on.