Part number for rubber pad on tail gate switch

[Renol]

Can anyone help me with the part number to the rubber pad that covers the open switch on the tail gate? The switch works fine, but the rubber is starting to go bad. It's to the extent that after opening the gate my fingers often look like I've touched an ink pad.

Of course this is all based off the assumption that the rubber is not all one piece along with the switch assembly...

 

[AuSeeker]

Toyota doesn't offer just the rubber piece but there are after market rubber replacements...

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...h+Button+rubber+cover+Toyota+4Runner&_sacat=0

But most just replace the entire OEM switch, which is what I would do since most of our T4Rs are just getting older and the switch would have a fair amount of use and wear...

SWITCH ASSEMBLY - TOYOTA (84840-35010)

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota....MIrsGQh8mJ1gIVAZRpCh0SzA6lEAAYASAAEgIIQfD_BwE

 

[NOLA Runner]

Liftgate switch

As you may know, you can replace the entire switch for about $30, the rubber only is about $10. Be forewarned, replacing only the rubber is extremely messy & time consuming, you can clean the melted mess off with a razor blade & some mineral spirits. I have done it both ways and I suggest replacing the switch even though it requires removing the interior panel and unscrewing the trim piece that covers the switch. Good luck.

 

[AuSeeker]

As you may know, you can replace the entire switch for about $30, the rubber only is about $10. Be forewarned, replacing only the rubber is extremely messy & time consuming, you can clean the melted mess off with a razor blade & some mineral spirits. I have done it both ways and I suggest replacing the switch even though it requires removing the interior panel and unscrewing the trim piece that covers the switch. Good luck.

I totally agree as I mentioned in my previous reply, the link I posted was for reference for the Toyota part number, check on eBay and you can find it for less than $30 and free shipping, I just didn't have time earlier to do all the searching for you.

 

[MedicBob]

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J4NAGP2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Worked well.

 

[Renol]

Thank you for the information all. I very much aporeciate it.

As you may know, you can replace the entire switch for about $30, the rubber only is about $10. Be forewarned, replacing only the rubber is extremely messy & time consuming, you can clean the melted mess off with a razor blade & some mineral spirits. I have done it both ways and I suggest replacing the switch even though it requires removing the interior panel and unscrewing the trim piece that covers the switch. Good luck.

The entire switch replacement seems rather involved and time consuming at first blush. I'll have to take a closer look at the panel and see for myself. How often do these switches fail? Judging by their removal from the 5th gen I'm wondering if it'll just solve any headaches from a potential failure when I sorely need it to work.

 

[ray k]

I replaced the entire switch and it wasn't that bad. It took me an hour because the screws holding it on were rusted and stripped out. I ended up using a Dremel to get them out. If it weren't for that it would have only been a 30 minute job. I got the OEM part off Ebay or Amazon a year ago for around $30 and it's still like new. I agree with others that replacing just the rubber would be more work than just the entire thing. I think you would have to remove the entire switch anyway because I don't think you could get the screws out very easily with it in place.

 

[NOLA Runner]

Liftgate Switch Replacement

The replacement switch I purchased from eBay is an oem part that was in a sealed bag with a Toyota label. I assume they are using a new rubber compound after all the problems this caused including many other models that use the identical part. The interior liftgate panel needs to be removed in order to unplug the switch assembly. I did not run into any problems removing the panel, I used a flat bar covered on the end with duct tape. You do need to unbolt the lock assembly (2 bolts) and the exterior trim (4 bolts). This also allows you to clean the trim with paint thinner to remove the melted rubber. There are you tube videos and threads that illustrate the process.

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/224274-wtf-question-regarding-rubber-lift-gate-[pic].html

Sounds like you have the same issue as me

'07 Sport. Messy job but I was able to replace it with no issues. I will need to have it buffed at one point due to rubber that melted


Quick link to part needed to replace:

2003-2013 Toyota 4Runner - Genuine Liftgate Release Switch - 84840-35010

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KC8OLYQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Renol]

Well it looks like the issue has come to a head. The switch no longer works I found out today. Looks like I'll be ordering the replacement and working on it over the weekend.