Liftgate Alignment

LIFTGATE ALIGNMENT

Required Special Tool:
MB990939: Brass Bar

LIFTGATE UPPER ALIGNMENT




1. If the striker is not engaged with the latch properly, adjust by loosening the striker mounting screws.




2. If the clearance between the liftgate and the body is uneven, loosen the liftgate-side liftgate hinge mounting bolts to adjust it.
Liftgate hinge mounting nut tightening torque: 7.0 ± 3.0 N.m (43 ± 26 in-lb).

LIFTGATE LOWER ALIGNMENT




1. If the striker is not engaged with the latch properly, remove the quarter trim lower Replace the striker mounting screw with an adequate bolt, and use the special tool MB990939 and a hammer to tap the bolt head in the desired direction to adjust the striker.




2. If the clearance between the liftgate and the vehicle body is uneven, remove the rear bumper assembly and loosen the body-side liftgate hinge mounting nuts to adjust the liftgate lower so that the clearance between the liftgate and body becomes even.
Liftgate hinge mounting nut tightening torque: 20 ± 5 N.m (15 ± 3 ft-lb).

ADJUSTMENT OF LIFTGATE HEIGHT




Rotate the damper by using the arrow mark on the damper as a guide to adjust the liftgate height The damper height is altered by roughly 3 mm (0.12 inch) when the damper is rotated once.

NOTE: If a rattling noise is heard due to the vibration of the liftgate when the vehicle is being driven, adjust the damper height until the damper is seated on the vehicle body The damper should be seated on the vehicle body regardless of a rattling noise.