Fuel Door Problem

So is that a no to any aftermarket designs for the fuel door.... Nobody took the initiative to improve on the flaw?

 

I have a 2012 DBL Cab that I have had for almost 3 years now and just about six months ago I started noting the flange of the filler door rub against the body on the inside of the filler area. Couldn't understand why it was rubbing, nobody but me has ever put fuel in my truck since it left the dealership, gas never gets dripped on the hinge area, basically none of the issues everyone has suggested may cause it except the lack of lubricant. After a close inspection of the hinge/spring assembly and seeing how it functions you can see that when the hinge pin doesn't rotate freely around the hinge/spring pin, it starts to bend the lower tab on the part that is riveted to the body. Because of the odd bend in the hinge pin it puts pressure on this tab and over time slowly bends it toward the rear of the bed. I took a flat screw driver and used it like a punch and lightly tapped this hinge towards the front and it brought the door back into its original location and allowed it to open and close properly. Then I applied WD40 and will remember this needs to be done periodically to prevent this issue again.

 

Had the same issue, dealer ship replaced it under warranty. They said I be t it but I argued that fact. The bottom hinge was the issue.

 

WD-40 couple times a year .

 

Has anyone tried a strip of 3M clearbra in there? Would that be too thick.
I am going to try some stuff maybe later today. I just noticed that my door was rubbing the other day.

 

How far is the fuel door supposed to open? I can't even get it perpendicular to the vehicle's side. Mine is showing a rubbing mark like the OP's, but nothing is rusted or looks out of align.

I barely have enough room to put the fuel in.

 

Same for me 2012 50,000 miles. I see no reason why Toyota wont replace it under the RUST warranty.. Dealer lubed it about 10,000 miles ago but its back. Anyone have it replaced under warranty yet?

 

Just ran into this issue. Bought my truck a year and a half ago; up to 90k and have noticed the squeaking for a bit. Just fueled up today and noticed the paint scraping. Not too psyched..

 

Invest in some WD-40???? I have cans of that shat all OVER the place.

 

Oddly enough... just last week, I took it to the dealership and they fixed it at no cost. Apparently theres a bulletin for it? The one they replaced it with is a fully different type of fuel door and is much sturdier and smoother.

Seriously weird this dead thread got revived the week after I had it fixed.

 

I think I'd use penetrating oil, like liquid wrench or something. Wouldn't wd evaporate a little quicker? Mines as good as new, but we don't get the amount of rain others get, so that may help some. Think I'll make it a point to hit it after every wash from now on since it's still good to go.

 

I think the hot set-up would be penetrating oil the first time , work it back and forth until you've broken loose all the rust. Then wipe up all the drippings, and give it a few drops of oil. Penetrating oil doesn't leave much long term lubrication. But, I think WD-40 would leave more lube than penetrating oil, if your looking for one and done.

 

is there any kind of part number or way to get a copy of the tsb? I don't mind doing it myself, just can't find the actual parts list i need to order from my local dealer. Thanks

 

I tried to get this tsb at my local dealer in BC, Canada and was shot down. Seems like bs if it's offered in the US and not in Canada.

 

Same exact issue, 2011 / 50K miles. Sprayed some penetrating oil and got a little better but inner edge of door still scrapes on body.

Matt

 

2017 clean as heck and no salt air where I live. I noticed the door has been a little off with opening and closing but thought nothing of it. Fueled up the other day and driving home noticed in my rear view that the door was open a bit. Closed it and woke up the next morning and somehow the door opened on its own, the hinged must has seized into the open position and popped it back out. I thought someone was messing with me. I tried forcing it back and made it worse. Simple google search and of course it brought me here after reading this I decided to spray some lube on it and worked it in by opening and closing the door multiple times. I picked up some Protective White Lithium Grease(WD40 brand) spray for a little extra love on the hinge. Its like new now but what a horrible design flaw. Toyota really needs to step it up. My 3rd gen has been the wackiest of all my Tacos. With that being said I still love her.

 

Finally came here to TW re: my gen3 fuel door problem. A big THANKS to everyone for sharing their experiences with this.

Right from day one the fuel door was a little creaky and didn't want to open all the way. A very poor design, obviously, but I just ignored it and put it out of my mind. A few months ago (4 years later) I suddenly find that it's all jacked up and doesn't want to close, so I tried to bend it a little, and of course the hinge was binding so I made it way worse. After much swearing and more bending I got it to where it opens and closes - and doesn't rub - but it is far from flush and properly aligned.

Thankfully, I can't say that I've had any other major concerns with my gen3!

 

Did you lube it? Makes a huge difference

 

Tacoma World comes through with another great tip. I just lubed the fuel door hinges with Corrosion Block. Swings open much easier now. Thanks !

 

Try using "Fluid Film" rust & corrosion great lube and last a very long time