C 1500 Truck 2WD V8-5.3L VIN T (1999)
5.
Place an interior trim removal type tool (2), or equivalent, between the support cable end (3) and the latch (1), and pry the two apart. As the two
spread apart, the toothed nut on the other side of the latch will begin to move towards the end of the bolt.
6.
Once the toothed nut has moved away from the backside of the latch, use long nose pliers to grasp and twist it off of the bolt. Discard the toothed
nut.
7.
Remove the bolt and support cable.
Notice:
Due to manufacturing variation in the thickness of the latch, support cable end, and the shoulder on the bolt, a spacer (flat washer) must be
used when installing the new cable. The washer will act as an extension to the shoulder on the bolt, and the outside diameter of the washer will
allow it to fit inside of the opening in the cable end. This will follow the cable end to rotate freely on the bolt/latch when the tailgate is closed
and prevent the support cable from getting pinched between the tailgate and the pickup box. The washer part number listed in this bulletin
MUST BE used when installing the new support cables. It's dimensions are critical for correct cable positioning when closing the tailgate and it
has the corrosion protection specified by GM. DO NOT use any other washer in place of the one listed in this recall.
Important:
The washer does NOT replace the toothed nut removed earlier and is NOT to be installed between the latch and the tailgate.
Notice:
When installing the new support cable, make sure that the left side (LS) is installed on the left (driver's) side of the vehicle, and the right side
(RS) is installed on the right (passenger) side. The support cables are marked with an LS or RS on the end of the cable that attaches to the
tailgate. Installing a support cable on the incorrect side of the vehicle may result in the cable getting damaged when the tailgate is closed.
8.
Install one new flat washer on the bolt followed by a new support cable. The end of the support cable should go over the washer and onto the
shoulder of the bolt.
9.
Install the bolt, flat washer, and cable assembly into the latch and tailgate.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
10.
If the other bolt was loosened earlier, tighten.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
11.
Verify that the support cable end rotates freely on the bolt.
12.
Attach the opposite end of the support cable to the pickup box.
13.
Repeat the procedure on the other support cable.
Important:
Depending on the condition of the tailgate and related parts, one of the two new support cables (either left or right) may NOT be tight (taut)
when the tailgate is fully open. This condition may be caused by several factors including a damaged hinge, pickup box, or the tailgate itself
may be slightly bent due to the overloading at some previous time. Replacing either or both support cables a second time will NOT correct this
condition. Replacement of any additional parts to correct this condition will NOT be covered under this recall.
