Grease those tail gate mechanisms!

[simple_gifts]

A few months ago, my friend's tailgate handle broke on her 2002 Tundra; I ordered the replacement and while planning to replace it, the handle on my 2300 broke.

Both were easy fixes (i bought OEM for hers) and while in there I used white lithium grease on the mechanisms, especially out on the ends of the rods where the latches are.

I was amazed how easily the mechanisms worked after a little attention; Probably worth the few minutes it took to do this BEFORE needing to fix a broken handle.

Probably many do this, but it never occurred to me, and not doing it caused a bit of a headache since both of us use or tailgates on a regular basis

 

[bdcardinal]

The tailgate handles break all the time on the Mazda B-series and the Ford Rangers. I keep them in stock as well as the all metal one used on the older Rangers. Whenever someone comes in for one they barely finish saying Ranger tailgate and I am walking back with the handle.

 

[blupupher]

Did my '02 F150 when I got it in 2013, but not since. Guess it is about time to do it again.

So many never open their tailgate they don't need to do it though.

 

[xxch4osxx]

The latch and mechanism on my Ram gets lubricated every fall when I take it in to get Krown undercoated. They spray inside the gate from the handle. Never had a problem.

 

[gathermewool]

I try to spray all pivot points and springs yearly, usually in the spring. Hey, that reminds me....

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted by bdcardinal
The tailgate handles break all the time on the Mazda B-series and the Ford Rangers. I keep them in stock as well as the all metal one used on the older Rangers. Whenever someone comes in for one they barely finish saying Ranger tailgate and I am walking back with the handle.

X2, known issue. Thankfully the metal ones are readily available and are a direct replacement for the plastic ones. I just use my '94 Ranger's VIN when ordering one from the dealer for newer trucks with broken plastic handles. The metal ones aren't that expensive either.

 

[oilpsi2high]

I shoot motor oil into mine every year.

 

[Linctex]

I am the opposite - I have never greased or lubed mine... but I use them nearly every day, though