I have a loud bang when shutting tailgate half way, even after applying a lot of lube.

How difficult is it to remove the entire tailgate with OEM backup camera?

 

It's not too bad; read the manual.

First disconnect the harness underneath the bed above the spare tire. Partially open the tailgate and pull the harness out from under the bed. Open all the way and pry off cable supports with screwdriver, move tailgate to 45 degree angle to remove passenger side then 80 degree from horizontal and slide to right to remove driver's side.

I was about to pull mine off to examine the possibility of incorporating the wiring for a remote keyless actuator into the camera harness, but cancelled after determining it would require too much effort and buying a replacement factory disconnect to scavenge just one pin connector pair (it appears the camera harness uses only 4 out of the 6 pin connector, but the connector only includes 5 actual pins).

 

I was thinking about the "bang" you hear and was wondering if the torsion spring used to allow easy lowering and raising of the tailgate is broken...

 

Thank you Augster.

It feels like something is binding and then a loud bang, any idea what might cause that?

I really don't want the dealer to lay their hands on my truck.

 

I'm assuming the tailgate looks perfectly aligned when closed, so I doubt it's mounted incorrectly.

So all signs seem to indicate a broken torsion spring/bar as there is absolutely nothing else mechanically possible that would cause such loud/binding noises on a "simple" tailgate pivot, other than the pivots themselves. Either case, it will involve a trip to the dealer for repair or parts.

One other possibility is perhaps the tailgate was not installed at the proper angles (80 then 45 degrees) thereby mis-indexing the torsion spring/rod. Remove then carefully reinstall at the angles indicated...

 

I removed the tailgate panel that covers the upper 1/3 of the back side of the tailgate but I don't see any way to access the torsion bar that runs horizontally across the inside bottom of the tg.

How would the dealer replace the torsion bar (which it sounds like it most likely is)?

 

mine did the same thing and ford fixed it at my oil change!

 

Have an appointment today. I'll post an update later.

 

So I convince the service rep that in the interest of saving time and not having to leave the truck there twice just send out a mechanic to confirm the torsion bar needs replacing. I did this because first I checked with the parts dept. to verify that the part was not in stock and it would need to be ordered. This way no need to leave the truck there today only to have to come back another day and leave it again when the part arrives.

The mechanic comes outside and says he never addressed a problem like this before. I lift the tailgate up and down a couple of times so he can hear the bang and he suggests that it may be 'dry' and 'need some lube'. I told him I already wasted half a can of lube with no change. He proceeds to have a look at it to see what was involved with removal and it was obvious by his confusion with the wiring for the backup camera that he has never removed a tailgate.

I can't say it enough, I absolute dread taking the truck in to the dealer for any reason.

If it wasn't for forums like this I would be at their mercy, really greatful for all the support here.

I'll be taking it in later this week.

 

Sounds like you need to find a dealer with a better service department.

 

I've been looking, this is my 2nd dealer so strick 2 for me and the search continues.

 

Your problem absolutely is the helper spring. I had the same symptom, and dealer repaired under warranty.

 

I agree on a better dealer. I'm lucky enough to live 5 min. away from a little country dealership that moves more vehicles than most larger dealers. Great techs & fair prices.

 

Canadian,
Did they remove the TG to slide the torsion bar out?

 

I believe it involves taking the inside access panel off, and replacing things from the inside of the gate. They had my truck for a whole day. I asked them to just take the gate, but they refused. I had to leave the whole truck. They didn't want to be "responsible" for a loose tail gate. B/S if you ask me, but I didn't push it.