I just purchased a new tailgate handle from GM parts. Need some tips on how to replace old broken one. Do I only remove star screws from the inside of the tailgate? Do I need to remove some of the armour on the tailgate? Thanks for your detailed directions.
John
I just finished replacing mine. It took about an hour. Here's my step by step.
1. take off the two outside bolts on the inside of the tailgate behind the handle.
2. Now gently pull off the cladding around the latch. It is still held on by two christmas tree style holders.
3. Tie some long ropes to each of the two rods that the handle pulls together. You don't want them getting away from you.
4. Now free the rods from the plastic clamps. This is the point of no return. Mine would not go back together. A small screw driver shoved in from the end along the seam will pop them easily.
5. Now remove the remaining 3 T40 bolts on the back of the tailgate.
6. The handle assembly is now free to come out. Hold on to it as you lift the tailgate back up. Don't shut the tailgate all the way.
7. Work the old handle out. I did not take any of the cladding off. It took about five minutes of gentle manipulations to get it out. I did have to pull on the metal tongue that comes up right in front of it.
8. Pop the replacement plastic clamps into their corrent places in the new handle. Hinge side down. Don't fasten them.
9. Put the new handle in the same way you took the old one out.
10. Attach with the 3 T40 bolts. Dont fully tighten, just snug. I would recommend some blue loctite as well.
11. Now shut the tailgate so that it latches. Place the pull rods in the plastic clamps and fasten them. Don't pull on the rods, just put them in the clamps.
12. Your door should work now. Try it a couple of times. Pull on both sides of the tailgate to make sure each is held tight. If so, tighten up all the bolts, put the cladding on, and your done.
13. If your door won't latch, the rods are being pulled together too much. Undue the plastic clamps, push the rods apart and reset them in the clamps.
It is a lot easier to remove if you cut out a section of the tailgate, the 3" tab in front of the lever. see link below for photos.
http://www.chevyavalancheclub.com/index....
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HOW DO YOU REMOVE THE COVER ON TOP OF THE TAILGATE TO REMOVE THE OLD TAILGATE LATCH?
THANK YOU
Itis easier to cut out the metal tailgate section, about 3" x 3" section in front og=f the lever. see photos at http://www.chevyavalancheclub.com/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=96
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how do you get the old handle out.?
I need to remove the old handle on the rear tail gate of 2004 chevy Avalanche
Great step by step. Saved me $$$$ and got the satisfaction of doing it myself. Only step I missed was 11. Make sure tailgate is shut and latched then place pull rods in position.
we follow the instruction and it was so nice thank you very much we had the same probleme very helpful. Thanks again !!!
Same problem. Followed instructions, Worked perfectly. Thanks
I have the same problem the latch broke is there a diagram?
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
Great advice. You really have to "Man-handle" the old latch assemble and the same with putting the new one in, but your instructions were dead-on the money. My brother-in-law has an 02 Avalanche and drove over to my house asking for my help because he couldnt get the old latch out. I spent about 5 minutes surfing the net and ound your site. THanks so much. We couldn;t have replaced without your step-by-step.
Raymond651
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