tailgate won't latch

[gw84]

In order for me to close the tailgate, I have to pull on the tailgate release lever with my right hand and then it will let me move this little piece with my left hand, then close it. If I don't do that, this piece (by my finger) hits and won't let it close

[Stealthee]

Grease it.

[phipps]

Clean it real well with something like WD40 and after its dry, lube it.

[rhandwor]

If cleaning doesn't work try a trip to a junk yard.

[gw84]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

If cleaning doesn't work try a trip to a junk yard.

for a whole tailgate or can I replace just that little piece?

[phipps]

You would have to replace the whole latch.

[rhandwor]

You need to call a few yards with year,make,model of your truck. Hope fully they have a tail gate with a small bend in it and they will allow you to remove what you need. My 2000 Chevy had a rod from each side and a plastic clip broke. I purchased two new clips on ebay cost around $12.00.

[gw84]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

You need to call a few yards with year,make,model of your truck. Hope fully they have a tail gate with a small bend in it and they will allow you to remove what you need. My 2000 Chevy had a rod from each side and a plastic clip broke. I purchased two new clips on ebay cost around $12.00.

small bend? As in the tailgate isn't suitable for use so they wouldn't care if it were used for parts? Does the tailgate come apart to replace the inner workings?

[gw84]

bump. I'm looking through videos on youtube (which solved a couple of my silverado problems), but all I can find in relation to repairing the tailgate are videos about replacing the handle which is obviously a common problem. My handle is fine, it's the little piece in the picture above that I need instructions on repairing. thank you

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by gw84

bump. I'm looking through videos on youtube (which solved a couple of my silverado problems), but all I can find in relation to repairing the tailgate are videos about replacing the handle which is obviously a common problem. My handle is fine, it's the little piece in the picture above that I need instructions on repairing. thank you

the tail gate has 2 pins. those pins are adjustable . move the pins out of the bed area toward the tail gate. I think its a torx bit required to loosen and move them.. over time they get pushed into the bed area and then no latching I had to do it .