Broken tailgate hinge on 92 240

[moon161]

Hi,

The right tailgate hinge just broke on my 92 240. Is the hinge itself
replaceable or do you need a whole new tailgate?

That being said, what range of model years will provide an acceptable
replacement hinge or tailgate?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Paul Clark]

Hi Andy. I've owned two 245 models now one a 1989 & the other a 91 model. I
cannot recall any difference in the chrome hinges. (mind you I have never
had obe break on me!). The right hand one, if I am correct holds the
electrics for the rear screen heater & RWW systems. These wires a renowned
for breaking so I wouls suggest you re-wire these at the same time.
Kind Regards Paul.C

 

[mark]

The hinge is replaceable and is not a difficult job.Prop the tailgate
open and have another prop to put under the corner you are removing the
hinge from.The rooflining unclips to let you into the screws.I have
only had them of to replace broken wiring but it wasn`t difficult.
regards,Mark.

 

[zencraps]

I just did a hinge replacement in an '85 245 and figured out the
following neat trick:

Instead of propping up the liftgate with an object that could get
unstable or be knocked down, I ran a rope from one garage door track
down under the opened liftgate, then I tied it on the opposite door
track.

 

[moon161]

Were you able to get at the screws holding it to the tailgate? The
tailgate side is broken and I'll be replacing that half of the hinge.

 

[zencraps]

You will in all likelihood be replacing the entire hinge, not just one
half.

But yes, I got to it, it's accessible; IIRC, push back the rubber trim
to get access on the liftgate; as another poster said, peel back the
headliner in the rear of the car to access the bolts on that end: the
wires can unplug and it is really not too difficult to repair.