BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
Tailgate rattle solved[200/86] posted by Don Foster on
Monday, 17 September 2001, at 8:18 a.m.
You'd think, now that I'm on my zillionth wagon, I'd know about tailgate rattles. But I just solved another (intermittent) squeaky rattle.
The mounting bracket for the lock motor secures to the bottom of the tailgate by two sheet metal screws up through the bottom edge of the tailgate. These had loosened, and by rattling and jiggling, the holes had worn in the bracket. Even though the (oversized) screws tightened, they weren't tightening into the bracket metal, but instead into the tailgate metal. The screws were tight, but the bracket could vibrate.
I drilled through the existing holes and install a coupla 1/4" panhead screws with nuts 'n lockwashers. Had to remove the lock motor and also use a universal socket (7/16") to sock down the nuts, but now it's quiet. I even notice a lack of vibration when I slam the tailgate.
Took about 15 minutes. No soldering necessary.
Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)
Re: Tailgate rattle solved[200/86] posted by Richard Jewell on
Monday, 17 September 2001, at 9:38 a.m.
Hi Don. Heres a tip for the next time you have your tailgate apart. I give the lock mech/CDL sliding pin assembly a squirt of motorcycle chain lube. Being in an aerosol with a pipe on the nozzle makes targetting easy, it thickens very quickly so doesn't dribble down onto the bumper and it is molybdenum based so sticks to the steel of these parts like dog poop to a picknet blanket. Sorted. Rich.
--1986 245 B230A 158k miles. The above information is provided for entertainment purposes only.