Table of contents: Tailgate 🠇 Support struts 🠇
Tailgate
Removal
1. Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to "Disconnecting the battery").
2. Remove the two screws securing the tailgate trim panel, then release the securing clips and withdraw the panel from the tailgate (see illustration).
15.2. Removing the tailgate trim panel
3. Working through the aperture in the lefthand side of the tailgate, disconnect the heated rear window wiring plug (see illustration).
15.3. Heated rear window wiring plug
4. Where applicable, working through the aperture in the tailgate, disconnect the tailgate wiper motor and the central locking motor wiring plugs.
5. Pull the wiring grommets from the front corners of the tailgate (see illustration).
15.5. Pulling a wiring grommet from the front of the tailgate
6. If the original tailgate is to be refitted, tie string to the ends of all the relevant wiring, then feed the wiring through the top of the tailgate. Untie the string, leaving it in position in the tailgate to assist refitting.
7. Where applicable, prise the washer nozzle from the tailgate and disconnect the fluid hose from the nozzle. Tie a length of string to the hose, then pull the hose through the tailgate. Leave the string in position to aid refitting, as for the wiring.
8. Support the tailgate, then prise out the support strut spring clips and pull the struts from the balljoints on the tailgate.
9. Pull the weatherstrip from the upper edge of the tailgate aperture (see illustration) and carefully pull down the headlining to expose the tailgate hinge securing nuts.
15.9. Pulling the weatherstrip from the tailgate aperture...
10. Unscrew the hinge securing nuts (see illustration) and carefully lift the tailgate from the vehicle.
15.10. ... for access to the tailgate hinge securing nuts
Refitting
11. If a new tailgate is to be fitted, transfer all serviceable components (rubber buffers, lock mechanism, etc) to it.
12. Refitting is a reversal of removal, bearing in mind the following points:
- a) If the original tailgate is being refitted, draw the wiring and washer fluid hose (where applicable) through the tailgate using the string.
- b) If necessary, adjust the rubber buffers to obtain a good fit when the tailgate is shut.
- c) If necessary, adjust the operation of the lock striker on the body, to achieve satisfactory lock operation.
Adjustment
13. It is not possible to adjust the position of the tailgate on the hinges. If necessary, the rubber buffers at the lower corners of the tailgate can be adjusted to obtain a good fit when the tailgate is shut (see illustration).
15.13. Adjust the rubber buffers to obtain a good fit when the tailgate is shut
The tailgate lock operation can be adjusted as described in Section 16.
Support struts
Removal
14. Support the tailgate in the open position, with the help of an assistant, or using a stout piece of wood.
15. Using a suitable flat-bladed screwdriver, release the spring clip and pull the support strut from its balljoint on the tailgate (see illustration).
15.15. Releasing tailgate support strut balljoint spring clip
16. Similarly, release the strut from the balljoint on the body and withdraw the strut from the vehicle.
Refitting
17. Refitting is a reversal of removal, but ensure that the spring clips are correctly engaged.