Just went outside to have a look at possible rust following Gremlin500's post

https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic66565.html

Mine doesn't have anything rusty but I did notice this....

Click image to enlarge

Yes, thats one of the two I replaced with painted ones, got genuine LR galvanised bolts and an expensive can of Corris Grey, 3 light coats. Looks like somebody was totally heavy-handed there! V6 Vogue - “Less is More” - less to go wrong!

That little rose-joint needs sorting too, those have zero protection and rust horribly. V6 Vogue - “Less is More” - less to go wrong!

The split is not due to someone overtightening it, it flexis every time it's used and mine has split the alloy...

I'll sort the bolts and other rust when I do it...  Pete
__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand Sold
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click here for Project Fatty off roader-

Mine’s looking ok, but I’m wondering if it’s worth a large washer to help spread the load?

I’d be interested in seeing some pictures when you dissemble it, I presume the back of its quite a large plate.

Click image to enlarge

Doesn't look like there is any plate behind it, lean in and press the close button and see how much it flexes...

I would say a large square stainless repair washer would help...  Pete
__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand Sold
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click here for Project Fatty off roader-

Yup, just had a play in the slinging rain at the end of a dog walk and I think I can see a little bit of a flex couldn’t make my mind up if it was flexing or I was thinking about it that much I’m seeing things!

Either way I think I’ll have that bolt out and fit a larger washer to spread the load. The bolts look like the could be long enough to accommodate one behind the standard washer.

I've done this as a temp repair, stainless washers and a replacement stainless flange head bolt... When it gets warmer I'll play some more...!!

The lower tailgate didn't always open properly, maybe 80% of the time, now it works just as it should all the time.

It had a new lower tailgate mechanism a short while ago under JLR warranty, I guess the fitter didn't notice a 2" split in the bodywork, or couldn't be bothered...

Working well now though....

Click image to enlarge

Just fixed mine this weekend.

There was an emerging crack on both sides of the washer which could be clearly felt by running a finger over it. You can also see a fine line at 10 o'clock if you look close enough on the other image.

Click image to enlarge

Keen to do this on mine. Would I be right to assume that the nuts are captive, so I can fully remove the bolt without the nut dropping into the unknown....?

From the picture above of the internal bracket placed on its side (copied below), it looks like both nuts are captive and firmly fixed.

https://www.fullfatrr.com/gallery/albums/u...acket.jpeg

I foresee a weekend job for me coming on!
now... where did I put those penny washers? 2017 - L405 SC - WOW! just WOW!
2014 - L405 4.4
2010 - L322 3.6 - Carried me 100,581 miles then broke big-time

There are 10 types of people in this world;
Those that understand binary,
and those that don't.

From my recent experience the problem is caused by the ball and socket coupling between the hinge fixed to the vehicle body and the actuator fixed into the tailgate (as per the photo).

What you can’t see is how the coupling rusts internally and seizes in quick time, thereby jamming the actuator and causing the metal of the tailgate to fracture.

That coupling is one to clean out and grease frequently because it is exposed from beneath.

I wasn’t aware until the tailgate wouldn’t close, then saw the ball and socket had popped due to rust.

Cost me a new hinge and actuator to sort.