Baffled By This

[Wabujitsu]

The video is self-explanatory. I have added a tailgate reinforcement/relocation kit, and I’ve been carrying a 35x12.50 MT on it. The mechanism *appears* to function normally, the tailgate closes with perfect alignment, but obviously something is amiss. Thoughts, good people? Thank you!

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[Flip]

Hey Jeff,

I looked around a little, I'm not sure this helps but I came across this.

Quote:
Crawl inside and remove the black plastic "vent". You can then manipulate the lock/unlock rod and the rod going from the outside push button to the latch mechanism. If neither of those work, you can feel around with your finger against the forward edge of the mechanism and pull the lever to release the tailgate. Mine "broke" last week and I manually released it. Once the tailgate is open, 3 torx bolts, remove the electric plug, and the 2 rods can be removed to pull the whole thing out. In my case, a little bolt that attaches the release arm to the rest of the mechanism fell out. I put it back in, and all is well.

 

[Flip]

Do you think it's just this part that's played out?

Mopar 68282134AE Tailgate Retainer for 18-21 Jeep Wrangler JL | Quadratec

 

[Wabujitsu]

John, thank you so much for your time and replies! Regarding your first post, it doesn’t apply because it’s describing the locking mechanism, which isn’t the issue. It IS the retainer that is clanking and thunking when I open and close the tailgate, from your second post. The problem is, I cannot see anything wrong with it. I guess I’m going to have to pull the plastic panels to get a better look.

Thanks again, brother!

 

[Heimkehr]

Jeff,
I see and hear the sound of the two detent positions engaging on the tailgate check arm. Mine does the same, from new, although yours is observably louder. Is your concern that this sound is new/louder than anticipated?

 

[Wabujitsu]

Jeff,
I see and hear the sound of the two detent positions engaging on the tailgate check arm. Mine does the same, from new, although yours is observably louder. Is your concern that this sound is new/louder than anticipated?

Thank you, James! I’m concerned with how loud it is, compared to my wife’s Jeep. Her tailgate is stock, with a 34x11.50 hanging off of it, but it makes no sound at all when it settles into both detents.

I sprayed some CLP on mine, but it made no difference.

 

[Heimkehr]

I'm just spitballing here, but...based on the functioning and the alignment otherwise being correct, possibly the tailgate check arm is sensitive to being disturbed in any manner. ?

One way to test this, which I'll agree is a bit of a bother, is to loosen or remove the tailgate reinforcement kit, recheck the internals as you're able, and then button everything back up again.

Otherwise, if it works to your satisfaction, the new sound notwithstanding, maybe just let it go for now. Just a thought.

 

[OCYJ]

Have you checked the bolts connecting the arm to the tailgate? If they are loose it will cause this sound. Same thing happened to my daughter's JK.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

I would just start taking stuff apart until it didn't click any more!

Seriously though it sounds like it got pulled out of alignment and is just lose in there. Does the brace still hold gate open?

 

[Wabujitsu]

I would just start taking stuff apart until it didn't click any more!

Seriously though it sounds like it got pulled out of alignment and is just lose in there. Does the brace still hold gate open?

Yes Scott, it does. As you can see in the video, it looks normal, it just doesn’t sound normal. I will start throwing tools at it this evening. Thanks brother!

 

[Wabujitsu]

Have you checked the bolts connecting the arm to the tailgate? If they are loose it will cause this sound. Same thing happened to my daughter's JK.

Thanks Sean; I’m gonna get off my lazy butt and work on it this evening.

 

[Wabujitsu]

Have you checked the bolts connecting the arm to the tailgate? If they are loose it will cause this sound. Same thing happened to my daughter's JK.

Sean was right; it was the one torx bolt that affixes the retainer arm to the tailgate. A few turns and no noise. I’m an idiot for having to ask about this. Too easy.

Sean, thanks for pulling my head out of my ass! ?

 

[Flip]

Sean was right; it was the one torx bolt that affixes the retainer arm to the tailgate. A few turns and no noise. I’m an idiot for having to ask about this. Too easy.

Sean, thanks for pulling my head out of my ass! ?

This is a benefit of the forum. I'm glad it was an easy fix for you. If my jeep has this problem in the future, I know exactly what to do. ?

 

[Holtadams]

Hey Jeff,

I looked around a little, I'm not sure this helps but I came across this.

Quote:
Crawl inside and remove the black plastic "vent". You can then manipulate the lock/unlock rod and the rod going from the outside push button to the latch mechanism. If neither of those work, you can feel around with your finger against the forward edge of the mechanism and pull the lever to release the tailgate. Mine "broke" last week and I manually released it. Once the tailgate is open, 3 torx bolts, remove the electric plug, and the 2 rods can be removed to pull the whole thing out. In my case, a little bolt that attaches the release arm to the rest of the mechanism fell out. I put it back in, and all is well.

John

Hey there, I have a 2020 Wrangler Rubicon, where I’m needing to replace the tailgate latch that you referenced above. its hard to believe but I was not able to disconnect the rod that connects the latch to the bottom key mechanism. Had the latch loose in my hands, but the rod had 2 bends at end where you connect the plastic yellow “holder/snap”. GRRR. LOL. what was you secret on disconnecting this rod From the plastic. I’ve found 2 other posts asking this same question, but no responses. Hmmmm

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