Tailgate Straps

[pch02]

Does anyone know how to tell the difference between the old tailgate straps and the new replacement ones that are supposed to be stainless. My straps broke and damaged the tailgate and GM replaced the damaged tailgate with a brand new one since the straps were under recall and they hadn't replaced them yet. I just want to make sure that the new straps that they put on are the correct ones. Also both of my straps are stamped LR and the passenger side sticks out of the tailgate. Something doesn't seem right!!!!

[GM-Tech]

Do they look new? They couldn't get a new set of the "old" style cables if they wanted. If you are still not convinced, look at the crimp on the tailgate end of the cable. The old cables had a clear sealer filling in the end of the crimp, the new ones have no sealer.

 

And if I'm not mistaken, both sides have LR on them, but they also will have a a RH and a LH to indicate the side.

 

And it's been said here that if you put the wrong side on, the cable will stick out. Never put 'em on the wrong side so I wouldn't know. I do know if you forgot the washer or put in the wrong location, it can do the same thing (stick out).

[SS Crew]

Do they look new?  They couldn't get a new set of the "old" style cables if they wanted.  If you are still not convinced, look at the crimp on the tailgate end of the cable.  The old cables had a clear sealer filling in the end of the crimp, the new ones have no sealer.

 

And if I'm not mistaken, both sides have LR on them, but they also will have a a RH and a LH to indicate the side. 

 

And it's been said here that if you put the wrong side on, the cable will stick out.  Never put 'em on the wrong side so I wouldn't know.   I do know if you forgot the washer or put in the wrong location, it can do the same thing (stick out).

 

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My straps say "Made in China".

[tmf6902]

Join the club. Mine stick out of my gap between the tailgate and the bed also....No matter what I do they stick out...so I guess we're stuck.

[pch02]

Does anyone know how to tell the difference between the old tailgate straps and the new replacement ones that are supposed to be stainless. My straps broke and damaged the tailgate and GM replaced the damaged tailgate with a brand new one since the straps were under recall and they hadn't replaced them yet. I just want to make sure that the new straps that they put on are the correct ones. Also both of my straps are stamped LR and the passenger side sticks out of the tailgate. Something doesn't seem right!!!!

 

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Thanks for the Info. Where would they be stamped left or right?? They are new straps so I'll have to check on it. Sure hope these ones don't break!!!!

[MS3DALE]

They are stamped "LS" or "RS" on the bottom inside of the cable where they bolt to the tailgate,You might have to unbolt them to read it.

If you put them on the wrong side they will stick out,a couple guys have done that here before they realized they were different side to side!

[lrymal]

Oh GOODIE! It only took the government a few years to get into this. In the meantime, GM has been replacing these for several months:

 

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazett...ss/11432151.htm

Feds widen probe into faulty tailgates on GM pickup trucks

 

By Ken Thomas

Associated Press

 

WASHINGTON – The government has upgraded its investigation into reports that tailgates are falling off the back of some General Motors Corp. pickup trucks without warning.

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday said it is reviewing tailgate support cables installed in 1998-2004 model years of the GMC Sonoma and Chevrolet S10 pickups and the 1998, 1999 and part of the 2000 model years of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

 

GM officials said the upgraded investigation covers 3.1 million vehicles.

 

It advances an investigation, which was opened in February 2004, of the Sierra from model years 1999-2002; the Silverado from model years 1999-2003; the 2002 Cadillac truck and the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche.

 

GM has a truck assembly plant in southwest Allen County that makes Silverado and Sierra pickups.

 

The announcement of the upgraded tailgates investigation comes about two months after GM said it was recalling more than 155,400 vehicles, including the 2004 and 2005 Silverado and Sierra pickups, because of possible brake malfunctions. And in January, GM recalled 98,221 vehicles from the 2000 model year, including some Silverados and Sierras produced in Allen County, because of steering wheel and brake problems.

 

NHTSA said consumers have reported about 50 injuries because of the alleged tailgate defect – which involves the breaking of the support cables because of metal fatigue – leading to the separation of the tailgate.

 

GM spokesman Alan Adler said the company is cooperating with investigators. He noted that for the smaller pickups, the Sonoma and the S10, “those trucks are used for very different purposes and we have had comparatively fewer number of warranty claims or complaints.”

 

GM announced a recall of 4 million 2000-2004 pickups in March 2004 because of breaking tailgates. The recall involved 2000-04 Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras built between October 1999 and October 2003. Some 2002-04 Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT trucks built between March 2001 and October 2003 were also recalled.

 

Adler said about 40 percent of the recalled vehicles have been fixed.