Tailgate: Service and Repair

Back Door / Rear Gate Assembly Removal and Installation

Back Door / Rear Gate Assembly Components:

Removal
1. Remove back door trim, and door / rear gate sealing cover.
2. Remove wire harness connector inside the back door / rear gate.
3. Remove back door / rear gate balancer (1) (first at its door-side and next at its body-side), as shown.

WARNING:
Handling of Back Door / Rear Gate Balancer (Damper)
- Do not disassemble balancer because its cylinder is filled with gas.
- The gas itself is harmless but it may issue out of the hole together with chips generated by the drill.
Therefore, be sure to wear goggle.
- When discarding removed back door / rear gate balancer (damper), use a 2 to 3 mm (0.08 to 0.12 in.) drill to make a hole as shown.
- Handle balancer carefully. Do not scar or scratch exposed surface of its piston rod, and never allow any paint or oil to stick to its surface.
- Do not turn piston rod with balancer fully extended.







4. Remove back door / rear gate hinge (1) bolts and back door / rear gate (2) from body (3).







Installation
Reverse removal procedure to install back door / rear gate noting the following points.
- Secure wiring harness (1).







- Secure back door / rear gate sealing cover (1).

NOTE: Use adhesive (2) to seal sealing cover (1) to back door / rear gate.







- Adjust back door / rear gate latch striker position by referring to Back Door / Rear Gate Lock Assembly Removal and Installation so that back door / rear gate is positioned correctly.
- Adjust back door / rear gate cushion so that back door / rear gate contacts body when closed.