Tailgate Rattle?

[EOLJR]

I just purchased a 1995 Geo Tracker. Does anyone know what could be making the tailgate rattle when driving over bumps. It's a metallic sound like something is loose inside the tailgate. When I remove the spare tire the rattling goes away. The weight of the tire seems to be causing the noise.
Thanks
EOLJR

[EOLJR]

I just solved my problem with the rattles. I took the tire and hanger off the tailgate and the tailgate inter cover and sprayed everything inside and outside with WD-40. Put everything back together again and took it for a spin. The rattle is gone.
Thanks,
EOLJR

[geofrog]

Whos doesn't, my 94 does it, i think the only solution is to completely remove the tire and rack assembly, wd 40 works for a little while, but it will come back. The weight i think is too much for the structure of the door to sustain. Mine has done it for 7 years, you just learn to ignore it.

Have fun, if you find a good fix. let me know

[farmerfelts]

I had a similar problem with my 96 Tracker and the rattle was coming from the latch on the tailgate. I thought the rattle was coming from the spare tire rack also so I took the entire assy off, drove the car around and no rattle. After I put everything back together, the rattle returned. Finally determined that the weight of the spare tire assy was somehow causing a rattle at the latch. Fixed it by wrapping the catch peice on the door frame with duct tape. Rattle hasn't returned after two years.