W124 estate tailgate latch

[SilverSaloon]

hi

i have fitted a new tailgate to my 1994 W124 estate.

i've adjusted it best i can via the hinge bolts at the top, but the new tailgate isnt quite pushing against the seals at the bottom as much as i'd like, there is a few mm of play if you press on the tailgate whilst shut.

however i cant undo the two large phillips screws that hold the locking latch to the bottom of the floor to adjust it.

does anyone have any tips or ideas on how to get the screws loose without chewing them up, which is my biggest fear.

thanks!

Derek

 

[developer]

hi

i have fitted a new tailgate to my 1994 W124 estate.

i've adjusted it best i can via the hinge bolts at the top, but the new tailgate isnt quite pushing against the seals at the bottom as much as i'd like, there is a few mm of play if you press on the tailgate whilst shut.

however i cant undo the two large phillips screws that hold the locking latch to the bottom of the floor to adjust it.

does anyone have any tips or ideas on how to get the screws loose without chewing them up, which is my biggest fear.

thanks!

Derek

Hello Derek,

On my W211 they were Torx bolts, not Philips, and therefore need a Torx socket - could yours be the same?

 

[SilverSaloon]

no they are very large phillips it appears, not torx.

i have a screwdriver that fits it but i cannot get them to undo. i also tried a power drill on reverse on it (with the screwdriver attachment) with no luck.

 

[developer]

no they are very large phillips it appears, not torx.

i have a screwdriver that fits it but i cannot get them to undo. i also tried a power drill on reverse on it (with the screwdriver attachment) with no luck.

An impact driver "shocks" the fitting into undoing and they're very effective, but I'm not sure how firm the panel they are bolted to is - you might simply dent it.

I'm sure a knowledgeable person willl be along soon.

 

[bolide]

An impact driver or air gun is needed for these. If they've never been off before they're tighter than a tight thing

Once you get them loose you'll find a stack of shims under the loop - you don't need to remove the loop to get at the shims. The loop also adjusts in & out

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

 

[SilverSaloon]

thanks - i think i'll visit a couple of small garages in the hope someone will loosen them for a pint