Rattling Drivers window

[vjstangelo]

We are traveling in our new to us 2012 Winnebago Vista. On a very rough stretch of I78 I noted rattling and similar loud noises coming from the driver side window when we hit certain bumps.

I tried tightening the screws on the flange but they are tight.

Is it possible that a welded brace on the window broke allowing flexture in the panel assembly?

FYI I plan on calling my insurance co when we get home since this should be a comprehensive claim if there is damage.

[CG_Dawson]

Running the slide in and out may or may not help if the slide is free to move when it is closed due to wear or whatever. Running my slide in and out does not effect the problem (noise) but I'm sure it is the slide.

[vjstangelo]

I do and it is right behind me. We hit the road tomorrow so lets see if exercising the slide out and in eliminates the problem.

[CG_Dawson]

Do you have a driver's side slide, if so, are you sure the rattle (noise) isn't coming from the slide? I have an occasional thunking noise, it seems like by my left ear and I'm certain it's the slide.

[vjstangelo]

As I thinking over a morning cup of coffee, maybe "rattle" wasn't the most accurate description. The window seems to me making a loud "cracking" sound on certain bone-jarring bumps, as if the entire assembly is flexing. Almost sounds like a metal channel on metal channel sound.

Once again it started on a horrible section of I78 in PA. Since it is held in place by the flange, unless there is internal damage, I don't know what the problem is. All the flange screws are well tightened, I checked them all.

Perplexed.

[Effy]

Try a little electrical tape on the trailing edge of the sliding window. Likely it just isn't seating tight in the frame anymore. Not a default per se. But I had a similar issue and ran a length of electrical tape down the back edge, slid it closed and no more rattle. You can try weather stripping but I found it too much and the window didn't seat correctly. Tape will allow you to add more until it's tight and if you use black electrical tape, you can't see it when it's finished.

[vjstangelo]

I have taken a good look and lightly hit all around the frame and no rattle. All seems to be right with the glass in the track. I will try removing the screen on the next leg of the trip on Wed and see if the sound comes back.

Thanks to all for replies.

[Busskipper]

J-Rooster wrote:
Until you get home for the fix, put a plastic or wood wedge in the window frame to keep the window quiet.

Or if it is a broken weld a good glop of Silicone Caulk might just do it.

[J-Rooster]

Until you get home for the fix, put a plastic or wood wedge in the window frame to keep the window quiet.

[mvpmich]

It could also be the sliding window if it doesn't fit tight into the rubber/plastic receptors. Try putting pressure on the window when driving on a rough patch. If the rattle stops, purchase some rubber weatherstripping and install it in the frame of the window where the slider closes. It solved my problem after three new windows were installed and didn't remedy the problem.

[et2]

We don't have a Winnebago, but when new we have a driver sliding window rattle. Determined it was the screen and not the window. Had Fleetwood send a new one.

[gbopp]

garyemunson wrote:
gbopp, I think he is talking about a sliding RV window.

My misunderstanding. Thanks.
I thought he was talking about a roll up window and didn't consider a slider. Shouldn't that be simpler than a roll up?

I still wouldn't call the insurance company until I knew the problem, but that's me.

Thanks again for reminding me to put my brain in gear before engaging my typing fingers. 🙂

[vjstangelo]

Ahh good point. I will see if I can access the mechansm when we get back from sightseeing.

The window and screen work fine, and the mirror seems tight.

[garyemunson]

gbopp, I think he is talking about a sliding RV window. Generally the dividers are screwed in place but those screws are not accessible without taking the window out. Not a difficult job but a little time consuming. If the channels aren't worn out it doesn't seem like there is much to rattle in the window assembly. Could it be the mirror rattling?

[gbopp]

Is there an access panel you can remove to check the window mechanism?
Possibly something is just loose or worn.

I wouldn't call the insurance company until I knew the problem. Most likely it's something relatively simple.
Is the window working, or is it binding when you roll it up/down?