TapioK

Hello!

New to this forum, so bear with me… I used search, but didn’t find this exact issue.

When closing the tailgate with the button (using the motor assist), the travel downwards is sort of choppy. It doesn’t come down smoothly and steadily all the way. The beginning of the downward travel is smooth, but about half way down it starts to jerk a bit. It comes down fine and closes and locks OK, but it looks a bit funny, this jerking motion. Opening the tailgate with the motor assist is smooth all the way up.

I assume something needs to lubricated or the electric motor is on its way out? If I open or close the gate manually, I can’t feel any resistance. Hard to believe this "jerky closing" would a feature on a Lexus.

What to do? Where could I start diagnosing?

Thanks!

-Tapio

TapioK

Anyone have a clue?

TapioK

Went to the Lexus dealer today and asked about this. They said it could be that the struts just need lubrication or the struts are on their way out... Apparently they haven't seen any failed tailgate motors. Let's see if lubrication helps.

JT4

I have a 2015 and never realized until I saw your post that ours closes as you described.. Approx half way down it kind of jerks a little as it continues to close.

TapioK

Tried lubricating the ****** out of the sruts. I used silicone spray liberally. No help. So I can probably assume the struts are too worn out. Let's see if I renew them sometime... Not going spend a thousand on the originals though!

TapioK

Here's a video of opening the trunk:
http://botnelahti.pp.fi/Video/Misc/Opening.MOV

And the jerky closing:
http://botnelahti.pp.fi/Video/Misc/Closing.MOV

vlad_a

Sounds like you need to replace those struts. Mine are starting to show signs of wear as well.

phlorida

I remember getting an eye popping quote for OEM hood struts on my LS and declined. The replacement struts from Rockauto were something like a tenth of the price and easy to replace.