Rear Liftgate- Metal on Metal

[Alpentalic]

Somehow the plastic covering on my rear liftgate latch tore off and has left just the metal exposed. When closing or unlatching the liftgate it makes a terrible metal on metal sound that can’t be sustainable….

Does anyone have an idea of a coating I can put back on it that would save having to replace the $200+ latch? It otherwise functions fine. I thought maybe a latex product or paint on plastic that dries hard? Anyone else run into this?

 

[bloc]

I doubt you'll find any rubber or plastic material that will actually survive the forces involved and stay in place.. That's the reason the stock part is molded directly into a layer of plastic in the first place. I'd consider periodic application of a good grease to cut down on the noise and friction of the metal contact, probably with high moly content which helps with metal sliding across metal.

 

[Alpentalic]

That's a good call, thanks @bloc . I'll grease it up and see how long I can live with the slam.

 

[linuxgod]

UHMW tape?

 

[CharlieS]

Personally, I'd replace it before it does more than the part costs in metal on metal damage?


I think this may be the whole part:

Trunk Lock Actuator Motor
69350-60200
Lock
Incl.Latch. 2013-17. Land Cruiser.
MSRP $251.38
$183.51

There are also several on ebay for slightly less.

There is also helicopter tape, also used as bike frame protection material that might help. But I'd just replace it.