Land Rover Defender: Tailgate

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

REMOVAL

CAUTION: Protect the surrounding paintwork to avoid damage.

NOTES:

• This procedure contains illustrations showing certain components removed to provide extra clarity.
• This procedure contains some variation in the illustrations depending on the vehicle specification, but the essential information is always correct.

1. Disconnect the startup battery ground cable.

2. Remove the tailgate window.

3. Remove the tailgate latch.

4. Remove the rear window wiper motor.

5.

NOTE: Repeat the step for the other side.

• Release the 3 clips.
• Remove the tailgate frame trim.

6.

• Remove the 4 bolts.
• Remove the tailgate mounting bar.

7.

• Release the electrical connector.
• Remove the 2 nuts.
• Release the 4 clips.
• Remove the tailgate exterior door handle.

8.

• Remove the 2 bolts.
• Remove the spare wheel support.

9.

Remove the 5 bolts.

10.

CAUTION: The component(s) may be heavy. Take extra care when handling.

NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

• Remove the 2 nuts.
• Remove the spare wheel mount.

11.

• Release the 13 clips.
• Release the grommet.
• Remove the tailgate wiring harness from the tailgate.

12.

Remove the strut rod bolt.

13.

WARNING: This step requires the aid of another technician.

• Remove the 4 bolts.
• Remove the tailgate.

INSTALLATION

1.

WARNING: This step requires the aid of another technician.

• Install the tailgate.
• Install and tighten the 4 bolts.

  Torque: 60Nm

• Check the tailgate gaps and align if necessary.

2. Install and tighten the strut rod bolt.

Torque: 48Nm

3.

• Install the tailgate wiring harness to the tailgate.
• Install the grommet.
• Install the 13 clips.

4.

CAUTION: The component(s) may be heavy. Take extra care when handling.

NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

• Install the spare wheel mount.
• Install and tighten the 2 nuts.

  Torque: 60Nm

5.

Install and tighten the 5 bolts.

Torque: 60Nm

6.

NOTE: Apply Loctite 2040 to the threads.

• Install the spare wheel support.
• Install and tighten the 2 bolts.

  Torque: 6Nm

7.

• Install the tailgate exterior door handle.
• Install and tighten the 2 nuts.

  Torque: 12Nm

• Install the electrical connector.

8.

• Install the tailgate mounting bar.
• Install and tighten the 4 bolts.

  Torque: 30Nm

9.

NOTE: Repeat the step for the other side.

Install the tailgate frame trim.

10. Install the rear window wiper motor.

11. Install the tailgate latch.

12. Install the tailgate window.

13. Connect the startup battery ground cable.

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