Tailgate Rattle Solved... sort of

[4RunnerMexico]

Been chasing down a rattle in the tailgate. Removed the plastic cover and insulation and hunted around to no avail. Finally realized it was actually the entire tailgate shaking around because the latch has play in it, or something like that.

I shoved a used magic eraser in the latch down near the bumper. No more rattle, the noise is gone. Obviously this isn't a permanent solution. Should i be looking to replace the latch? Or is there any adjustment as to where the tailgate sits when closed?
Thanks

 

[gaber6]

I bet if you loosen those bolts, there's enough play in that latch to make an adjustment farther or closer to the strike point.
Another thought is do we have adjustable bump stops on the rear like the hood has in the front?

 

[t-rex grrr]

I experienced the same issue, and it drove me nuts trying to hunt it down!

I ended up replacing the entire latch, which helped, but I think what really caused the rattle/squeak was the dirt I found in the locking mechanism on the tailgate. I now occasionally clean it out with a paper towel to prevent the rattle/squeaks. So far so good.

 

[blackoutt]

I just apply the annual single wrap of electrical tape! You'll see where it wears through by the next year or earlier if you drive on a lot of washboard.

 

[4RunnerMexico]

I bet if you loosen those bolts, there's enough play in that latch to make an adjustment farther or closer to the strike point.
Another thought is do we have adjustable bump stops on the rear like the hood has in the front?

The ones on the sides of the tailgate are sort of adjustable. I loosened and moved those forwards a little, also unbolted the bottom latch and managed to move it slightly. I don't really think its meant to be adjustable, but i did manage to adjust it enough to calm the rattle down a bit