Tools for Replacing a Lift Gate Latch

Series Summary

Your car is a complex machine made up of simple machines that have many different parts and processes that must be checked for breakage, leaks, and wear. A properly working lift gate is a great convenience for any sport utility vehicle owner. It happens sometimes that SUV owners have to fix or replace the lift gate latch. Would you like to know how to replace the lift gate latch yourself to save you money on your auto repairs? The process is not as complicated as it sounds, and makes a great do-it-yourself weekend project. In this free auto repair video series learn how to replace a lift gate latch from certified mechanic Nathan McCullough. Nathan will tell you what tools and steps are required for replacing the lift gate latch on a sport utility vehicle such as a Ford Explorer. He will demonstrate essential auto repair techniques such as how to remove the grab handle on a lift gate latch, how to remove the door skin on an SUV lift gate, how to remove the vent assembly on a lift gate, how to remove door latch bolts on a car frame, how to disconnect the latch rod assembly on a lift gate, how to remove a lift gate latch, how to clean and lubricate a lift gate latch, how to install a lift gate latch, how to connect lift gate latch electronics, how to install a vent assembly on a lift gate, how to install door skin on your vehicle, and how to install screws on your lift gate latch grab handle.

Video Transcript

"Today we're changing a real latch on a '96 Ford Explorer. In this step, I'm going to talk about the tools and supplies required in order to change a rear lift gate latch. First off, what I have in front of me is my standard and metric socket set. Most of what you're going to need is going to be in the quarter-inch variety, your smaller stuff. You're going to be looking at like six, seven and eight millimeter sockets. I have a large Philips screwdriver. A large common tip or flat blade screwdriver. Got my five way, its actually a carpenters tool, but it works great for removing interior body panels. Have my magnetic tray of course for holding any fasteners we take off. I have a used lift gate latch. Now this guy here, I paid five bucks for as compared to the price at the parts house around sixty bucks. And we verified that it worked at the salvage yard. If you opt for the used variety, its a good idea to go ahead and take in clean it out with some brake cleaner and re-lubricate it with some heavy duty silicone. If you use a new one, you of course don't have to perform that step. These are the tools and supplies required in order to change your rear lift gate latch."