Rubbing, high-pitched noise, back right passenger side by lift gate

Hello,
I have a year-old 2023 SR5 Premium 4Runner with around 10k miles on it. Noise coming from back lift gate area, rubbing, high-pitched noise, worse on bumps and when you move the steering wheel from side to side. Took in for regular service, dealership where I purchased paid zero attention to the request to find root cause. I have had two tires replaced already, TRD tires, due to nails so I have used the spare a few times, as well as the jack. The jack/tools are on the driver's side so I don't feel like that is the cause. I dropped the gate and drove around and couldn't hear it but didn't drive too far. It is technically a brand-new vehicle so the noise is making me insane, as it hasn't been driven a ton. I work from home.
I saw that maybe the hatches need lubing but is there anyone else out there experiencing this with a brand-new vehicle. Thanks in advance!

 

Have someone drive with you in the hatch area and pinpoint the area.

 

I had a nut back off of the 4Runner trim piece on the rear gate. It would rattle when closing and on certain roads. The panel pops off easily to inspect.

 

Hello! I did that but I still couldn't tell exactly where it was coming from. I rode in the back... rolled down the window... bumps and a side-to-side motion definitely make it worse. I need to get another person back in the car. The dealership closer to my house quoted me $188 for a service apptmt for them to look at it but just thought maybe it was a recurring issue with that model or in general. I would love to be able to remedy on my own as opposed to paying for the dealership to address. I am sure this isn't covered under the myriad of warranties I have on the vehicle but thought the dealership I purchased might hear it and just have an idea if it needed further investigation and tell me what that cost was but no deal. I will get someone back in the vehicle with me and hope to figure it out!

 

Make sure to take out absolutely everything from the vehicle while you are tracking the noise down, sometimes anything in the cargo area can make weird noises.

Did you cinch up the spare nice and tight on the chain? There is a little spring on the bracket/plate that holds the spare. Make sure it’s pulled tight enough to put some preload on that spring. I like to compress mine about half way.

Although I’ve never heard of the hatch being particularly noisy, there are two rubber stop pads on the left and right side of the hatch opening. Maybe put a little dry graphite powder to lube them up. Doubtful, but you never know.

The seatback on the 60% side can squeak at times when nobody is in it. Fold the seatback down to and see if the squeak goes away.

 

Thanks for all of these suggestions! I don't know about the spare, as the dealership put it back on both times but I will get under there and look at it. Will try these out and report back!

 

Try lubricating the liftgate latch and hinges with white lithium grease.