How to Assemble a Chevy S-10 Tailgate Latch

The Chevrolet S-10's tail gate latch is held on to the tail gate through a few screws. Once you remove the screws, you can take out the tail gate and disassemble it to repair or replace the locking cylinder. Assembling the tail gate latch is a fairly simple process and you should expect to spend no more than twenty minutes performing the task.

Things You'll Need

• Slotted screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Socket wrench

Instructions

Removal

1. Open the tail gate and use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the tail gate cover plate.

2. Pull the tail gate cover plate off the tail gate. Disconnect the tailgate handle control rod from the handle with the slotted screwdriver.

3. Pull the handle out and disconnect the left and right latching rods from the lock assembly.

4. Remove the retaining bolts from the lock assembly and pull it out of the truck.

Assembly

1. Place the latch lock assembly back into the truck and secure it by reinstalling the retaining bolts.

2. Reattach the left and right latching rods to the lock assembly and place the handle back into the tail gate.

3. Reattach the tail gate cover plate and close the tail gate.

References

• "General Motors Full-Size Trucks 1988-1998 Repair Manual: Chevrolet/GMC Pick-Ups, Sierra, Blazer, Tahoe, Yukon and Suburban"; Chilton Automotive Books; 1998