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Torque value -- or how tight to tighten Exterior Lift Gate Molding?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Stevewoods, Apr 7, 2016.

  1. Stevewoods

    Stevewoods Senior Member

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    So, a couple of weeks ago, I replaced the lift gate (hatch) lock because the rubber was shredding off -- a common problem.

    Now, wifey is complaining the exterior hatch handle molding garnish is loose. And she is right. Not super loose, but it does move "up" a slight bit when opening the lift gate.

    When I originally did the job, did not notice this. It may be because when I originally did it, I made the mistake of getting some of the rubber window gasket under the molding garnish -- I noticed it later in the day and was able to carefully run a micro-screw driver blade under the gasket and get it out from under the garnish. so, when I originally tightened the nuts, I was tightening against the gasket.

    Anyway, the interior trim board will have to come off again -- not looking forward to that, but does anyone have any suggestions on a torque for the nuts securing the garnish. I have read several posts that have said not to tighten them too tight. And, when I removed them I remember how amazed I was at how they were not tight at all.

    Maybe the best bet is just to tighten them down slowly and keep checking the garnish and see how it feels.

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 Stevewoods, Apr 7, 2016
  2. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    Well...this may be a feel and touch install.

    Inch rating torque wrench.
    Find a schedule of nut size for the recommended torque.
    Make both sides the same torque.

    Thinking outside the box, maybe utilize some double stick 3M tape?

    Good luck.
     
    #2 Kenny94945, Apr 7, 2016
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    No need to use tape, you might want to take it off again one day. Just tighten down the 4 nuts, like 10 to 15 ft lbs torque, That should be plenty tight

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #3 JC91006, Apr 7, 2016
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    1. I suggest you ask your wife not to use the hatch garnish as a handle. Being made of plastic, it is not particularly sturdy. I use the license plate to push down, and use the bottom of the hatch to pull up.

    2. Consider the flimsy nature of the garnish. The nuts need a 10 mm deep socket hex driver, hence the threaded stud shaft is probably 6 mm. The factory service manual suggests a torque of 48 in.-lb (i.e., 4 ft.-lb) in a table at the front, Service Specifications section for a bolt of that diameter.

    3. There is no torque spec in the manual specifically related to the removal of the garnish.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Apr 7, 2016
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