W210 tailgate lock failure

[Frank Patten]

Hi All,
The hook in the tailgate latch on my W210 tailgate doesn't stay in the open position and I cannot close the tailgate. The hook just flops back and forth. If I hold the manual handle in the open position, push the hook fully back (open) then release the manual handle then I can close and lock it.
I suspect a return spring of some sort is broken but before I start pulling all the innner lining off, can anyone tell me roughly what to expect?

 

[television]

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.626&CT=F&cat=65S&SID=74&SGR=030&SGN=02

No seperate spring its all in the lock. when you have removed it you should see the broken spring,though not listed as a spare part,any spring would do.

If it is a coil spring and the end has broken off, just push a screwdriver down through the last turn on the spring and bend it out, you can then open this up, and re hook it on.

malcolm

 

[Frank Patten]

Thanks television, I will tackle it as soon as I have some spare time when its not raining!

 

[television]

Thanks television, I will tackle it as soon as I have some spare time when its not raining!

If we are waiting for the rain to stop it will never get done.

Malcolm

 

[Frank Patten]

Took the tailgate lining off, found that the hook on the lock has a post about 1 inch long riveted to it, with the spring attached to it. The post was bent upwards, changing the geometry and thus preventing the spring from working properly. I put a heavy screwdriver in and levered it back into position. Works great now, but I must remember not to slam it in future!