Tailgate doesn't feel secure

Hi all, hope I can explain this well. I've noticed recently that when opening my tailgate the handle will stay open, as if there is no tension in the cable and when I close it it sometimes feels as if one of the latches doesn't secure. I got my bed Rhino lined a few weeks ago but I'm not sure if the issue arose before or after, unfortunately.

Does anyone have any advice as to what the issue might be?

 

You should give it a compliment once in a while, tell it how slim it looks and how its in great shape for its age.

 

Take off the access panel, 8x or so torx head screws and investigate. Mine was sticking recently. Got in and cleaned it up and lubricated all the moving parts. Good as new now.

 

This . . .^^^^^^^

 

Righteous. Thanks. Do you have a degreaser and lube you recommend? I assume that's what you mean by "cleaned up"?

 

I hit the moving parts with some carb or brake cleaner or something similar to clean it up and get the grime off. Both in the middle mechanism and the outside strikers. For lube I believe I used ample amount of white lithium grease spray. Ran the action a few times then hit it again. Cleaned up any over spray and buttoned her back up.

 

This is some solid advice.

Unrelated, but my tailgate got to where it wouldn't open without a lot of effort. I took my panel off and turns out the cables were worn out and bending inside. Replaced both of them and the tailgate opens and shuts very smooth.

 

Funny, I just did this today, my mechanism was so stiff I was afraid something would break soon. I used a plastic safe contact cleaner (lots of plastic bits in there) and a tooth bush to clean the gunk. Then a small amount of a lubricating spray lube (not WD-40) on the parts that pivot and move, and some light weight lithium grease on the latching bits. Easy and smooth to open now, just one finger needed. Also, the rods or linkage that run to the latches, run through plastic clips to guide them, and since they slide through the clips when you open the gate i put a small bit of grease there as well so the linkage won't drag. It all added up to a smooth action.

 

Had same thing after my Line X
Somehow they got some spray on the rods. And the rods where rubbing against something.
Don't remember exactly, its been awhile. But was easy fit once take of the tailgate service panel. Also if it works great with the panel off. You know the rods are bent and it is rubbing against the panel.

 

So the normal tailgate servicing removed the residue spray?

 

FWIW: WD-40 is a great cleaner for an application like this. Then lubricate with your grease of choice.