Contents - Volkspage

Bodywork and fittings 11.9
16.5 Tailgate hinge
4 Tie a piece of string to each end of the
wiring then, noting the correct routing of the
wiring harness, release the harness rubber
grommets from the tailgate and withdraw the
wiring. When the end of the wiring appears,
untie the string and leave it in position in the
tailgate; it can then be used on refitting to
draw the wiring into position. Similarly remove
the washer tubing.
5 Using a marker pen, draw around the
outline of each hinge marking its correct
position on the tailgate (see illustration).
6 Have an assistant support the tailgate, then
using a small flat-bladed screwdriver raise the
spring clips and pull the support struts off
their balljoint mountings on the tailgate (see
illustration). Slacken and remove the bolts
securing the hinges to the tailgate and remove
the tailgate from the vehicle. Where
necessary, recover the gaskets fitted between
the hinge and tailgate.
7 Inspect the hinges for signs of wear or
damage and renew if necessary. The hinges
are secured to the vehicle by bolts which can
be accessed once the headlining has been
freed from the trim strip and peeled back. On
refitting ensure that the hinge gasket is in
good condition and secure the hinge in
position.
Support strut
8 Support the tailgate in the open position,
using a stout piece of wood, or with the help
of an assistant.
9 Using a small flat-bladed screwdriver raise
the spring clip, and pull the support strut off
16.6 Prise out the spring clips before
removing the support struts from their
balljoint mountings
its balljoint mounting on the tailgate. Note on
Coupe models the upper mounting is of pin
type and the strut is removed by sliding off
the pin; recover the washers and spacers
noting their positions. Raise the second
retaining clip then detach the strut from the
balljoint on the body and remove it from the
vehicle.
Refitting
Tailgate
10 Refitting is the reverse of removal,
aligning the hinges with the marks made
before removal.
11 On completion, close the tailgate and
check its alignment with the surrounding
panels. If necessary slight adjustment can be
made by slackening the retaining bolts and
repositioning the tailgate on its hinges. If
necessary, adjust the tailgate rubber buffers
by screwing them in or out.
Support struts
12 Refitting is a reverse of the removal
procedure, ensuring that the strut is securely
retained by its retaining clips.
Removal
1 Open the tailgate and using an Allen key
17.1 Using an Allen key to unscrew the
tailgate lock retaining screws
unscrew the two lock retaining screws (see
illustration). Withdraw the lock and
disconnect the wiring and link rod.
2 To remove the lock cylinder first remove the
trim from the inside of the tailgate, then
working through the aperture extract the
circlip from the inner end of the lock cylinder.
Insert the key then push out the cylinder from
inside and remove from the tailgate.
3 The lock cylinder housing can be removed
with the inner trim removed, by removing the
handle strip then disconnecting the control
rod and pressing out the locking lugs (see
illustrations). The housing can then be
removed from the tailgate.
4 The lock striker can be removed by
unscrewing it (see illustration).
Refitting
5 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but before
fully tightening the striker, close and open the
tailgate two or three times to centralise it.
Tighten the lock retaining screws to the
specified torque.
1 Open the boot lid and mark the position of
the hinges with a pencil or marker pen.
2 With the help of an assistant unscrew the
17.3a Removing the screws securing the
tailgate handle strip
17.3b Disconnecting the control rod
from the tailgate lock cylinder
17.4 Removing the tailgate lock striker