Tailgate: Service and Repair
TAILGATE LIFT ASSIST TORSION RODMaterial:
MATERIAL
Removal
1. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle.
- Detach both tailgate support cables from the sides of the pickup bed, then lower the tailgate to approximately 41 degrees from vertical.
- Pull the RH side of the gate out and away from hinge.
2. Raise the gate back up to approximately 10 degrees from vertical while keeping the RH tailgate pivot close to the hinge. Slide the tailgate to the right to release the LH hinge.
3. Set the tailgate on a no-scratch surface.
4. Loosen the clamp block machine screw 2-3 turns.
5. Remove the broken torsion rod from the tailgate. If the broken end of the torsion rod is stuck in the clamp block, carry out Steps 6 through 10.
6. Remove the urethane bushing from the RH pivot.
7. From the hole in the base of the RH pivot, drill an 8 mm (0.31 in) access hole through the tailgate inner panel.
8. NOTE: Portions of the tailgate are removed for clarity.
Use a drift to press the broken end of the rod from the clamp block, then remove broken end through drain hole in the bottom edge of the tailgate.
9. Seal the 8 mm (0.31 in) access hole in the tailgate inner panel with silicone gasket and sealant.
10. Install the urethane bushing in the RH pivot.
Installation
1. NOTE: Portions of the tailgate are removed for clarity.
Install a new torsion rod through the LH pivot. Guide the rod into the clamp block.
2. Position the torsion rod so that the end bottoms out and is flush with the LH pivot.
3. Tighten the clamp block machine screw.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
4. Position the tailgate so the LH tailgate pivot is close to the LH hinge and the tailgate is approximately 10 degrees from vertical. Keep the RH tailgate pivot close to the RH hinge, then slide the tailgate left to engage the LH pivot on the LH hinge.
5. Position the tailgate so that it is approximately 41 degrees from vertical. Push the RH pivot onto the hinge. Attach both tailgate support cables to the sides of the pickup bed.