Liftgate maintenance... odd question

Spray some WD40 on the hinges and the ball joint ends of each pneumatic damper. This should be done every 6 months (don't forget the door hinges as well).

JeffD

 

My '04 developed a squeak and rattle in the rear that was driving me crazy. I finally isolated the problem to the spoiler. After removing the plastic panel, I was able to access the threaded fasteners and tighten them up - fixed the problem.

 

I dont have squeaks, creaks or creeps in my trunk area....

But I do have bad liftgate shocks. In the cold, the liftgate needs to be pushed up with significant force and then it usually falls and bangs me in the head

 

I've been told to NOT use WD40 in situations as described because it being petroleum based it will actually attract dirt. So it was recommended to use a silicone or synthetic lubricant.

I know in the bicycling world there are those that WON'T use WD40 on their bike chains for that reason.

 

I use this on my cars and bicycle:
WD-40 300014 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant Spray, 11 oz. (Pack of 1): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

I used a little silicon spray, very sparingly on door and hatch hinges, about year after purchase. Nothing since. For shock tubes on the hatch, I'd be very catious, just keep the shiny bit clean, no spray or oil.

 

Yeah but the product you are showing is WD40 specialist water resistant SILICONE lubricant spray. That's not regular WD40. Regular WD40 is not a silicone spray, it's a petroleum based lubricant.

 

Mendel,

The little ball joints at each end of the "shock tubes" tend to corrode, so a light spray there can help and don't forget the hatch hinges.

JeffD

 

Exactly...thats why I posted it WD40 (The Brand) makes a silicone spray. Its not the same as their traditional spray lubricant/penetrant. And it works great!

 

Yes, but up to that point in the thread only "regular" WD40 had been mentioned.
Fine as long as everyone is comparing Apples to Apples.

I don't care what the Brand Name is, the point is the same. Regular WD40 is petroleum based. There are various and numerous Silicone sprays available....including one made and branded by WD40.

 

I put a little grease on the pneumatic strut shafts from time to time--it really smooths out the operation.

I've noticed the struts don't provide as much lift in cold weather as well. It might just be due to the gas law--a volume of gas at lower temperature has less pressure.

 

But I do have bad liftgate shocks. In the cold, the liftgate needs to be pushed up with significant force and then it usually falls and bangs me in the head ​

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Your failing hatch lift supports got me wondering how much they are:

Amazon: $18.90/ea for StrongArm
Camelback Toyota: $96.86 (right), $96.61 (left) for Genuine Toyota part.

Price difference quite large.

You might be able to find Genuine Toyota lift supports a little bit cheaper at another online Toyota parts department, but Camelback has been pretty good on prices; some things just slightly more, other things slightly less. I like b/c price competitive and they are very close (Arizona).