Tailgate on 2004 Silverado not latching very well UPDATE

[Hookmaster]

I've been spraying where the rods connect by the handle and one side has loosened up but the other side is still hanging up. Should I keep spraying and working it or do I dare take the bolts off on the box side of the tailgate. I leary to do the latter since I don't want to drop any parts inside the tailgate.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Might as well pull it off and take a look. You would have to to replace the handle anyways so might as well get it figured out.

[KTapper]

Mine did the same thing all you have to do is take the plastic cap off the tailgate and spray some WD40 on the mechanisms and it should be good to go you might have to just keep respraying and opening and shutting it. Mine would not latch and I would just keep slamming to closed and it would sometimes latch is that what yours is doing?

[Hookmaster]

Exactly. I took the cap off which makes it much easier to soak with penetrating spray.

[Hookmaster]

I took the handle off and really lubed and worked it and put it back on. Works very well now. When putting the cap back on I snapped the two tabs on top. Anyone know where I can get one cheap?

[Wanderer]

I think a whole new unit is about $45 at the dealer. If the tabs you are talking about are the ones holding the rods to the latch, I'll bet you can pick them up pretty cheap at the dealer too.

[Hookmaster]

I didn't break anything on the tailgate handle but on the bezel that you take off to get at the mechanism.

[overdalimit]

You can get the bezel at the dealer it is $26 I think. I replace about 2 or 3 a month!

ODL

[KTapper]

I have broken about three of them. You can find them on E bay I got some for 5-6 bucks + shipping.

[Hookmaster]

Do the ones on E bay fit OK?

[KTapper]

Yeah I can't tell a difference works perfect. You might want to consider buying the Bully lock kit and it comes with a new one made for the lock. I just got one for my new truck for 19 bucks plus shipping. I can give you the seller if you want I dont think I can post it on here but I can send it to your email.

[Hookmaster]

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