Rear License frame rattle?

I drive a regular Prius, but found the similar problem.
When I installed my plates with a metal frame (which I really, really like) I was disappointed to find that the pre-drilled mounting holes on the hatch were only two...for the top two holes on the frame.

I thought about drilling two more for the bottom. But at this point I'm too freaked out about the idea of drilling holes into the back of my almost brand new hatch.

My temporary (possibly permanent?) solution was to buy a cheap sponge at the dollar tree. Getting the width and size just right was a bit of experimentation....but at $1.00 for a package or even a single...which I can use anyway...I had no problem finding one that fit just right.

Then I attached the sponge to the back of the bottom of the plate itself. Now it doesn't rattle when I close the hatch, nor have I noticed the rattle when I drive.

 

Rubber baby bumpers. You can get some rubber bumpers that screw into the bottom plate slot and act as a bump stop for the plate frame.

Something like this... but there are many different designs.

 

I use foam tape that can be found at the automotive store or hardware store.

 

You can also buy self-adhesive soft pads or rubber pads, designed as "feet" for furniture to protect flooring. A couple of those on the underside of the frame will set you right. Tiny ones the diameter of a pen should do it, depending on your frame. This is basically just another variation on the same theme as the preceeding posts.

self-adhesive floor saver - Google Search

 

I suffer from the same problem. I just deal with it.

 

I bought a tube of silicone and squeezed out 4 or 5 dots on the back of the frame. Let it set up. Installed. And 3 years later I am still rattle free.

 

My plate/dealership frame rattled. I took the frame off and bent the bottom of the plate inwards, towards the car. Only rattles a tiny bit now. Rubber/silicon/foam would probably be a good idea - hadn't thought of that.

 

You could also try some light-weight adhesive tape:
3M Scotch Heavy Duty Mounting Tape, 1-Inch by 50-Inch (114/DC) - Amazon.com

It's double sided and easy to cut into arbitrary strips. You can just peel it off later without ruining the paint and no one would ever know it was there.

 

Interesting on some of this stuff. I just got my plates Friday and installed them right away. As I removed the plate frame at the rear, to replace the dealer paper plate, I noticed two rubber pieces at the place where the bottom of the frame would be.Is that standard on all the C models or just the 4?

I've never had any issues with plate rattling, but then again I may not be listening that hard as I have the radio on while driving. It's also possible the screws at the top may be tightened too much causing the plate to move with every little bump. Also possible the screws aren't tightened enough.

Better check them out and see.

 

Yep. Best quick fix I could come up with was to cut about a 1/4" piece of foam from what they call a "bone sponge" (used in tiling), and put it between the body's hatchback door sheet metal and the license plate frame; I did not, hoping that the normal tension between a (lifted) license plate/frame assembly would keep it where I put it. It worked. It's still there, after two years. And the piece of foam we need to 'make' doesn't have to be from a "bone sponge" ... we just want something with a lot of compression and expansion room, with low resistance to force. I'd suppose even styrofoam would work in a pinch, but it doesn't compress easily or expand much; along with being very resistant to force (which would be why, I'd suppose, Toyota uses styrofoam to absorb low-speed collision force behind the bumper cover) is also not recommended.

 

Now you mention it, mine did have two rubber pieces and I didn't have to put rubber bumpers on this time. I had assumed the dealer did it.

 

Chjeck to see if the mounting bolts are tight and that any license plate bolts do not contact the body which would rattle against the body when 'aggravated'.

 

Ohhhhhh THAT'S what you meant. Ignore me, I thought you were talking about your plate rattling against your car.

I don't use number plate frames and thankfully as my plate is a non-standard size, the dealers don't have frames that fit so can't put any on for me to remove again.

 

I was thinking for the plate itself as well, but it looks like your solution will work.

 

I put three square bumpers on the back bottom left, center, and right side of the license plate.

Shepherd 3/4 in. Surface Gard Self Adhesive Vinyl Square Bumpers 12 Pack-9565 at The Home Depot

 

I experienced a similar issue, mitigated mine with some door silencers. I work for a General Contractor and we put these in door jams on jobsites so the door doesn't slam into the frame. I just snagged 2 of em and put them in the notch of the lower holes where the screws would normally go. Here is a link to them on Grainger.. Locally you can get a baggie of 50 for about $0.95

BATTALION Door Silencer, Pk10 - Hanging Door Hardware - 4JG85|4JG85 - Grainger Industrial Supply

Since I wasn't sure if it was the frame against the tag or the tag against the car, this works perfectly since it spaces on both sides. No longer an issue.

 

Use these, if you want NO rattles;



http://www.carolinarovers.info/croc-stuff/tips/259-make-your-own-rivnut-tool