How to Adjust Excessive Tailgate Gap?
3 Answers
Methods for adjusting excessive tailgate gap: 1. The tailgate and hinges are typically secured by 4 screws. Open the tailgate, loosen the screws without removing them; 2. Gently push the tailgate left or right to adjust its position and softly close it to align, ensuring the gaps on both sides are roughly equal. Then, slightly reopen the tailgate and tighten the screws. After tightening, close the tailgate again to check if the gap is appropriate. If not, repeat steps 1 and 2; 3. If adjusting by loosening one screw on each side doesn't work, loosen all screws. Adjust the tailgate position, then tighten the lower screws on both sides first, followed by adjusting the position and tightening the upper two screws; 4. After installation, repeatedly test the tailgate's closing and locking mechanism to ensure the lock aligns properly with the striker. If not, loosen the striker's screws on the rear panel to adjust its position, or gently tap the striker with a hammer to align it with the lock.
I previously noticed that the gap on the tailgate was too large. Before attempting any adjustments, first identify the issue: it's usually due to loose hinge bolts or misaligned latch positions. Prepare a wrench or socket, loosen the hood bolts—don't remove them completely, just enough to allow the tailgate to move. Then gently push and pull the tailgate to align the gap with the body, aiming for an ideal uniform gap of 3-5mm. Tighten the bolts evenly to avoid deformation. If the washers are worn or missing, simply purchase new ones and replace them. During the process, check if the sealing strip is cracked, as this can make the gap appear larger. After adjustment, repeatedly open and close the door to ensure smooth operation without noise, and confirm it doesn’t leak during rain. DIY adjustments take about half an hour—safety first, wear gloves, and avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the door panel structure.
With years of experience in car repairs, handling tailgate gap issues requires a steady approach: First, measure the gap size to identify which side has the larger deviation. Use a socket to loosen the hinge bolts and slightly adjust the tailgate position. Latch adjustment is also crucial—use a screwdriver to adjust the slot height to ensure the door closes tightly. If the hinge bearings are worn, apply lubricant or replace them. Choosing the right tools is important; a torque wrench is ideal for controlling force and preventing damage. After adjustment, check the alignment and aerodynamic effect to reduce noise during high-speed driving. For prevention, regularly tighten important bolts and inspect gap uniformity during car washes to avoid minor issues becoming major hazards. The process is simple but requires attention to detail and usually takes about 20 minutes to complete.
