tailgate is getting hard to latch

[larry arizona]

Does anyone have a good method of adjusting the GMT800 tailgates? My 2002 tailgate is getting harder and harder to close. You got to slam it pretty good.

 

Side latches are lubed pretty regular with silicone spray.

 

Any tricks?

 

Thanks,

LA

[J45p3r]

Does anyone have a good method of adjusting the GMT800 tailgates?  My 2002 tailgate is getting harder and harder to close.  You got to slam it pretty good.

 

Side latches are lubed pretty regular with silicone spray. 

 

Any tricks?

 

Thanks,

LA

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Yea, I had the same problem. It's probably not an adjustment issue, mine wasn't. I had to lube at the handle. It's kinda like scissors the way they work and it needs lube at the pivot point. You may need to take off the plastic bezel around the handle to do this. I did, and ended up breaking the clips in the process, so watch that.

[firefighteremt3100]

Just an idea...would white lithium grease work better than a silicon spray? The reason I ask is I use white lithium on all the door latches on all our work trucks after trying the silicon spray. It doesnt freeze and works in all kinds of temps. The silicon spray seemed to either free if applied in winter, or evaporate in the summer. Again, just a thought. Mine is getting harder to shut too so I may check it out soon.

[95Sierra2500]

Lithium grease is wonderful. And yes, it'll work for your tailgate latches too. Silicone spray I've found tends to disappear too rapidly. Grease is messy, but works longer. Another thing you may want to try is graphite spray, as it sticks around longer too, and lubricates just as well.

[firefighteremt3100]

Lithium grease is wonderful. And yes, it'll work for your tailgate latches too. Silicone spray I've found tends to disappear too rapidly. Grease is messy, but works longer. Another thing you may want to try is graphite spray, as it sticks around longer too, and lubricates just as well.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I use the liquid graphite on my trailer hitch receiver so it is able to be slid in and out with no problems. The only downfall is we can only get it by the quart or gallon here I believe from a company called Grainger. My dad uses it for his work trucks, so I just "borrow" some when needed

[pm26]

I found that WD 40 works really well, as it is thin and penetrates well. Silicone spray is worthless int his application and may acutally help bind the metal parts.

[asilverblazer]

Aren't the stricker bolts adjustable? Seems they could work their way inwards so that you have to close the tail gate farther. Loosen them up and pull the stricker bolt out a little bit.

[larry arizona]

Thanks, I cleaned the latches with Brake cleaner then lubed with CRC656 and they work great now. Sound like a maintenance thing I need to do more often.