Keep your ears open boys. While closing my tailgate on my '10 FX4 Screw, at 2/3 closed it makes an annoying crack or snap sound. I assumed it had something to do with the helper spring (or whatever internal tailgate parts are related) has a problem. A trip to the dealer has confirmed this, and seems to be a common problem. BTW, I do not have the step incorporated in my gate. They also said it was a 2+ hour fix, and they wanted my whole truck to fix it...
what a PITA. Appt set for Saturday.
As you all know, the tailgate on these things feels alot lighter to close than any of the old school ones, and it is not because its made of some fancy aircraft aluminum. These are just as heavy as the old ones, but Ford incorporated a helping assembly inside. The service writer knew exactly what my problem was, and said they have a boat load of replacement parts in stock. If mine wasn't under warranty I'd take it apart and do it myself, but I'll let them do it until it costs me labor money. By his reaction, it wouldn't surprise me if there was a TSB on this issue. Call your dealer boys, and get ER done!
The snap is a cracked and binding left hand hinge. It's the plastic part attached to the torsion bar. As it turns it binds in the pocket it sits in. The snap is when the torque of the torsion bar exceeds the binding and the hinge turns.
My 07 did this for about 2 years before I figured out what the heck was happening. You can lube this thing until the cows come home and the problem comes back in a few weeks or days.
I think there's an issue with the design of the injection molded plastic part. I wonder how long it will take before this annoying problem shows up on my 11.
Truck went to dealer this morning, but had to take it home still sick.... When they opened up the gate, they discovered that not only was the plastic bushing damaged, but the rod itself was broken too. They only stock the bushings, and the rod comes in a kit with new bushings. So I wait some more I guess. But for sure, if your tailgate makes a loud click when you are closing it, you have a warrant-able problem.....
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