Trebbor

I've noticed that my tailgate is harder to open manually than it used to be. It will only open part way on its own before having to lift it up completely by pushing on the lid. The colder it is outside, the less it opens. I took it to the dealer and they said "they all do this". Not true, but they weren't interested in replacing the struts which I believe are wearing out. I lubed the upper hinges just to make sure there was no binding happening there. I pulled the struts but cannot tell if they're worn or not. The door is certainly very heavy without the struts!

I've also noticed that in the mornings especially when I open the door manually (I know I could just push the button but I don't want to wake the neighbors with the incessant beeping), there's a groan on the left hand bottom side of the tailgate. Anyone have an idea what might be causing that? I've wiped all the rubbers so they're clean and not sticking.

So I have three questions:
1. Any idea how to make the door open completely without a lot of effort?
2. Any one know how much the struts cost to replace?
3. Any idea about the groan?

Thanks for your help.
Bob

Rainbird

The "search this forum" feature is helpful. Here is a posting very similar to yours regarding the struts:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...gate-help.html

Trebbor

Thanks but I did do the search beforehand. That's why I lubed the hinges and checked the struts as directed. The lube didn't help and I couldn't compress the struts. So no go with the previous discussion.

I'm still interested if anyone has figured this out, short of replacing the struts.

Bob

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

It is most likly your struts if you have lubed up and cleaned everything else. Here is a link to an outlet on line that sells struts for a good price.
http://www.autopartsbylou.com/
Jeff

RX330inFL

If the noise is coming from that location it is not the struts, though they may need attention as well. Did you use a silicone spray?

Are you possibly hearing the release latch mechanism?

jfelbab

You mentioned that you lubed the hinges but did you rub some light silicone on the strut shafts as well? In my case that made all the difference.

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

When you had the struts off did the lift gate open easy ? I know it is heavy but did it open smoothly or still have hard spots.

mandyfig

Replacing the struts should help. I believe the struts are not expensive. And there should be a DIY for the replacement.

redrocks

Definitely sounds like the struts.

Trebbor

Thank you all for your insight. I've been away for a while and was unable to access my account. I've since sprayed the struts and checked for binding. I agree that it's probably the struts that's the problem. Thanks too for the source for reasonably-priced replacement struts. Bob