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Leaving Lowe’s last night I shut the tailgate and it just slams and then almost fell open. I was a little surprised by that, and upon investigation I realized that the post that the tailgate latches to on the right side had broken off in the latch mechanism. The latch on the other side is now also inoperable. Neither side does anything with the tailgate handle.
So, two questions... how in the heck do I get the remainder of the post out of the bed so I can replace it? And do you think there’s any way to fix the latching mechanism in the tailgate or should I be trying to replace the mech?
Here are a few pics so you can see what I’m talking about: The remnant of the post Broken post stuck in inoperable latch mechanism
I think if you get that broken stud out of the latch, it should work fine again. By the looks of it, it needs a good lubing.
I would drill a few holes in the washer part, maybe at 3 6 9 and 12 positions and use a cold chisel and a hammer to turn it. After a few turns you may be able to use channel locks to turn it the rest of the way out.
I know you can get door latch bolts at auto parts stores, but don't know if you can get the tailgate latch bolt there too.
I think if you get that broken stud out of the latch, it should work fine again. By the looks of it, it needs a good lubing.
I would drill a few holes in the washer part, maybe at 3 6 9 and 12 positions and use a cold chisel and a hammer to turn it. After a few turns you may be able to use channel locks to turn it the rest of the way out.
I know you can get door latch bolts at auto parts stores, but don't know if you can get the tailgate latch bolt there too.
Thank you! Great recommendation. I’ll give it a try. I don’t mind replacing the post, but I sure hope the mechanism can be salvaged!
The mechanism will be fine, but getting the old post out of the bed will suck, if you have a welder, weld a nut on the end of the broken stud. That'll be way easier than trying to get it loose with a chisel.
Oh and take off the access panel on the tailgate. If I remember correctly theres a small tab that you have to push down on the side of the mechanism housing then use the handle or pull the rod inside of the tailgate to get it to unlatch.
My latch likes to move freely on the right side of the tailgate when it's open. I have to pull the handle while manually opening the pawl so that I can close the tailgate. You might try the same thing, plus a screwdriver to pry the lug out of the latch.
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