I could not find a post about the ability to hear the outside from the hatchback area. I am missing the little privacy screen but I am sure that can't be what absorbs that much sound. I also went over the rubber and it all looks plump and intact. Is this amount of wind and exhaust noise normal?

 

I haven't noticed any significant wind noise coming from the rear of my car. I do have the parcel shelf installed, but for about a year I ran the car without one and still can't say I noticed any undue noise from the back. It sounds like you may have a seal issue. The seals may all look to be in good condition but that doesn't mean the 'door' is compressing them properly. are all the panel gaps even? Has the rear hatch door ever been removed for any reason? If you coat the seals with talcum powder and then close and open the door it should give you an idea if the seals are being properly compressed.

 

Ditto Barnsie...

- Another tip: Cut yourself some strips of paper, and place these across the hatch weatherstrip. Close the lid, and pull each one out. As you do this around the entire opening, you will quickly find the area(s) that aren't sealing.
- If these areas are adjacent to latch (eg, bottom horizontal); check striker adjustment

Hope this helps!

 

When cruising at higher speeds, most of the noise I hear is road and exhaust noise and it mainly comes from the rear. Is is not a lot but it is there. It doesn't sound like a poor seal. I put it down to the aluminium construction transmitting more sound than I would have expected. Maybe I should take a look too ...

 

Nearly every auto shop will have a Smoke Generator. They will put slight pressure inside the car with a smokey mist, and any leaks will be immediately obvious!

 

The Luggage Compartment is not a sealed box. You will inevitably hear some exhaust and road noise through the Vent Box.





With the Parcel Shelf fitted to the Tailgate, the sound will be minimised.

Graham