The tailgate of your vehicle plays a crucial role in securing your cargo and providing convenient access to the truck bed. However, over time, you may notice that the tailgate striker, the latch mechanism that keeps the tailgate in place, might become misaligned or loose.
This misalignment can lead to a variety of issues, such as difficulty in closing or opening the tailgate properly. Fortunately, adjusting the tailgate striker is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with minimal tools and effort. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to adjust your tailgate striker, ensuring smooth operation and peace of mind.
Step 1: Assess the Misalignment
Before making any adjustments, take a close look at your tailgate and striker assembly. Identify any visible signs of misalignment, such as gaps or unevenness when the tailgate is closed. This will help you determine the extent of adjustment required and provide a baseline for comparing the before and after results.
Step 2: Locate the Tailgate Striker
The tailgate striker is typically located on the vehicle body, opposite the tailgate latch. It consists of a metal or plastic plate with a latching mechanism that engages with the tailgate when closed. To access the striker for adjustment, you might need to remove any plastic covers or trim pieces that are obstructing its view.
Step 3: Loosen the Striker Bolts
Once you have located the striker, you will notice that it is secured to the vehicle body by bolts or screws. Using an appropriate tool, usually a socket wrench or a screwdriver, loosen these bolts just enough to allow for adjustment. Avoid completely removing the bolts at this stage, as it may result in the striker falling out of position.
Step 4: Align the Striker
Gently push or pull the striker plate to align it properly with the tailgate latch. Pay attention to the gaps and ensure that the striker and latch engage smoothly when the tailgate is closed. Take your time to achieve the desired alignment, as it will determine the effectiveness of the adjustment.
Step 5: Tighten the Striker Bolts
Once you are satisfied with the alignment, securely tighten the striker bolts. Ensure that they are fastened firmly but avoid over-tightening, as it may lead to undue stress on the striker or the vehicle body. Double-check the alignment and test the tailgate’s functionality by opening and closing it a few times.
Step 6: Final Adjustments, if Necessary
If you find that the tailgate is still not closing properly or there are noticeable gaps, repeat the adjustment process, making slight changes to the striker’s position. Continue fine-tuning until the tailgate aligns perfectly and functions smoothly.
99-07 Tailgate striker worn out fix! GMC Sierra Chevy Silverado
How Do You Fix a Loose Tailgate?
If you have a loose tailgate, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, check the bolts that hold the tailgate in place. If they’re loose, tighten them up.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the bolts. Another option is to add some additional support to the tailgate. This can be done by adding a support bracket or two.
These brackets will help to keep the tailgate from wobbling around. Finally, if all else fails, you can always replace the entire tailgate. This is probably the most extreme measure, but it will definitely fix the problem.
Why is My Tailgate Not Closing?
If your tailgate won’t close, it could be due to a number of reasons. The most common reason is that the tailgate latch is not fully engaged. To fix this, simply open the tailgate and make sure that the latch is fully engaged before trying to close it again.
If the problem persists, it could be due to a faulty tailgate latch or a problem with the hinges. In either case, you’ll need to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Credit: www.1aauto.com
Does the Multi-Flex Tailgate Power Up And Down?
Yes, the multi-flex tailgate on the Ford Flex can be powered up and down. There is a switch located near the bottom of the tailgate that controls this function. When you press the switch, the tailgate will slowly raise or lower itself.
This feature is very convenient if you need to load or unload something from the back of your car.
How Does the Multi-Flex Tailgate Work?
The Multi-Flex tailgate is a feature available on some GMC and Chevrolet trucks. It allows the tailgate to be opened two ways: by swinging it open like a traditional tailgate, or by dropping it down like a loading ramp. This can be useful when hauling larger items that need to be loaded from the side of the truck, or when you need to quickly lower something down without having to open the entire tailgate.
TheMulti-Flex tailgate is operated by a button on the key fob, which unlocks and lowers the tailgate.
Conclusion
If your tailgate isn’t latching properly, it might be because the striker needs to be adjusted. The striker is the metal plate on the body of your truck that the tailgate latch hooks onto. You can adjust it by loosening the bolts that hold it in place and moving it up or down until the tailgate closes snugly.
Just make sure that you don’t move it too far, or you won’t be able to open the tailgate at all!