Please Help - tailgate issues (pics)

[Philbert]

Hi All,

So I'm having an issue with my tailgate ont eh 87 4runner.

the window works great - goes up and down without issue. However, lately, the tailgate, when I pull on the interior handle (with the window all the way down), does not lower!

I took the panels off this weekend and had a look around. Seeems like the parts all move like they are supposed to, but for some reason, the wheel that turns and controls the 2 cables that go to each end of the tailgate is very sluggish. This wheel is spring loaded too, and is supposed to return the cables (and corresponding latched at each end of the tailgate) to their original position after I let go of the interior handle. I remoed the spring on top of the "master wheel" and it seems fine - I put it back on and lubed everything up with general purpose oil (what I used for stubborn window sills....).

I even removed one of the latches and examined it (and oiled both latches - on either side). Everything seems good and in functioning order.

My thinking is, if I can "shorten" both cables that attach from the "master wheel" to the latches, it would improve the response - but the cables don't seem adjustable.

Just an FYI - I *can* open the tailgate now with the panels off - I just need to reach in and manually tunr the "master wheel" hard enough to make the cables pull far enough to make the 2 latches release...its dirty on the hands and a PITA.

Does anyone have a solution to this issue? Everything seems fine and I DON'T want to remove the entire apparatus to look behind the "master wheel" to find out what's slowing it down, if anything even is....

This is the "master wheel" (more of a "cross" really) with the flat head screw/nut with spring in the middle. note the cables at the top and bottom of the "t" - they do not appear adjustable.

This is me MANUALLY turning the "Master wheel" to open the 2 latches at either end:

Here you can see one of the latches I took out - and the cable attachment (again, no way to adjust it I don't think...it looks to be fixed):

And this is what's supposed to happen with the latch when the handle is pulled - but you'll notice the "slack" on the cable - nothing's happening:

SO there it is...lots of photos and about as much detail as I can write. I hope someone has successully had and fixed this issue themselves and can help?

Thanks so much in advance!

Phil

 

[zombie]

My lock was a little sticky a while ago and caused a similar problem. Lubricated the lock bar where it attached to the "wheel" and it all seemed to work after.
You might want to check the cables to make sure they move smooth,y in both directions, may have a fray inside one of them.
Looks nice and not rusty in there. Hope this helps.

 

[Philbert]

My lock was a little sticky a while ago and caused a similar problem. Lubricated the lock bar where it attached to the "wheel" and it all seemed to work after.
You might want to check the cables to make sure they move smooth,y in both directions, may have a fray inside one of them.
Looks nice and not rusty in there. Hope this helps.

Thanks Zombie for the reply and recommendation.

So, the "coat hanger style" arm that loops into the "t" or "master wheel" shown above - grease that connection up?

I'll take a closer look at the cable movement this weekend - how would I diagnose/treat a fray? Can I just work some general oil/grease in there you think?

 

[zombie]

The post that comes down from the finger lock part, lube all that moves when you move it.

If the cable is tight inside it may just be a little rusty. If so, you may be able to lube it and wotk it back and forth a few times to get it working better.

If it is frayed, you might have to replace it, if you are able to pull it out from one side then you might be able to get away with removing the broken strands and re-using it.

Good luck with it.

 

[Philbert]

OK - I'll go lube crazy this weekend on this and see what happens.

Thanks a bunch for the replies - have a great weekend!

 

[Philbert]

Success!

Just an update.

I took out both the cables tonight and lubed them up with general purpose oil. I worked them back and froth in between oilings. The drivers side one was really sticky - this was the culprit and making the whole mechanism stick. I really lubed it up and moved the wire in/out several dozen times...there was some rust/small debris inside that had to work its way out. Once I made some progress, I reattached everthing. It works like a charm now!!

Thanks for the help

 

[zombie]

Glad to be able to help, have a great weekend.