You Should Know This About Your Tailgate Latch

A tailgate latch is part of the tailgate mechanism which help your vehicles tailgate to perform the function for which it is present. It is made up of a total of eight pieces; the latch handle, the rotating latch mechanism, two rods, two panel latches, one on each side, and the latches' recesses on either side of the tailgate. All the other related components can easily be accessed from the inside panel of the tailgate. When the tailgate handle is lifted, it simply pushes down on the rotating latch, which in turn pills on the rods which are running to the external panel latches, in this way it is able to perform its function.

When looking to buy a tailgate latch for your vehicle, it is important to be able to identify a good tailgate latch. You may come across some that are very high in price, but that doesn’t guarantee quality. Some affordable tailgate latches last a long time because they’re of solid quality. The prime objective is to look for a latch that will fit your tailgate perfectly and also securely lock the door.

Make it a point to know about the material it is made of, you don’t want your tailgate latch to catch rust easily, since it will get exposed to sun, rain, snow etc.

Understanding the working mechanism of a tailgate latch helps a lot. When the rods are pulled, they retract the outside latch which then releases the tailgate. The rotating assembly consists of a straight bar and there are rods attached at both ends of it. When the bar rotates, it becomes easy to visualize how it pulls the rods. This will help you figure out if any issue comes up with your tailgate latch, you will be able to pinpoint where the issue is and accordingly fix it.

The tailgate latch is called the latch because it latches the tailgate. In other means it is basically a fastener, which fastens the tailgate. To make it even simpler, the prime purpose of the tailgate latch is to lock up the gate of the truck, so that the content inside doesn’t bounce off the truck when on the road.

There are a number of skilled auto mechanics who have a goal of opening their own car repair shop at some point in their career. But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient as well as profit making shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are a number of tools which you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your Tailgate Latch may include:

• Slotted screwdriver
• Socket wrench of good quality
• Replacement tailgate latch which is perfect fitment for your vehicles’ tailgate.

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some of the top brands for Tailgate Latch.

If you want to DIY the tailgate latch of your vehicle, you have reached the right place. Following are step by step instructions on how to change your vehicles tailgate latch:

Step 1: Position the truck

Keep your truck in stationary position, for this you will have to park it in a safe place like your driveway or garage.

Step 2: Preparation

Get hold of your socket wrench and open the tailgate. Using the socket wrench take off the two run channel bolts at the top edge

Step 3: Removal of bolts on tailgate

There are two bolts present at the bottom of the tailgate, take them off and carefully lift it off from the tailgate cover plate and place it on a clean stable surface.

Step 4: Free up the latch assembly

Take the socket wrench and remove the two bolts which are securing the latch assembly. Now with the use of the slotted screwdriver lift off the assembly gently.

Step 5: Installation of new latch

Follow the reverse order of the steps and install the new latch, put back the two bolts to secure the latch in place. Now you can put the cover plate back with its bolts and close the tailgate.

One needs to keep in mind some things when fixing the tailgate latch, the rod should be attached to latch properly. In order to adjust the rod, you will have to pull it until the spring tension in the outside latch can be sensed. Now you can install the rod flat into the plastic retainer in the rotating latch and securely flip the top of the retainer over and clip it in place. Due to exposure to the environment the outside latch tends to get rusted or corroded, which can cause the rotating latch present behind the handle to lock up and causing the handle to break. In order to prevent this, you can either repair or during repairs lubricate all the latches via penetrating oil. The idea is to ensure that they are free to move with no restrictions.