Need help with squeaky door seals on 2011 Highlander

[soupcxan]

I've had my new 2011 HL for several months now (2500 miles) and there is a squeak / creak noise coming from the front and passenger door seals. It is not loud but definitely noticeable and occurs when the road is any less than 100% perfect. I know it's from the door seals because if I press outward on the door while I'm stopped, I hear the squeak.

Not sure if the door seals are faulty, or if the door itself isn't being latched tight enough against the frame (or if this is even something that can be adjusted). Does anyone know if I can fix this myself or do I have to go to the dealer?

[Ralph6410]

Try rubbing something like ArmourAll (sp) or WD40 on the rubber

[soupcxan]

I tried some Armor-All but no effect.

[AVConsult]

Heavy silicone spray. The door striker and/or hinges may need to be adjusted to provide more compress force. If they aren't adjusted right not only will you get creaks and squeaks, but also cross wind noise when the door gets sucked out slightly.

Silicone grease--very light coating-- is also very effective on seal squeaks, but I wouldn't use it on seals that you'll easily rub up against.

[nov0798]

I dont think its seals, its most likely the plastic piece on the inside of the car is just not sitting tight enough. Try removing the inner door(the part on the inside of the car), drive it and see if it goes away. if the seal was damaged, you would hear wind noise.

[soupcxan]

Originally Posted by AVConsult

Heavy silicone spray. The door striker and/or hinges may need to be adjusted to provide more compress force. If they aren't adjusted right not only will you get creaks and squeaks, but also cross wind noise when the door gets sucked out slightly.

Thanks, this sounds like exactly my problem, the door is not being held tight enough so the inner and outer seals are flexing against each other, making the noise. I have noticed the noise is more common when it's windy outside, or when I'm making turns at speed. Hopefully I can convince the dealer to make these adjustments.

[nov0798]

But you stated in your 1st post that the noise stops when you push outward on the door. If this is the case then the door is tight enough. If you remove the inner door trim panel and drive it, I would bet that he problem goes away, leading me to believe that the door panel is squeaking not the seal.

[soupcxan]

I should've been more clear - I am actually pushing on the top left part of the window or on the part of the frame next to the window - not the main door panel. And my ear tells me that the noise is coming mostly from the top edge of the door where it meets the body, not from lower down if the noise were inside the door panel.

[nov0798]

Adjusting a door striker probably wont do much for that part of the window/door frame.