Tailgate hinge click

[DakotaTJ]

Can’t post a video. But there is a clicking sound coming from the tailgate hinges. I need to install longer bumpers for the 31 inch tire I have on the back, which I have but still need to install. But….I get the noise with putting the smallest amount of pressure on the tailgate.

I can’t imagine the 31 incher is too heavy or is it….

 

[macleanflood]

Post it to YouTube and share the link.

-Mac

 

[DakotaTJ]

Post it to YouTube and share the link.

-Mac

Done. Thanks!

 

[DakotaTJ]

Any ideas? This noise is driving me crazy.

 

[macleanflood]

None. But I'll bump the thread and maybe someone can help.

-Mac

 

[DakotaTJ]

Shot a little WD-40 on them this afternoon. Improved somewhat, still making noise though.

 

[DaveC]

Doesn't look like the tailgate is moving at all when you apply the pressure - is that right - no pivoting or sliding that would point to loose bolts to tighten? If not, how about the plastic dust covers on the hinges - could they be binding and releasing/rubbing over each other to make the snap/pop?

 

[DakotaTJ]

Doesn't look like the tailgate is moving at all when you apply the pressure - is that right - no pivoting or sliding that would point to loose bolts to tighten? If not, how about the plastic dust covers on the hinges - could they be binding and releasing/rubbing over each other to make the snap/pop?

Correct. Applying the slightest bit of pressure. I don't believe I have plastic dust covers.

 

[DaveC]

Correct. Applying the slightest bit of pressure. I don't believe I have plastic dust covers.

They'd be the black outer skins on the hinges and swing arms you can see here. Wasn't sure in the video. If not those and there's no movement that would point to a loose hinge bolt on either the tailgate itself or the tub that needs to be tightened, that's tough one. How about the bolts on the tire carrier - all tight and nothing shifting?

 

[DakotaTJ]

They'd be the black outer skins on the hinges and swing arms you can see here. Wasn't sure in the video. If not those and there's no movement that would point to a loose hinge bolt on either the tailgate itself or the tub that needs to be tightened, that's tough one. How about the bolts on the tire carrier - all tight and nothing shifting?

View attachment 609725

Mine's a 98 so no covers. The sound is definitely coming from the hinge. I'm going to butcher this explanation. But it's inside where the swing arms attach to the piece that is connected to the body.

 

[macleanflood]

There is a nut plate behind the hinge... perhaps it's moving around?

-Mac

 

[DuckNut]

To me it sounds like Mac is on the trail.

My guess is one of the hinges has moved and is not exactly inline with the other.

Put your hand on the hinge and have it make the noise. That will tell you exactly where it is coming from. Starting point.

 

[jonny jeep]

My tailgate hinges used to click as the pins were dry and the tailgate was pretty stiff to swing open and closed.

I drilled holes in the center of the hinge in line with the pins, then threaded the holes with a plug tap and fitted some M6 flush grease nipples. I couldn't really get any grease in so removed the nipples and sprayed penetrant into the holes whilst swinging the tailgate. I then refitted the nipples to plug the holes and tried to get grease in again. Not sure I got any more than a smidge in, but over the next few days opening and closing the tailgate several times it freed up and still swings easily with no clicks.

 

[DakotaTJ]

Good stuff. Thanks guys!

 

[JJeep]

Since you are 98 you have the old style hinge. Mine did the exact same thing sound wise, you really had to heave to get it open. I ended up pressing the pins out (huge pain) and drilled out the old bushing up to 1/2" and pressed in some bronze bushings.

 

[DakotaTJ]

The WD-40 I shot in there seems to be working. I'm wondering if there wasn't something lodged in there causing the click. It's always swung open and closed just fine. Fingers crossed that this fix lasts.

 

[LONGJP2]

The WD-40 I shot in there seems to be working. I'm wondering if there wasn't something lodged in there causing the click. It's always swung open and closed just fine. Fingers crossed that this fix lasts.

Remove spare to check tailgate hinges for play.
Easier to lift when extended out.

 

[DakotaTJ]

Remove spare to check tailgate hinges for play.
Easier to lift when extended out.

Got it. Thanks!