"Gummy" rear door latch handle

[james332]

Hi all. I have a 2008 T4R. Just about since I've owned it (I'm original owner) the rubber-like material that the rear door handle is made of has felt "sticky" or "gummy" to the touch, with black residue coming off on your fingers. A closer look today at it even suggests it might be melting. It really looks more like a wad of roofing tar than a door handle now. It still has the machined grip imprint, eliminating the likelihood it IS roof tar; it really looks melted!

Anyone got ideas on this being a class problem, or if it is easily remedied? I wouldn't even know what to search for as parts go, but know for sure I can replace this thing if its just a swap-out.

I bought the 4R in Rhode Island and now live in Calif... I'm even wondering if different models are built for different regions based on temp (I know, a long shot but gotta ask)

James

 

[Hobson]

My 07 T4R is the same way. It has spent it's whole life in Alabama. I would love some insight to fixing this. Maybe a pro like [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] would know?

 

[futbolking]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/70414-rear-hatch-opener-melted.html

Remember search is your friend.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I have honestly wondered this for a long time. I've seen a lot of these things start going bad when the mechanisms start to fail... not entirely sure what the connection is... But usually I have seen the rubber start to degrade and then eventually the mechanism fails.

Volvos seeming to be an exception as the rubber they used for their switches and other parts seems to naturally just turn into this rubbery tar stuff (those of you who own or have owned older Volvos know what I mean.)

 

[Nuke]

My 2008 T4R has a similar issue. About 6 months ago the rubber felt "loose". As of today, it's as if it has ripped along the edge parallel and closest to the hatch.

 

[mnormand]

My just bought 2008 came with this prob, part ordered, thanks!

 

[jimithing]

Mine was getting to the point where I'd have a sticky residue on my hands every time I opened the hatch so I just went ahead and changed it. Really easy to do, especially with this writeup:

How to: Replace Rear Hatch Opening Switch - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

The new one has been on for over a year and it still feels new. Not sure if they changed the design or if this one will do the same thing eventually.

 

[elbman]

Replaced mine 2 years ago and no problems since.

 

[Catfish]

Yep...mine melted too on my '07. I guess the Texas heat finally got to it. I replaced it last year and the new one seems to be made out of a different compound...? It seems much less likely to melt...