Lube Tailgate Springs for 2003 Chevy Z71

MCGA · 08-03-2008, 02:50 PM

My tailgate hooks have been sticking in an open position so that the gate will not latch shut. I was told to lube the spring at each hook and at gate latch. Anyone ever had this issue? What lube should I use?...WD-40? Also, do I have to remove the 3 bolts from the inside of the bed to do this?

Thanks in advance!!!!!

MCGA

junior3382 · 08-03-2008, 02:56 PM

I have just shot them with WD-40 in the past, sprayed right in, and never had an issue. They stick ocasionally, it does work. I would not think you should have to rmove everything, unless you wanted to completely clean and lube everything. Welcome to the forum by the way.

03chevy · 08-03-2008, 03:52 PM

after you use wd40 and get it working good. put some grease in there so you will not have to worry about it for awhile

mudseeker · 08-03-2008, 08:37 PM

the springs are not your problem, chevy has a poorly design tailgate handle. if you were to unhook the rods from your handle, i would be willing to bet a cold beverage that the latches would close like they should.

you need to remove your handle and drill the factory rivet out and replace it with a bolt and nylock nut.

New Truck

junior3382 · 08-03-2008, 08:51 PM

what is it with people betting a cold drink all of a sudden? LOL.... There are minors on this forum you know! LOL....

87c10slammer · 08-03-2008, 09:10 PM

A cold beverage cold be a soda or some water lol

junior3382 · 08-03-2008, 09:15 PM

o right, maybe I should get my mind out of the gutter....LOL....

87c10slammer · 08-03-2008, 09:24 PM

Someday you might jr

junior3382 · 08-03-2008, 09:27 PM

Maybe... only time will tell! LOL...

mudseeker · 08-03-2008, 10:01 PM

minors aren't a problem as long as i don't share it with them.

08-03-2008, 02:50 PM	#1
MCGA Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: N.Georgia Posts: 1	Lube Tailgate Springs for 2003 Chevy Z71 My tailgate hooks have been sticking in an open position so that the gate will not latch shut. I was told to lube the spring at each hook and at gate latch. Anyone ever had this issue? What lube should I use?...WD-40? Also, do I have to remove the 3 bolts from the inside of the bed to do this? Thanks in advance!!!!! MCGA

08-03-2008, 02:56 PM	#2
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,040	I have just shot them with WD-40 in the past, sprayed right in, and never had an issue. They stick ocasionally, it does work. I would not think you should have to rmove everything, unless you wanted to completely clean and lube everything. Welcome to the forum by the way. __________________ *Parts have been found, tools are collecting, tensions are rising, the weather is changing...look out.... the SAS is comming!*

08-03-2008, 03:52 PM	#3
03chevy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: jax,fl Posts: 1,055	after you use wd40 and get it working good. put some grease in there so you will not have to worry about it for awhile __________________ A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste!

08-03-2008, 08:37 PM	#4
mudseeker mod-o-tator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 4,508	the springs are not your problem, chevy has a poorly design tailgate handle. if you were to unhook the rods from your handle, i would be willing to bet a cold beverage that the latches would close like they should. you need to remove your handle and drill the factory rivet out and replace it with a bolt and nylock nut. New Truck __________________ member map add yourself alldatadiy why is it, when i push one for english, i still can't understand the person on the other end? Last edited by mudseeker; 08-03-2008 at 10:03 PM. Reason: spelling

08-03-2008, 08:51 PM	#5
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,040	what is it with people betting a cold drink all of a sudden? LOL.... There are minors on this forum you know! LOL.... __________________ *Parts have been found, tools are collecting, tensions are rising, the weather is changing...look out.... the SAS is comming!*

08-03-2008, 09:10 PM	#6
87c10slammer Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: levittown pa Posts: 2,197	A cold beverage cold be a soda or some water lol

08-03-2008, 09:15 PM	#7
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,040	o right, maybe I should get my mind out of the gutter....LOL.... __________________ *Parts have been found, tools are collecting, tensions are rising, the weather is changing...look out.... the SAS is comming!*

08-03-2008, 09:24 PM	#8
87c10slammer Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: levittown pa Posts: 2,197	Someday you might jr

08-03-2008, 09:27 PM	#9
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,040	Maybe... only time will tell! LOL... __________________ *Parts have been found, tools are collecting, tensions are rising, the weather is changing...look out.... the SAS is comming!*

08-03-2008, 10:01 PM	#10
mudseeker mod-o-tator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 4,508	minors aren't a problem as long as i don't share it with them. __________________ member map add yourself alldatadiy why is it, when i push one for english, i still can't understand the person on the other end?

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