Sounds like a benign issue, I know, but its unbelievably annoying. I've noticed that with the windows and/or sunroof open, the headliner in my 996 flaps like a flag in a strong breeze. Recently I noticed an unbelievable racket when I lowered my windows for the ride home. I'm not up on the construction of the headliner but it appears that they had run a rod across the width of the car which was used to sort of 'tighten' the headliner. Well, this rod which I'm sure was secured at each end has come loose on one end. Every time the headliner flaps it just makes a terrible noise.

Anybody ever experienced anything like this? Any explanation as to how that 'rod' is fixed at each end? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

My headliner flaps a bit, but doesn't make much noise at all. I don't feel anything loose in there. I'd be interested in hearing how hard it is to remove the headliner also...

 

Mine does the same thing.

 

Yea, the flapping always bothered me a bit but I understood it was just a result of the headliner construction/configuration. Its just yesterday that this rod broke or unseat itself, or whatever. I can reach my hand up and tap on the end of the rod behind the driver seat and you can actually hear it strike the metal of the roof which is what it does when the headliner flaps. Makes me think of a kid jumping on a trampoline and banging his head on the ceiling, haha. I guess I see 2 options, take out the headliner and fix the rod OR rip out the headliner and replace with a 'traditional' headliner that isn't suspended away from the roof (if even possible).

 

Got a response over at Rennlist. Apparently it is this metal rod that has come undone in some way. Several have fixed it by removing the headliner, starting at the rear after removing the trim pieces from the pillars. Shouldn't be a difficult job.