2017 Silverado tailgate hinge and dampener

[@ken22golf]

Hey Mike, thanks for the video. There's very little information about this online. Seems the bushing fixes most peoples problems. My bushing has a crack, but not worn to nothing like i've seen others. So it may not be my problem. My question. So the hinge part should not rotate easily when not inserted in the dampener? Just looking at the parts it seems the dampener is doing the work to slow the tailgate down and the hinge is made to spin. But it seems like you're saying the hinge is supposed to add resistance? Thanks

[@ken22golf]

Update @MikeBMW New bushing did nothing. So the hinge is designed to add resistance to the opening direction and that should be my next part to order and try?

[@MikeBMW]

@@ken22golf Yes, the hinge should have resistance. If it spins freely, its broken.

[@ken22golf]

@MikeBMW Final update. I had different results. My hinge spun with very little resistance. I replaced the dampener(after trying the bushing first), and my tailgate works like new again. I could see the hinge fixing the tailgate if the cup portion that accepts the tailgate was bent or spread and the bushing was sloppy inside. The bad dampener had a little bit of play and there was oil on the outside, but it was very hard to spin the hinge when they were connected.

[@MikeBMW]

@@ken22golf Great job! Thank you for the update!

[@jasonbroswell2205]

But what do you replace when your tailgate no longer soft opens mine just flops open tried the bushing no difference

[@MikeBMW]

I replaced the dampener and the tailgate hinge. See parts here: www.gmpartsdirect.com/v-2017-chevrolet-silverado-1500--lt--5-3l-v8-gas/body--tailgate Though you might just need to replace the tailgate hinge.

[@brianrychlicki8561]

You mentioned the dampener and the taillight. Do you need to remove the tail light assembly Ron remove the dampener?

[@MikeBMW]

Yes, access to the bolt(s) are behind the tail light. Removing the tail light is a simple task, as is replacing the dampener.

[@tonyg9807]

Hi I have a 21 gmc with a multiprow tailgate and whenever I lift to shut it makes a loud noise like creeking or snapping. You think it had anything to do with that dampener set up or maybe interesting you mention the torque bar how does that fail? Any advice would be appreciated. And this is strictly the lower part of the multipro gate not the tiny one. I bought truck used this way

[@MikeBMW]

I'm not familiar with the 2021 setup but, I would think, first check the plastic bushing on the tail gate hinge.

[@LABRIZZECK]

Damn this is like the crispest video I’ve ever seen, feels like 10k, what are you using to record?

[@MikeBMW]

LOL! Thanks, but I just used my iPhone - a 14 Plus Max, at the time.

[@eclecticgentleman]

What was your tailgate symptom with the bad hinge? I have 2016 and I have to push my tailgate forward with pressure to open it. It's driving me nuts

[@MikeBMW]

That would be symptom of a bad hinge or a loosened torsion rod. My issue was no dampening upon opening, the tailgate would just fall down as if unassisted. I pretty much just threw everything at it - new hinge, new dampener and new torsion rod, though I think the latter was unnecessary as once I remove and replace the original, re-tightening the bolt, it worked as it should.

[@jeffreywilson9023]

What was the part and how did you replace the torsion rod? Ive replaced my hinge and this piece and my tailgate still drops too fast for what it should be

[@MikeBMW]

Yes, I did replace the torsion rod though I'm not sure if it was necessary. Be sure you have the torsion rod inserted correctly and tightened down. Also, make sure your plastic busing is new, or, at least, it great shape - that's usually the number one culprit in a quick dropping tail gate if everything else is working as it should.

[@jeffreywilson9023]

@@MikeBMW I just didn't know where it was and there's no videos on it. How can I tighten it down?

[@MikeBMW]

@@jeffreywilson9023 When you remove the tailgate, there are two bolts on the driver side of the tail gate which secure the torsion rod. The torsion rod only fits in one way and can be difficult to reinsert. There is an "up" indicator on the torsion rod head. Best way to reinsert is to place the tail gate with the driver side down, vertically, and carefully slot the torsion rod into its mount and, then, tighten the bolts. There is a small access hole that allows one to guide it in. It can be frustrating until you get it figured out.