Adjusting rear gate latch
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 166
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From: Hawthorne, NV
Adjusting rear gate latch
When adjusting the rear gate latch, do i need to adjust both the latch hoop and the black guide? Or just the latch, or just the guide? And if i need to adjust the guide, which way do i adjust it? In or out.
I searched for a write up, but couldn't find anything.
I searched for a write up, but couldn't find anything.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,907
Likes: 185
From: Maine
ADJUSTMENT
Latch
1. Locate access hole and remove the mylar tape (2) covering it.
2. Insert a 5/32” hex-wrench through hole and into adjustment screw (3). Loosen screw.
3. Operate outside handle several times to release any restriction because of mis-alignment.
4. Tighten adjustment screw to 3 N·m (30 in. lbs.).
5. Test handle for proper operation.
Striker
NOTE: Stabilizer insert must be off when adjusting the striker.
1. Remove the stabilizer insert.
2. Loosen the striker bolts.
3. Adjust the striker up/down so that it is centered within the latch opening.
4. Adjust the striker fore/aft so the swing gate is under flush to the body -0.5 mm (+/- 1.0 mm).
5. Adjust the striker cross-car engagement to the latch by adding 2.0 mm shims as necessary.
NOTE: Make sure the striker is not twisted within the latch opening. Striker should be parallel to the opening.
6. Tighten the striker bolts to 28 N·m (21 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the stabilizer insert.
Stabilizer
1. Adjust the insert up/down so that it is centered within the stabilizer cup.
2. Adjust the insert for/aft so the swing gate is 1.0 mm over flush to the D-pillar when the insert contacts the rubber bumper in the stabilizer cup.
3. Open the tail gate and tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (90 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Make sure the stabilizer cup and insert are parallel to each other and not twisted.
4. Close the tail gate and grab the beltline. Confirm minimal for/aft movement and that closing effort is not excessive. Readjust as required.
Latch
1. Locate access hole and remove the mylar tape (2) covering it.
2. Insert a 5/32” hex-wrench through hole and into adjustment screw (3). Loosen screw.
3. Operate outside handle several times to release any restriction because of mis-alignment.
4. Tighten adjustment screw to 3 N·m (30 in. lbs.).
5. Test handle for proper operation.
Striker
NOTE: Stabilizer insert must be off when adjusting the striker.
1. Remove the stabilizer insert.
2. Loosen the striker bolts.
3. Adjust the striker up/down so that it is centered within the latch opening.
4. Adjust the striker fore/aft so the swing gate is under flush to the body -0.5 mm (+/- 1.0 mm).
5. Adjust the striker cross-car engagement to the latch by adding 2.0 mm shims as necessary.
NOTE: Make sure the striker is not twisted within the latch opening. Striker should be parallel to the opening.
6. Tighten the striker bolts to 28 N·m (21 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the stabilizer insert.
Stabilizer
1. Adjust the insert up/down so that it is centered within the stabilizer cup.
2. Adjust the insert for/aft so the swing gate is 1.0 mm over flush to the D-pillar when the insert contacts the rubber bumper in the stabilizer cup.
3. Open the tail gate and tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (90 in. lbs.).
NOTE: Make sure the stabilizer cup and insert are parallel to each other and not twisted.
4. Close the tail gate and grab the beltline. Confirm minimal for/aft movement and that closing effort is not excessive. Readjust as required.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: -
Funny you should ask this as my tailgate has had a clunk in it now for about a month or two; must be a seasonal thing. Yesterday, after examining it a little, I tweaked the stabilizer plate out about 1-2mm. Haven't taken it out yet to see if it fixed it. Thanks for the instructions ronjenx.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,907
Likes: 185
From: Maine
Funny you should ask this as my tailgate has had a clunk in it now for about a month or two; must be a seasonal thing. Yesterday, after examining it a little, I tweaked the stabilizer plate out about 1-2mm. Haven't taken it out yet to see if it fixed it. Thanks for the instructions ronjenx.
(Plastis electrical tape)
