Tailgate not closing unless I pull the handle to the unlock position

Seeing if anyone else has had this problem. I can pull the tailgate handle to drop the tailgate (no problem). But I used to be able to lift the tailgate up and push it into the closed position. Now, it won't compress the two sides (which have been greased & WD40'd) that usually spring back automatically. So to close my tailgate, I have to hold the tailgate handle in the open position while closing the tailgate to retract the springy side tabs then release the handle to let it latch back into the closed (tailgate up) position. (Hope this was clear.) I had opened up the tailgate backing and did not see anything bent or out of the ordinary, but I wasn't sure what to look for. Also, it looks like I have even gapping between the bottom and top of my tailgate as compared to the rear quarter panels walls. Any idea of what else to check for?

 

Mine did that. But, it was used for firewood for a number of years and it was because the bed @ the tailgate bowed slightly and sucked the sides in ever so slightly. I think it was the driver side. I was able to just give it a good pull and it was fine. Till the next winter, that is.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll take a my drywall T-square or 3' level to check if my tailgate has bowed out in any way. Might have to take a rubber mallet to help coerce it back to normal if a hard pull doesn't work.

 

It wasn't my tailgate that bowed. It was the truck bed floor. Right at the very tail. That's when the side of the bed pulled in.

 

Gotcha... thanks for clarifying and preventing me from banging up my tailgate for no reason! I'll check my truck's floor first.

 

I always have closed my tail gate in that fashion!

Lubricate the bottom hinges both sides with kroil

The linkage inside the tail gate as well every year when I replace the support cables.

Water displacement #40 is not a great lubricant

 

I’d pop the access cover and lubricate with white lithium grease

 

Thanks for the white lithium grease lubrication suggestions. I'll need to find my stash or buy more. Hopefully this solves my issue.

 

Every truck I have ever owned was like this. You get so used to it you close everyone's tailgate by holding the latch open.

 

Someone told and showed me this so long ago .

50 years later it is muscle memory only if someone asks do I even think about doing it in that fashion.