Tailgate - Rattling/Chuckling Noise

NUMBER: 23-29-99

GROUP: Body

DATE: Jul. 30, 1999

SUBJECT:
Tailgate rattle

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a revised tailgate latch, striker and cover.

MODELS:

1997 - 1999 (TJ) Wrangler

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may exhibit a rattling or chucking noise coming from the tailgate when driven on rough roads.

DIAGNOSIS:
If customers indicate that the condition is present, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:

1 55074947AC Latch
1 551 76533AC Cover
1 55177243AB Striker
AR 55033620 Striker Adjustment shim

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
THIS REPAIR IS COMPATIBLE WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S MOBILE SERVICE PROGRAM AND DOES NOT REQUIRE HOISTS OR OTHER FULL SERVICE FACILITY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.

1. Open the tailgate

2. Remove the original latch cover and latch.

3. Install the new latch and Cover, p/n's 55074947AC AND 55176533AC. Tighten the latch screws to 11 Nm (98 in. lbs.) and the cover screws to 6 Nm (50 in. lbs.).

4. Mark the position of the original striker.

5. Remove the striker and discard the original shims.





6. Install the new striker, p/n 55177243AB, with 2 new shims, p/n 55033620. Install the striker in the same position as the original. Align the slot in the striker sleeve to face the front of the vehicle (See Figure 1). Hold the flat sides of the striker flange with a wrench to keep the slot aligned while tightening the striker.

7. Check to make sure that the striker has enough clearance to the jaws on the latch or it will bind. Add or subtract shims from the striker to gain this clearance.

8. Adjust the striker position as necessary and tighten it to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.)

9. Open and close the tailgate to verify striker adjustment.

POLICY: GReimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No: 23-41-01-96 0.4 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: P8- New Part