Tailgate Handle Lubrication

Greetings.
There may already be a thread on this, so I apologize if that's the case.

I caught covid last week and it's been kicking me square in the pants. I finally had enough energy to go outside and actually do something with myself.
I've had a really sticky/spongy feeling tailgate handle for as long as I can remember. After some tinkering, I've made my tailgate handle easy to pull and buttery smooth.
Links to everything used will be located at the bottom of the post.

Tools required:
Torx 30 bit (some report T35 on their rigs)
Red Scotch Brite
Contact Cleaner/WD40
White Lithium Grease
Rag
Optional: Gloves

1. Locate and remove x8 Torx 30 screws. Remove Tailgate outer plastic and inner metal shield panels.
   
   
   
2. Locate the two pushrod guide/retaining clips, located to the left and right of the tailgate handle mechanism. remove the pushrods from these clips. (Clips Broken? Check below for OEM part #)
   
   
3. Using a piece of Red Scotch Brite, abrase the areas where the pushrods ride inside the pushrod guide clips.
   
   
4. Using contact cleaner/WD40, clean out pushrod guide clips and abrased area of pushrod. Apply white lithium grease into the pushrod guide clips. Clip pushrods back into pushrod guide clips. Actuate tailgate handle to squish out any excess, clean excess with a rag.
   
   
5. Using a rag and contact cleaner/WD40, Clean the circled area (use your finger to depress the latch mechanism for thorough cleaning). Apply white lithium grease as shown in photo. Actuate tailgate handle to squish out any excess, clean excess with a rag.
   
   
6. (optional/not pictured): You may squirt the insides of the latch mechanisms on either end of the tailgate. I did not notice any difference before or after doing this, but it's up to you.
7. Reverse the tailgate disassembly process, reinstall the metal inner cover and plastic outer cover. Done!

Links/info:
Tailgate Pushrod Retainer/Guide Clips: https://parts.toyota.com/p/63255144/6974934010.html
Scotch Brite Pad: White Lithium Grease: T30 Torx Bit:

$7 TEKTON 3/8" Drive x T30 Torx Bit Socket | SHB14230

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R7DFYCS
WD40:

$15 WD-40 Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw Sprays 2 Ways, 11 OZ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NV5PRE/
Rag: dude...

 

Nice write up! I did this several months ago too... made a HUGE difference. I agree that WD40 is a great cleaner (and a terrible lubricant). Instead of white lithium grease, I used Dupont dry-film wax lubricant... it doesn't attract or hold dirt, which seemed advantageous in the tailgate (think dirt roads, etc.). There are quite a few similar products out there now, but the key being "dry film". It usually comes in a spray can.

 

Thanks! I used white lithium grease because it's what I had on hand, though if I had my choice between WLG and a dry alternative, I would choose the grease again. The inside cavity of my tailgate hadn't been cleaned in upwards of 8 years and wasn't all that dirty. I understand the WLG is a risk for getting an accumulation/buildup of dirt and grit on the pushrods, but I think it will stay lubricated for longer than it would with dry lube. The tailgate is somewhat sealed up, so I'm not that worried about it. If it really gets bad I'll just clean it and lubricate with something else, but I don't anticipate it. Honestly speaking, just the Scotch Brite treatment did 70% of the work on making the handle easy/smooth to use.

 

Yup! There was a thread for that one, but this one is great. Here's a link to the other one, which covers how to repair broken clips, what the part numbers are, etc.: https://www.tundras.com/threads/how...gate-clip-repair-overhaul-beef-up-lube.94180/

PS - sorry to hear about the health issues. Keep on kickin' man.

 

Yep, when it takes more than 2 fingers to open the tailgate, it's time for a clean and lube.

 

Title can be misleading, I read "tail handle lubricant"??? I started thinking coconut oil, it's all natural and the body absorbs it quite well