If your truck has a rattling tailgate when driving or going over bumps, this post explains how to inspect it and what parts to replace to fix a noisy tailgate rattle that won’t stop.
Tailgate Problems: How to Fix a Rattling Tailgate
1. Shake the Top and Bottom of the Closed Tailgate and Look for Movement
Steps for Quickly Inspecting the Tailgate
- Park in a Safe Place
Park in a place undisturbed and away from traffic and bystanders
- Grab the Top of the Tailgate and Wiggle It
Grab the top of the tailgate and wiggle it. Look for areas that may not secure well
- Grab the Bottom of the Tailgate and Wiggle It
Grab the bottom of the tailgate and wiggle it. If you feel the tailgate moving from the bottom, the hinges could be defective.
2. Check the Tailgate Latch for Movement and Rattling
Check the tailgate latch for excessive movement. The latch should be able to move but not loosely. Check the latch’s rubber bushing, which connects with the tailgate striker on the body to prevent the latch from shifting around.
If the striker looks bent, worn, or punctured, that may cause an issue with securing the tailgate. If the striker has a rubber coating, some of the coating may be missing. These are signs that the latch bushing may be defective. If the latches are defective, replace them.
3. Check the Tailgate Hinge
If the tailgate hinge can shift around, the latch will have problems securing. Pull the tailgate from the bottom and check for excessive movement like in the video about at 2:24. If the lower hinge is loose it’s usually because the plastic bushings are worn out. If the hinges are defective, replace them.
Fix Your Own Rattling Tailgate with 1A Auto’s How-to Videos
Fix tailgate latches, cables, tailgate handles, and more on many trucks with 1A Auto’s how-to videos that cover different makes and models.
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