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How To Replace Tailgate Cables 1999-2006 GMC Sierra
How to Replace Tailgate Cables 1988-99 GMC Sierra K1500
Created on:
Tools used
Ratchet
1/2 Inch Socket
1. Removing the Tailgate Cable
Remove the 1/2" bolt on the tailgate cable
Remove the cable
2. Installing the Tailgate Cable
Insert the cable into place
Tighten the bolt to the cable
Repeat the process for the other side
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
Hi, I'm Mike Green. I'm one of the owners of 1A Auto. I want to help you save time and money repairing or maintaining your vehicle. I'm going to use my 20-plus years experience restoring and repairing cars and trucks like this to show you the correct way to install parts from 1AAuto.com. The right parts installed correctly: that's going to save you time and money. Thank you and enjoy the video.
In this video, we'll be installing a tailgate cable on a 2004 GMC Sierra. It's basically the same as any GMC Sierra or Silverado from 1999 to 2006. The only tool you'll need is a 1/2 inch wrench.
Open up the tailgate. You got a bolt here. It's a ½ inch bolt. Remove that. If it's frayed, you can replace it. Not a difficult thing to replace at all. Most people can do it. If you're wondering how, that's how. A couple of keys, make sure if you're replacing one, the other one's in good shape. You don't want the tail gate to fall because if it falls, it will hit the bumper and it will get dented. Don't take them off both at the same time.
Just one little thing: When you're tightening it, you see the tailgate cable's made to go around the flint in this bolt. You need to lift up and make sure the tailgate cable goes on the bolt, and then tighten it. This allows that to keep moving. If you're tightening it up with getting it in that right spot, basically what will happen is your tailgate will just going to stay like this. This would end up pinching into there and probably damaging and scratching things. That's about it.
We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
Tools used
Socket Extensions
Flat Blade Screwdriver
T40 Bit
Ratchet
1. Removing the Tail Gate Cables
Open the tailgate
Lift the tailgate slightly
Slide the cable off the stud on the bed
Remove the T40 Torx bolt that holds the cable to the tailgate
Pull off the cable
2. Installing the Tail Gate Cable
Put the cable into place on the tailgate
Fasten the T40 Torx bolt into the tailgate
Lift the tailgate slightly
Slide the cable onto the stud on the bed
Lock the cable into place
Close the tailgate
Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. We've been selling auto parts for over 30 years. We're dedicated to delivering quality auto parts, expert customer service, fast and free shipping, all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Visit us at 1AAuto.com, your trusted source for quality auto parts.
In this video, we're going to be working with our 1996 GMC Sierra K1500. We're going to show you how to remove and replace the tailgate cables, which often rot out or break, making the tailgates hang too low and not support what they're supposed to. If you like this video, please click Subscribe. We have a ton more information on this truck, as well as many other makes and models. If you need these parts for your vehicle, you can follow the link down in the description over to 1AAuto.com. The only items you'll need for this repair are a T40 Torx socket ratchet and extension and maybe a flat head screwdriver.
Open your tailgate. Lift up on your tailgate slightly. Lift up on the little metal safety here so you can slide the cable forward into the larger opening and pop it out. Remove the T40 Torx for the cable.
Here we have our old tailgate cable that we removed from our truck and our new part from 1AAuto.com. As you can see these parts are exactly the same. We have the same length and the same cable ends. Our new one actually comes with this nice little plastic insulator to help keep the rust and corrosion off of there. These tailgate cables tend to fray and get rusted and eventually break. Or these little safeties break and fall off, meaning that sometimes you'll go to open your tailgate, it will come up, fall loose, your tailgate will open too far, or even worse, drop on you. Fortunately, it only takes one bolt and a few minutes to replace these. You can get a nice new pair of tailgate cables from 1AAuto.com that are going to go in direct fit, just like the original equipment, get your tailgate opening safely and securely, and fix you up right.
Install the T40 Torx bolt at the bottom of the cable. Make sure the hook at the top is facing the correct direction so the tab faces in toward the middle of the truck and will lock back over the stud. This bolt is shouldered so it's going to bottom out before it's completely clamped, so this still has room to move around. Lift up on your tailgate, slide the larger part of the cable over the tab and then lock it into place. If you're replacing these parts as a pair repeat these steps on the opposite side.
Thanks for watching. Visit us at 1AAuto.com for quality auto parts, fast and free shipping, and the best customer service in the industry.
BDA80329
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.60/ 5.05
5 reviews
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Worked but took some work
benjamin
March 4, 2017
The handle worked just fine. The hinge cups were too deep. The tailgate rubbed the body work when I tried to install the tailgate. I can't see any problem with my bed to say it is tweaked or anything. It works for my work Truck but I would be mad if I had a nice truck
Nice to have a working tailgate again
S
September 25, 2017
This kit comes with everything but the rods and the actual spring latches. Rods are sold separately. Didn't need the spring latches.
Completely rebuilt my tailgate on my 98 Silverado in a very short time. works as well as new.
Great parts at a great price
Keith-
February 23, 2018
The tailgate repair kit worked great. Looks great and was easy to install. Tank you so much.
Todd
July 10, 2023
Aw fits just write??
Good to go!
Merl
November 29, 2023
Fits right and the instructional video was really helpful.
Customer Q&A
Does this include the bolt attaching the cable to the tail gate?July 4, 2017
Brooks B
10
No bolts just what you see in the picture.
July 4, 2017
Richard C
10
No. All nuts and screws are reused.
July 4, 2017
Richard M
10
Nope
July 5, 2017
Gary H
10
No. Save your bolts (screws).
December 3, 2017
C D
10
No
October 9, 2018
D V
10
No, just the cables are included.
October 24, 2018
W A
10
Yes
October 25, 2018
D V
10
No bolts, just what you see in the picture.
February 3, 2019
T O
10
Yes
July 24, 2019
PEARL P
10
The attaching bolt for the cable is incorporated in the latch assembly
November 7, 2019
H O
10
Yes
December 17, 2019
J R
10
Yes
March 17, 2020
Lisa B
10
No,it does not reuse mounting bolt
May 1, 2020
Justin C
10
Yes. On my model the cable was riveted to the mounting bracket on the tail gate. The set came with a clip and pin for attachment after the Rivet was removed.
April 28, 2021
Charles W
Do these come with the clips for the rods?November 6, 2022
John D
10
This will not come with any additional clips as part of the assembly.
November 7, 2022
Emma F
Customer service
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