Kid got rear ended 10 yrs ago and she said they replaced the lift gate. I’m driving it now and notice a definite ping sound when I close gate. Kinda a pingy, metal twang. I’ve had many equinoxes and they all close with solid clunk/thud. Is there sound deadening inside gate? Rather odd query. I got an equinox last year and found out plastic trim panel was gone when I got home. You remove it to change wiper motor. Or stuff like that. I got a panel at junkyard.

 

Ping twang boing noise is usually a spring related thing. If check the latch mechanism. If it's an aftermarket part, all bets are off. If it lasted 10 years before pinging, it may just be normal wear or a slight mialignment

 

I’ve had it for 3 yrs and sound has always been there. I still am dubious they replaced gate but I never saw it. She was living out of state at time.

 

Was the sound there before you got it?

Also, to answer your question more directly, I highly doubt there is any sound deadening material in the gate near the latch, because that would cost money.

 

Was kids car initially so I never drove it. I only noticed ping when she let me have it. I “think” cars have sound deadening in doors to lower NVH issues. Maybe the molding around rear hatch is not perfect? I have had 20 equinoxes so I am used to sounds they make, maybe vues are different?

 

Vues are probably different, because they are not Equinoxes

 

Ha, could be license plate rattling also.
the vue rear hatch is very similar in design to equinox.

 

I would think a license plate rattling would sound like a license plate rattling going

KLANG KLANg KLAng KLang Klang
,
As opposed to

Pinnggggggg

But we all experience life in a slightly different way