What are Tailgate Hinges and where are they Located?
Tailgate hinges are the pivot point on which your truck or SUV's tailgate rotates when being opened and closed. They are found at the bottom of the tailgate, at the back of the vehicle. The hinge will consist of two parts, one connected to the frame of the truck bed and one connected to the tailgate itself. One side will fit into the other and move within it. In this way, it holds the tailgate in place while allowing it to open and close when loading or unloading cargo. If your vehicle has an upper glass liftgate, the liftgate will have its own hinges mounted at the top of the glass.
How do I Know if my Tailgate Hinges Need to be Replaced?
Since they are almost always exposed to the elements, these hinges have a tendency to rust out, bind up, or elongate from use. Dirt or moisture can corrode the hinges or they can simply wear out and become loose from the weight of the tailgate. Loose hinges might make your tailgate or liftgate rattle as you're driving down bumpy roads. In a worst case scenario, a worn tailgate hinge could eventually give way and let the tailgate open up. This is bad news for your cargo and worse for anyone with the bad luck to be driving behind you.
Conversely, a rusty or dirty tailgate hinge may become stuck, making it difficult to open the tailgate. This is less of a danger than a loose tailgate hinge, but could still be a major annoyance.
Can I Replace a Tailgate Hinge Myself?
Replacing the tailgate hinges won't prove too complicated, but it is a job that's easier to do with the help of an assistant. You will have to remove the tailgate. It may help to have an assistant hold it up as you disconnect it, or you will have to find some way to prop it up. The same will be true of putting it back on. Once the tailgate is off the truck, replacing the hinges is a simple matter of unscrewing them from either side of the tailgate and from either side of the truck bed, and screwing on the new parts.
Need Replacement Tailgate Hinges?
A properly working tailgate is heavily dependent upon the condition of the tailgate hinges; if these have failed, the ability to raise and lower the tailgate will be compromised. Worse yet, it is also a disaster waiting to happen as it is possible for your tailgate to open up while driving with cargo in tow. This would not be a good outcome for your cargo, or for anyone who happens to be behind your vehicle, so get those hinges replaced immediately. If you are in need of replacing rusted, rotted, or missing tailgate hinges, then you have come to the right place! At 1A Auto, we carry a large selection of aftermarket tailgate hinges for many makes and models, and at great prices. Get your truck or SUV's tailgate back in working order and get your replacement hinges today!
At 1A Auto, we make shopping for replacement tailgate hinges for your truck or SUV easy - we're here to help you select the right part for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about our aftermarket tailgate hinges, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online.
