Power Liftgate Grinding Sound

[spectralen]

2014 Suburban, my actuator seems to be hanging up on opening, and doesn’t do it every time. I put on new gas struts thinking the actuator needed them but that didn’t work.

I’m going to try and attach a short video of the problem so you can hear it. I took apart the actuator motor gear and clutch, it doesn’t look bad at all.https://www.facebook.com/share/v/JGJRgkvcoBWa7tX5/?mibextid=WC7FNe

 

[Big Mama]

Mine hung up on the trim on the left side and makes a noise when opening. It’s the area around the strut.

 

[Grady_Wilson]

Better scan tools, or a Tech 2, will scan the liftgate mechanism and should find any pending issues.

 

[spectralen]

Mine hung up on the trim on the left side and makes a noise when opening. It’s the area around the strut.

Interesting , I’m going to look closer at this.

Did yours sound and act like mine in the video?
How did you fix it?

 

[spectralen]

Better scan tools, or a Tech 2, will scan the liftgate mechanism and should find any pending issues.

I’m definitely looking into a higher end scanner

 

[Grady_Wilson]

Maybe this will help with your troubleshooting?

 

[Big Mama]

Yes, it acts just like that but to confirm look at the trim that goes around by the strut. When mine hangs up I can open it manually.

 

[spectralen]

Yes, it acts just like that but to confirm look at the trim that goes around by the strut. When mine hangs up I can open it manually.

I disconnected the whole actuator and removed it until I figure out what the problem is, but keeping the model plugged in

 

[Doubeleive]

DEF sounds like a toasted lifgate motor

 

[intheburbs]

I think you have a bad lift motor. While you're replacing that, might as well replace the tailgate struts, too. They're cheap. Stabilus brand from Rock Auto are like $12 a piece.

You might try replacing the struts first, to see if that might de-stress the lift motor enough so it doesn't skip teeth.

 

[Grady_Wilson]

I think you have a bad lift motor. While you're replacing that, might as well replace the tailgate struts, too. They're cheap. Stabilus brand from Rock Auto are like $12 a piece.

You might try replacing the struts first, to see if that might de-stress the lift motor enough so it doesn't skip teeth.

OP mentioned that he tried replacing the struts first thing with no luck.

 

[spectralen]

I think you have a bad lift motor. While you're replacing that, might as well replace the tailgate struts, too. They're cheap. Stabilus brand from Rock Auto are like $12 a piece.

You might try replacing the struts first, to see if that might de-stress the lift motor enough so it doesn't skip teeth.

I did that but it didn’t fix it.
The nylon gears look good, no sign of wear.

 

[Big Mama]

Did you notice if the trim panel on the left side around the strut was loose?

 

[mikez71]

Could it be the metal serrations skipping? (first picture) Possible clutch mechanism?

 

[Geotrash]

I did that but it didn’t fix it.
The nylon gears look good, no sign of wear.

That gear and clutch assembly is a pretty common failure item. Many local parts stores even carry the Dorman replacement part. https://a.co/d/0hfT5vWU

It fit my 2012 despite saying it didn't.

 

[petethepug]

Great documentation on what’s going on. Looking forward to seeing what the gremlin is going to be.

 

[Johnjkerr96]

I have the same problem. The trim is loose on the left side and I've tried to pop it back into place with out any success.
I did not see any comments on how to fix this.
Any help would be great

 

[Big Mama]

My problem was the strut bent and popped off the panel. I never got it to reseat very well so I used a small piece of black gorilla tape where the 2 pieces come together until I get new clips.