Lubricate the Tailgate Mechanism
Updated: Mar. 15, 2018When debris reaches the lock and latch mechanisms, the tailgate won’t open or won’t latch shut. You can fix it with a socket set and spray lithium grease.
Tailgates take a lot of abuse and swallow a lot of debris from your weekend projects. When that debris finds its way into the lock and latch mechanisms, you end up with a tailgate that either won’t open or won’t latch shut. It’s an easy fix that you can do with a socket set and a can of spray lithium grease. Start by removing the access panel on the tailgate. (If you have a bed liner, you’ll have to remove the tailgate section before you get to the access panel.) Once the cover’s off, use compressed air to blow off the lock mechanism. Then apply a liberal coat of lithium grease to the cam/lever area and all pivot points. Operate the tailgate handle several times to work in the grease and then spray again.
Originally Published: March 15, 2018
