Hi 

does anyone know or have a link to info on how to replace a tailgate on the facelift estate ( or either version if the same ) in an ideal world it would be 

disconnect wiring loom ( is there a connection block in the car ? 

remove struts after loosening mounting brackets 

removing mounting bolts 

lift away tail gate 

 

BUT it’s not an ideal world 

 

any help hints etc most welcome 

 

thanks and stay safe folks 

 

Can't offer you any specifics for the mk2 but having done this on a mk1 I'd add:

 

1. rear washer piping

2. swap over rear lock (to match your key)

3. after slackening off mounting brackets prop up the tailgate (wooden prop works) before attempting to remove props

4. this is at least a 2-person job to handle the tailgate once loosened; it's heavy nut more so it's awkward to maneouver

5. you may find a third person helpful to unbolt the hinges whilst the other two hold the tailgate.

6. plan B for above is support the tailgate from above with ropes/tiedowns etc.

7. remember before final tightening up you have to check that a) the tailgate is properly aligned with the car body and b) that the lock is also properly aligned.

8. finally, if you've experienced a rear-end shunt I'd strongly suggest you try a "loose-fit" of the replacement tailgate before attempting reassembly in case the car body has been distorted.

9. oh and just in case, inspect the wiring harness where it enters the car roof to make sure there are no damaged or broken wires in the hingeing part of the harness.  It's not likely but it's a real bugger to fix later once you've fitted the new tailgate.

 

Have fun!

 

Hi Micky

 

much appreciated although I had most of those in mind if I’m honest ( the short abbreviated version in my post was a bit like if you say it quick it don’t sound as bad a job !!! ) 

just a lot of faffing about but my tailgate has really bad rust around one of the number plate illumination lamp assembly which is spreading ( rapidly ) up the tailgate itself ( so no rear end damage etc to worry about ) think I’ve managed to coerce a friendly garage to allow me to use their facilities etc ( when they reopen ) 

 

You missed out the most difficult part that the OP is hoping will not be required, - disconnecting the loom connectors within the tailgate and pulling it out through the narrow bellows hole.

45 minutes ago, J.R. said:

You missed out the most difficult part that the OP is hoping will not be required, - disconnecting the loom connectors within the tailgate and pulling it out through the narrow bellows hole.

 

Cheers J.R.

got to say you’re a absolute ray of sunshine ( not 😀 ) but hey ho my original replacement tailgate purchase has been just been cancelled ( damaged ? during removal ) and every bit of advice is welcome and I take on board that the complete wiring loom from the connector block would be highly beneficial. That said trying to source a complete tailgate in the correct colour is a challenge in its own right ........

I’m guessing that amongst the wiring loom there’s going to be some can-bus wiring ? am I correct that this cabling cannot be cut and reconnected ?

bloody rust even more galling that it’s a known issue on my model year 

Someone else will confirm but I dont think there is a connector block upstream of the tailgate hinge, I think its just all one loom.

 

If you are lucky then the breaker will have cut through the loom on the donor car far enough back that you could solder join all the cables with the battery disconnected of course, cant recall if it runs through the headlining or down throught the rear pillar.