how to repair tailgate handle?

[sapien]

well I know it's a common problem on these vehicles for the tailgate handle to get rusty/sticky, and after a few years it doesn't want to work anymore. I have trouble opening the rear door on both my Trackers. any pointers on how to fix it?

[louthepou]

It's indeed one rust prone article. I lube pretty much all hinges, handles etc. Every time I change the engine oil.

For a quick fix, try some penetrating lube both on the parts latching on to the truck, and also try getting some inside the handle itself. It might be messy, but might be enough to get things loose enough.

For a better job, or if something's broken, not just stuck, you'll want to take a good look at the mechanism. You'd need tor remove the inside rear door trim I suspect.

Hope this helps, let us know!

Louis

[wuppy]

The tailgate on my Tracker is a pain to open because the handle doesn't spring back anymore. Once you pull on it and the door opens you have to take you key and pry the handle back to the home position unit the handle will work again. I am going to take it apart when the weather gets warmer and fix that though.

[sapien]

I have the same problem on both my Trackers. I have 2 spare tailgates so I'm going to take one apart this weekend and try to figure it out. I was hoping someone would know what parts need to be replaced since this is so common.

[Denver]

Hello
No need to replace it. You have it out anyhow.
A good penetrating fluid, and keep working it.
Suggest copper coat when reinstalling. The copper
coat doesn't wash out a collect the dirt as bad.
Denver

[Neutron]

I got a little original with mine. Mine was so frozen, the best oil only got it to sticky. What i did was take the interior door panel off, and i rerigged and bent some linkages so that when you turn the key in the lock in the right direction, it pops the door. Its been a while since i did it and i dont remember exactly how, but it can be done, and may work out for you.
Hope this helps.

[mehlen]

My 90 Tracker was given to me and here in NY we use a LOT of salt on the road. The truch had sat for two years and the tailgate latch was fozen (with rust) latched. I thought it was locked at first. I took the interior cover off, laid a rag inside to catch the excess lube and began spaying daily with PB Blaster (the best stuff on earth) for about a week. I was able to begin working it after a couple of days and it got easier and easier, but it never did get to like new. So, I picked up a package of springs at the parts store and bent/stretched one to assist with the lock return and hooked it to a crossmember like rib above the lock mechanism inside the door. I followed this with some lithium grease. It worked great, although somewhat jury rigged that was 8 mo. ago and it still worked good this afternoon. Maybe it sounds harder that it was, as long as no parts are broken you could probably do the same thing. good luck - mehlen

[Gman]

Greetings, mehlem

Good to read your posts, Hear from you (first time in my case) and welcome you back... Noticed your last posting was back in Aug...

I'm guessing you went for a long distance Vacation in your Tracker and... with the good music and all...

Jeff

[ussexplorer]

I had the same problem. The latch got so gummed up. I thought it busted. After getting the door open. I opened the latch to find out all the old greese turned into little balls. So I cleaned it all out and put greese in the latch. Works like a champ. Wish I had something other than plain greese. But it works just fine. Next I need to greese up my power window rails. Also I spray wd-40 into the locks when they start getting stiff to turn.

later,

ussexplorer

[sapien]

mehlen's idea about adding an assist spring is a good one! I think I'll do that on both my Trackers this "Spring"

[sheddy]

very `drull` gsapien very drull

[sapien]

well I just wanted to reiterate what a great idea it was to add a secondary spring! I bought a pair of springs ($2) at the hardware store, they are 2-1/2" x 7/16"; found them in the aisle where they have drawer & cabinet parts. I took one and hooked it to the bottom of the rod connected to the handle on the inside of the tailgate, and hooked the other end to the triangular bracket above it, that supports the lock mechanism. works great, better than new! the handle has a firmer feel to it, and easily springs right back into position. I also lubed up all the moving parts real well, of course.

[rileysowner]

This is an interesting thread. I have had problems with the tailgate handle for almost as long and I have owned the vehicle. The spring idea sounds good.

Part of me really likes the idea of changing things so that when I turn the key the door not only unlocks, but unlatches. Then you could remove the handle on the outside completely and fill the holes left behind and paint the whole thing. I have a lot of rust around the handle (the wonderful biodegradable Tracker) and would not be unhappy to have it gone for good

[sapien]

fixed my '94 in a similar fashion and hooked the auxiliary spring up in a way that has even more tension... that handle SNAPS back now, it'll never get stuck again!

[dieselstench]

Alright well My Suzuki is missing the handle itself and have to get it opened and get to the light assembly to replace brake bulbs. Any tricks on how to get it open without a handle would be appreciated.
99 Suzuki tracker