[SteveB]

The other week I noticed the top edge of the tailgate appeared to be sitting a bit higher than usual. I had a look at it and couldn’t see anything wrong – it opened and closed easily, nothing was loose and there were no unusual noises. Everything seemed fine - it’s hard to fix something that doesn’t appear to be broken.

Anyway, one day last week… we got back from a shopping trip, I opened the tailgate, took the stuff out and went to close it again. Suddenly, the back left corner sprung back towards me and the bottom right landed on top of the wing. The left hand hinge had snapped. I presume it must have been seized for a while which is why the tailgate hadn’t been sitting properly.

The immediate problem was how to close it, as the strut was fully extended and pushing the left hand side of the tailgate away from the car. I managed to raise the side high enough to remove the strut then, with the pressure off, lifted the whole thing back into place and secured it with the remaining hinge and the lock. Fortunately new hinges are still available so I immediately ordered a pair.

I searched the forum and found a couple of people had similar problems in the past, then downloaded a couple of manuals from the Members Area. The External Fittings section explained how to gain access to the hinges which turned out to be easier than I’d imagined. Replacing the broken hinge was a bit tricky, made easier by refitting the strut to hold the tailgate wide open. The other hinge didn’t seem too bad but it made sense to replace it while I was on.

I’ve had the car for fourteen years and, although I’m pretty sure I’ve oiled the hinges in the past, I honestly can’t remember when I last did it. So, the moral(s) of the story – if something doesn’t look right, check it out properly and, whenever you oil the door hinges (every 12 months/12,000 miles (apparently!)) don’t forget the tailgate!!

[g259fsg]

Had exactly the same problem with our 214. In my case the hinges became a bit stiff and finally slightly bent. We've had our car nearly 36 years and it stands outside, so plenty of opportunity for the hinges seizing. Like you, first time round I probably neglected them a bit, but since fitting the replacements 15 or 20 years ago, I check them and oil them regularly from both sides, at least twice a year. I use 3-in-1 in a aerosol can to make sure it goes where it needs to go. Definitely something to check if you have a 200 series car, maybe also the 25/45 versions.

[SteveB]

From a corrosion point of view I think one area that’s been mentioned is the seam between the roof panel and the tailgate opening; spraying oil around there probably helps with rust proofing as well!

[RichardR66]

The top edge of my tailgate is also sitting high on the left side.
Can I ask where did you order the new hinges from ? Thanks.

[SteveB]

Hi, I got them from Rimmers - part number BHB38015. I was surprised how stiff they were so, after a couple of coats of paint, I gave them a good soak in oil and worked them back and forth a bit before fitting.

If you haven't done them before, instructions for accessing the nuts are in the "Body - Exterior Fittings" section of the downloadable workshop manual in the Members area. You'll also need something like 'Tiger Seal' to make sure the new hinges are properly sealed.