Repairing Hatch Pull Down On 82

Repairing Hatch Pull Down On 82-92 F-Bodies

Provided by Bitchincamaro

Tools Needed:

Sockets – 10mm, 11mm, 13mm , Socket Extension , Phillips Head Screwdriver , Torx Bits (On some applications) White Lithium Grease, Marker

Parts Needed:

Housing PN# 20160581

Gear PN# 20160587

Pull down guides: Available from "Top Down Solutions" (topdownsolutions@yahoo.com) (If you determine yours need replacement.)

1. Remove the back cover.

2. You'll see an electric solenoid with a cable that runs out one end and an electrical connector on the other. This is your remote hatch pop solenoid. It should be held on with one 10mm bolt. Remove the bolt and the solenoid should come off. Set it aside.

3. Use a marker to mark around the 3 mount bolts for the entire hatch pull down assy. This will help you align it later.

4. Look in the middle of the pull down from the top and you'll see a pin held on by a clip that pushes over the end of the pin. It's a pain to get off. Remove the clip and then the pin. (This step is not necessary, but it will make the assembly less cumbersome.)

5. Using a 13mm socket and short extension remove the 3 bolts that hold the pull down assy. to the car.

6. Turn the assy. on its side, the driver’s side as it sits in the car, and you'll see 3 bolts. Remove those 3 bolts with a 11mm socket. Unplug and remove the motor. Lay the remaining assy. down inside the trunk out of the way.

7. If you look at the motor assy. you'll notice that the plastic cover has a slide built into it where the pushrod slides along, it's very important to get that lined up correctly upon reassembly. You should also notice the black box. It is held on by 1 Phillips head screw. Note that the toggle on the switch on the box rests between 2 tabs that trip the switch at it's upper and lower limit. It is also very important to position the switch correctly when reassembled.

8. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the switch. Some models had 2 torx heads and others used 2 11mm socket head bolts to hold the plate for the pushrod. Remove the 2 bolts for your application.

9. Lift the plate off. On the bottom of the gear there should be a small spring washer, it may be stuck in the plastic housing. Make certain you reinstall it.

10. The plastic housing should just slide off. Install the new housing.

11. Install new gear on the pushrod. Only screw it on about 3-4 turns. This will make reassembling the pin that connects it to the pull down assy. later much easier.

12. Install pushrod onto motor making certain to align the "slides" built into the cover and the pushrod bracket. Install 2 bolts that were removed on disassembly.

13.         Install black switch box, making certain to position the toggle between the trips properly. Secure with screw.

14.         Install motor onto pull down assy. using 3 bolts. Install pin and clip. Position pull down onto car and install 3 bolts. Align pull down assy. and tighten bolts. Reinstall trunk lock solenoid. Connect hatch motor electrical connector. NOTE: As you reassemble everything, make sure not to keep the wiring harness and solenoid cable out of the way so it doesn’t get pinned behind the assy.

15.         Do yourself a favor and have the key in the lock. Slowly let the hatch down and check the alignment. If it's correct, shut hatch and test operation. Some fine-tuning may be necessary. If you hear any "bad" noises trip the lock, that's why I said to have it ready. Might save you from having to do it over again.

Note: I usually spray the inside of the plastic housing and gear with white lithium grease. It seems to work real well and doesn't gum up. Also check the plastic slides where the whole pull down rides on the bracket that attaches to the car. Sometimes those will wear out and the pull down will cock in the slides, causing the gear to strip. If the hatch goes down, but the pull down doesn't come up when opened, try moving the whole assy. up slightly. It helps to sit in the trunk while doing the work, and have a friend to help hold the assy. while you reassemble it.