Tailgate - removal and refitting

Bodywork and fittings / Tailgate - removal and refitting

Removal
1 Open and support the tailgate. Disconnect the straps supporting the rear shelf.

2 Remove the trim panel using a wide-bladed screwdriver and disconnect the wiring from the heated rear window and wiper motor.

Disconnect the washer tube and pull the wiring and tube from the tailgate.

3 Pull the weatherseal from the body aperture by the hinge positions.

4 Carefully pull the headlining down to reveal the hinge bolts.

5 Lever the spring clips from the struts, remove the washers and disconnect the struts from the tailgate.

6 Unscrew the hinge bolts and withdraw the tailgate from the vehicle.

Refitting
7 Refitting is a reversal of removal. Before tightening the hinge bolts, ensure that the tailgate closes centrally within the body aperture.

8 On completion, adjust the lock if necessary.