Range rover classic tailgate won't open

[Nick1point9]

My 1990 RRC tailgate won't open. The lock unlocks and presses in, and giving it a stiff pull (no laughing at the back) the middle part raises, but it's "stuck" at the edges. I can see a pin between the body and the tailgate on each side but can't see how to free it off.

Any help greatly appreciated, it's a bit annoying having to drop the seats and climb into the boot to retrieve things...

[camel_landy]

Ahhh yes, common problem. It rots out and falls apart!

Can't remember exactly how it is put together but your best bet is to pull it apart and have a look. Then replace with an alloy one.

M

[Nick1point9]

So is the likely cause that the mechanism by which the opening button actuates the sides is rotten and now detached? The tailgate is indeed rotten and will be changed later in the year!

[DKL]

If you get into the boot you should be able to remove the 2 covers that stretch from the lock in the centre to each side lock. There is a rod underneath which is what opens the catches. Each has an adjuster so by moving these (loosening) or getting a large pair of pliers and pulling you should be able to release each lock.
I have one that closes and one that doesn't!

[RicksAlfas]

DKL said:

If you get into the boot you should be able to remove the 2 covers that stretch from the lock in the centre to each side lock. There is a rod underneath which is what opens the catches. Each has an adjuster so by moving these (loosening) or getting a large pair of pliers and pulling you should be able to release each lock.

This is what you need to do.
Once you've freed it off give everything a really good lubricating and jiggle everything backwards and forwards as far as it will go.

You've got one of these each side of the tailgate. The silver rod is what you need to pull with your pliers.
The latch is the bit that needs lubing and manipulating once you've got it open.

[Nick1point9]

Bloody hell they're seized!!! 6 years of not opening has allowed A LOT of rust to build up... Tailgate is scrap but need it opening in the mean time before replacing it. I take it the bit I'm meant to be pulling on is meant to be free to rotate? As I can't see how the tension can be adjusted otherwise!

One of them is starting to free off but the other is properly stuck, so left them both sitting in penetrating fluid and will attack again tomorrow.

[paintman]

The hexagonal bar you can see sticking out needs to be pulled towards the middle of the car to release the catch - which is the silver coloured piece with the 'U' in it.
To adjust the rods from the centre release mechanism you turn the hexagonal bar on the male threaded ends of the rods after undoing the locknuts. This determines how much engagement there is with the catches. Too much & it won't release, too little & bumps in the road will open it

If you replace the tailgate with an aluminium framed one (I used the self-assembly one from Famous Four & my old glass) then when closing the tailgate press on the sides, not the centre or you will bow it in the middle which can cause problems!

Edited by paintman on Friday 1st February 08:42