Creaking sound from rear hatch

[seattle]

The picture is showing how to adjust bottom half of lower tailgate inward and outward. My vehicle had the bottom portion misaligned (sticking out too much). The adjustment had to be done a few times, as the top portion of lower tailgate has to be adjusted inward/outward as well. Pushing the top portion inward too much results in bottom portion coming out outward. You would have to balance them to move the whole tailgate inward or outward.

After adjusting, the tailgate does not need to be slammed to be closed, as had to be done before. Left and right locks close almost simultaneously with a push.

P.S. I wonder how many people have their tailgates misaligned. Post pictures

[fireroasted]

Originally Posted by seattle

The picture is showing how to adjust bottom half of lower tailgate inward and outward. My vehicle had the bottom portion misaligned (sticking out too much). The adjustment had to be done a few times, as the top portion of lower tailgate has to be adjusted inward/outward as well. Pushing the top portion inward too much results in bottom portion coming out outward. You would have to balance them to move the whole tailgate inward or outward.

After adjusting, the tailgate does not need to be slammed to be closed, as had to be done before. Left and right locks close almost simultaneously with a push.

P.S. I wonder how many people have their tailgates misaligned. Post pictures

Great info. I have this dreaded creak, and its half way down my list of jobs with this X5 I bought last summer. In my case the lower tailgate is inward too far on the passenger side only. Oddly it still requires a good bit of slam to get it to latch.

I think I need to get the lower gate outward on that side. I couldn't tell from your pic how those two bolts would do anything but loosen/remove the lower gate. I did try the washer trick, and it did lift the lower tailgate well. however, I didn't need that. I was just trying everything. Could you give some more detail on how I should be the lower gate outward and flush with the body, and then I suspect the trick on getting the latches adjust. I would assume once I get the first part done it won't latch anymore, and I will need to move the latches.

Then I suppose the rubber seal will leave a gap too........

Thanks!