How to Replace Tailgate Handle 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Created on: 2011-12-07
This video will show how to remove the tailgate liner and tailgate handle to help you fix it yourself
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step 1 :Accessing the Tailgate Handle
- Remove the eight Phillips head screws from the tailgate liner
- Pull the liner off the tailgate
- Remove the four Phillips screws from the tailgate plate
- Pull off the tailgate plate
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step 2 :Removing the Tailgate Handle
- Unclip the latch rods from the tailgate handle
- Remove the two 10mm bolts from the tailgate handle
- Pull the tailgate handle off
- If the bolts remained in the tailgate, apply penetrating oil, and break them out with vise-grip pliers
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step 3 :Installing the New Tailgate Handle
- Push the new tailgate handle into place
- Insert the two 10mm bolts into the tailgate handle
- Clip the latch rods into the handle
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step 4 :Reinstalling the Tailgate Plate and Liner
- Apply penetrating oil to the back of the tailgate handle
- Put the tailgate plate into place
- Insert the four Phillips screws into the tailgate
- Put the tailgate liner into place
- Insert the eight Phillips screws into the tailgate liner
Tools needed
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Socket Extensions
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
Ratchet
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
In this video we're going to show you how to replace the tailgate handle on this 2002 Tacoma. This handle fits many different years of Tacoma. The tools you'll need are a Phillips screwdriver and a 10mm socket with a ratchet and extension. We did have to use some vise grips to pull apart the fasteners because in our handle it was a little bit corroded and the nuts that are molded into the handle broke free.
We're going to replace the tailgate handle. First, you have to remove your rear panel here. This truck has the bed liner obviously, so we remove eight screws and then take that liner piece off the tailgate and then underneath the liner there are four more screws. Remove that and then we can remove the plate.
You want to disconnect these rods. They have little clips on them. You push the clip off, and pull the rod up and out. Push this clip off. Pull the rod out. There's two 10mm bolts. I'm going to speed it up here. I run into a problem. I try to loosen the bolts, and the nuts that are molded into the tailgate handle just start spinning. So, what I end up doing is just pulling down on the handle and just turning the bolts and pull the handle free from the truck. Herein lies the problem with these handles a lot. See that these actually stayed in behind. These were molded into the handle to hold the bolts. I'm going to spray them with a little penetrating oil. I'm going to take a pair of vise grip pliers and lock them on here as best I can. It looks like what we're going to have to do is end up breaking these bolts. In fact, that is what I do. I break one, and then, I put the vise grips onto the other nut that was supposed to be molded into the handle and break that bolt as well and then everything is cleared out to mount the new handle.
Here's your new handle from 1A Auto. I've got two M6 X 12 standard 1mm pitch. I put the handle up in, put it up high, in, and then slide it right down. I'll start the two bolts. Now I'm just using my socket and extension and tightening up those bolts by hand. Now use your ratchet and tighten them up nice and firm. Don't over-tighten them, though. Reconnect the latch rods. Now, I usually take this chance to spray a little penetrating oil, especially on the back sides of the handle. Make sure everything's working well.
I really speed it up here as I put that panel back on. Put the four screws in that hold it, and then, if you have the bed liner, put that panel back on and put the eight screws back in to hold it together.
We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
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