Misaligned boot lid

[Skysurfer]

Hi all, hoping this is an easy fix!

I've noticed that my boot lid is somewhat misaligned and rubbing on the right-hand side.

I took a couple of videos to show what's happening, hoping someone can point me in the right direction to get it fixed up please?

*** Can't add video as it's too large so attached some pictures instead ***

 

[Zedebee]

That doesn’t look right. Can you attach a picture of the hinge assembly on either side (with the boot open)?

 

[Skysurfer]

Yeah, it's very annoying! Messing with my OCD...

Here's what I have, hopefully they help. Happy to take more if needs be.

Both sides:


Left Closeup:


Left Upper Closeup:


Left Boot Spring:


Right -hand side:

 

[Rockhopper]

Assuming nothing is broken or worn then it’s really a case of slackening off the hinge bolts and moving the lid slightly until you are happy with it then retightening them. Might be worth popping the struts off to make it easier? Not sure.

 

[Skysurfer]

Assuming nothing is broken or worn then it’s really a case of slackening off the hinge bolts and moving the lid slightly until you are happy with it then retightening them. Might be worth popping the struts off to make it easier? Not sure.

Thank you.

I can't see any damage and it doesn't look like things have been moved around, maybe it's just 'general movement with age'
Will attempt to realign it this afternoon

 

[Zed-X]

This may or may not help, but if you make your way down from the struts, either side where the tailgate rests should be some rubber bungs(?). Check to see if they're there and that they're at the same height.

I had a situation where mine were v.slightly off-level, but it was enough to cause dramas when opening & closing the tailgate.

 

[Skysurfer]

Thank you.

I can't see any damage and it doesn't look like things have been moved around, maybe it's just 'general movement with age'
Will attempt to realign it this afternoon

Failed at the 1st hurdle! I don't have the tool to access the hinge torx bolts, there's so little clearance there.

Any ideas what that tool might be

 

[Rockhopper]

Use a normal socket on the other end of the hinge. I found they are so tight that a torx bit wouldn't do it.

Is this a new thing though or has it always done it? Has it had a rear end bump at some time?

 

[Skysurfer]

This may or may not help, but if you make your way down from the struts, either side where the tailgate rests should be some rubber bungs(?). Check to see if they're there and that they're at the same height.

I had a situation where mine were v.slightly off-level, but it was enough to cause dramas when opening & closing the tailgate.

Cheers for that, the bungs don't really come into play in my situation, they seem to be related to the final resting position of the lid.

Once I figure out my problem I will most likely need to adjust them though.

 

[Skysurfer]

Use a normal socket on the other end of the hinge. I found they are so tight that a torx bit wouldn't do it.

Genius!

Is this a new thing though or has it always done it? Has it had a rear end bump at some time?

Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to this as I'm the 2nd owner. I really hope not but it may well be likely.

 

[Skysurfer]

By way of update:

I ended up having to loosen all of the top hinge hex bolts (the ones attached to the boot lid, there's no way I could see getting at those torx bolts attached to the body) and also loosened the struts to be sure. Problem I had was trying to hold the boot in position while tightening everything up again.
As a result, while it was marginally better, the panel alignments were not great, so...

This became a two man job.

With the help of my son, I loosened all the bolts again, and we slowly and methodically tightened, checked, loosened, checked and finally we managed to get it so the panels don't rub and all alignments were spot on.

For my levels of OCD it's STILL only marginally better but the damage won't get any worse.

I guess my next step is going to have to be to see a professional.

Thanks for all the input!