Tailgate Latching Mechanism

[Eric Hauter]

I've been having problems with the tailgate latch for several years on my 2001. It was soft when I pulled the handle, but with enough persistence I could get it open. Persistence no longer works, so I opened up the tailgate and pulled out the handle and the attaching pivot bracket. Got that portion of the mechanism working freely, but the rods and latches still binding. Can I just get lube onto the latches without pulling them? What lube should I use?

 

[swshawaii]

The side latches can be lubed with white lithium spray. Recommend removing the tailgate plastic trim cover fastened with

T30 Torx screws and four clips, and spray the center door handle mechanism also. Also lube the other four door latches.

 

[Yardsale]

Yep - just did mine. Use the aerosol white grease on the lock and handle parts, and get the latches and the locks, too. I put a paper towel under them to catch over-spray. Smooths as silk.

 

[Todd Z]

Do you have the factory bed cover? On the earlier st's it binds with the tailgate causing a hard open situation...



Todd Z

 

[Eric Hauter]

Got it thanks for your responses. White lithium grease. Inside the locks too? btw, yes it is the factory bed, not a cover but the integral composite bed. Should I be checking the alignment with the bed?

 

[swshawaii]

Should work, but it's a little heavy for locks. I use the small Tri-Flow PTFE drip bottle with the straw. Silicone spray also works well.

 

[Yardsale]

If I understand the problem, it's the handle that is hard to pull. That is not an alignment problem; just years of gunk and no lube.



Try the lube and see if that works.