liftgate repair

The hatch handle right? That's the only non metal part

 

You're better off replacing the broken handle with a used part on eBay. Epoxy won't last long. Remember that is not really a pull handle, you should pull up on the metal part of the tail gate.

To remove that handle, remove the inner plastic trim on the inside on the tail gate section. Once that is removed, you'll see 4 bolts/nuts that hold the handle in place. Remove that and replace with a new part

 

Check this out:

 

Everyone uses the plastic part as a handle because it is handle shaped and happens to be where you hand is already applying pressure on the release switch, and in the same direction no less. I doubt that Toyota designed the tailgate so that the owner was supposed to pull up on the bottom edge of the hatch.

My guess is that the tailgate lift pistons are supposed to push the hatch open when you press the release switch. They produce less force as they get older and need a "boost" to start opening so people pull on the old- brittle - plastic "looks like a handle but isn't" until it breaks.

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