Trunk Support Bar Rattling in my Coupe

[Agent_S13]

So I've been living with this rattling/buzzing in my rear trunk for awhile now. I think I narrowed it down the support bars in my coupe (S13) that keep the tension for the trunk open.

The bars cross and there's a plastic bushing that supposedly "keeps them apart". The problem is that its not working and whenever I'm driving, they'll come together and buzz/rattle loudly. There's no damage, but its annoying.

Now my question is how I can adjust it or add tension to keep them taut? They're flexible and I'm wondering if its related to the fact that the rear is too stiff? (Weird assessment, and not one I should complain about).

I currently have a rear strut bar and an upgraded sway bar in the rear... are those items making the car too stiff causing the trunk to get slack and then slap against each other to make that rattling noise?

Or am I looking at the wrong culprit?

Thanks in advance!

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe

[HunsakerS14]

I have the same sort of problem in my s14. whenever I drive anywhere the fuckin trunk just rattles non stop and its driving me crazy.
so if anyone can find a cure +1 to you my friend.

[projectRDM]

There's an OE plastic part that clips around both bars in the middle as an isolator. You can do the same with a slit piece of 5/16" rubber hose around both where they meet and secure it with zipties. That alone will act as a damper for the rods.

If the trunk itself is rattling, search. We've beaten to death how to adjust the striker and latch for more tension on the lid.

[Agent_S13]

[QUOTE=projectRDM;2276525]There's an OE plastic part that clips around both bars in the middle as an isolator. You can do the same with a slit piece of 5/16" rubber hose around both where they meet and secure it with zipties. That alone will act as a damper for the rods.[QUOTE]

Russ,

I think that's the problem. I not only reviewed (re-secured?) the OE plastic piece but added some additional "padding" (basically old pieces of carpet) where they cross/meet to prevent any contact in the middle.

I'm going to do the rubber hose this weekend (if not sooner) as this seems like the ideal solution.

Dammit, I need your address again -- time to sign you up for some kind of "Beer of the Month" club.

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe